Sean Combs is facing a fresh lawsuit after a former child actor accused the music mogul of sexually assaulting him at a networking event in the Hollywood Hills nearly 20 years ago.
CNN reported that the anonymous plaintiff filed the complaint in California this week, alleging that Combs used the promise of career opportunities to lure him into a private setting during a 2007 industry gathering.
Court documents identify the accuser as “John YH Roe,” who claims he was under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged incident.
The lawsuit states that Combs allegedly offered the teenager an alcoholic drink before making unwanted sexual advances that escalated into an assault.
The plaintiff further claims he clearly expressed discomfort during the encounter, but the alleged assault continued regardless.
The accuser is now seeking unspecified damages in relation to the incident. The complaint also brings in the actor’s former talent agency as a co-defendant, accusing it of failing in its duty to adequately protect and supervise him while he attended the event as a minor.
In response, Combs has strongly denied all allegations through his representative. “Mr. Combs unequivocally denies these allegations,” spokesperson Juda Engelmayer said, adding that the claims are unsubstantiated and rely solely on the accuser’s account.
The spokesperson also noted that the complaint relates to events allegedly occurring nearly two decades ago.
The filing adds to a growing series of legal challenges involving Combs, who is currently appealing a federal conviction in New York tied to transportation for prostitution offences.
He has consistently denied any allegations of sexual misconduct and maintains that he has never sexually assaulted a minor or any other individual.
Meanwhile, authorities in Los Angeles are reportedly still reviewing separate allegations involving the music executive, according to previous statements from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
