Separate attorney for Richard Dawn, Casandra “Cassie” VenturaAnd Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones issued statements in response Diddyfederal indictment
RELATED: BREAKING: Diddy has been arrested and is being held in a federal prison in New York
Dawn Richard’s Attorney Releases Statement on Diddy’s Indictment
According to CNNRichard’s attorney, Arick Fudali, told the outlet that the singer is “grateful” that the Justice Department “decided to pursue” charges against Diddy. Additionally, the singer is said to be looking forward to a “fair trial.”
““It was stressful and difficult,” Fudali explained. “She endured a lot of ridicule. But seeing the Justice Department bring the indictment was really encouraging.”
Fudali added that Richard was “pleased to see the striking similarities between the indictment and the allegations” made in her civil lawsuit.
“Many of the allegations are quite similar, such as sex trafficking and forced labor, restrictions on movement, etc,” the lawyer concluded.
According to NBC NewsFudali also provided further comments outside the 54-year-old defendant’s trial on Tuesday, September 17.
“So like many other alleged victims, Ms. Richard suffered in silence for a long time,” he added. “Mr. Combs is a very powerful individual. It’s very difficult to go against someone like Mr. Combs, but seeing Cassie file a lawsuit and go public really hit her.” [Richard] feeling empowered, that it was her turn and it was time for her to make her allegations.”
EQUAL Shade room Richard has accused the 54-year-old of sexual abuse in a newly filed lawsuit, as previously reported. The singer also accused Diddy of inappropriately touching her on multiple occasions. Richard also alleges that she witnessed Diddy verbally abusing women and physically abusing Cassie.
RELATED: UPDATE: Here are more details on Dawn Richard’s lawsuit against Diddy
Cassie & Lil Rod’s Lawyers React to The Music Mogul’s Arrest
In an earlier report published by CNNThe outlet shared a statement from Cassie’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor. Wigdor kept it brief while acknowledging the “numerous inquiries” his firm has reportedly received to comment on recent events.
“In response to the many questions we have received regarding the indictment of Sean Combs, neither Ms. Ventura nor I have any comment,” Wigdor said in a statement. “We appreciate your understanding, and if that changes, we will be sure to let you know.”
EQUAL Shade room As previously reported, Cassie accused the 54-year-old of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and assault in a lawsuit filed in November 2023. The lawsuit is resolved privatelyHowever, Cassie alleges that she was brutally beaten and raped by the music mogul. The singer also alleges that she was forced into non-consensual sex and other crimes.
RELATED: Surveillance footage shows Diddy attacking Cassie in 2016 (Video)
Additionally, Tyrone Blackburn, the attorney for Lil Rod and two other victims who have accused Diddy of sexual assault, also spoke out on Monday evening, September 16.
“We leave the criminal aspect of this case in the hands of the people and the justice system,” Blackburn said, according to CNN“In the civil cases, we waited for the time to reveal the facts and seek the justice our clients deserve. We knew it would come. The evidence is clear and it was only a matter of time. This is an important step toward justice for all of Mr. Combs’ victims, including my client. Justice will prevail.”
EQUAL Shade room As previously reported, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones worked as a music producer for Combs and accused him of sexual harassment and assault. Additionally, Rod accused Diddy of subjecting him to unwanted sexual advances from his associates. Furthermore, he accused Diddy of “predating” him for sex.
In the lawsuit, Rod is said to have detailed his suspicions of being drugged and raped by the music mogul.
More details on Diddy’s federal charges
EQUAL Shade room As previously reported, federal charges against Diddy were revealed the morning after he was arrested by the FBI on Monday, September 16. The 54-year-old has been charged with three felony counts of “extortion, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.”
Each Shade roomThe 14-page indictment alleges that Diddy used his business to “abuse, threaten, and coerce women and others” to satisfy his sexual desires.
“…COMBS relied on the employees, resources, and influence of the multi-faceted business empire he led and controlled—creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice,” the indictment reads.
Additionally, the lawsuit notes that Diddy used “freak offs” after luring women into romantic relationships. The freak offs allegedly forced the women and others to engage in prolonged sexual acts with male sex workers. Furthermore, these acts were recorded and used by Diddy as leverage to keep the individuals compliant with his wishes.
Finally, the indictment accuses Diddy of transporting individuals across state lines and internationally. He allegedly did so to engage in sexual acts and prostitution by “force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion.”
Please note, the United States District Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York is urging anyone with additional information about Diddy’s alleged actions to call the Department of Homeland Security hotline at 1-877-4-HSITIP. Or email Sextrafficking_outreach@hsi.dhs.gov.
RELATED: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the 14-Page Federal Indictment Against Sean “Diddy” Combs (LIVE UPDATES)
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