Model Crystal McKinney has filed a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging that the rapper drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2003.
In court documents obtained by Scripps News, McKinney claims to have sustained “substantial and lifetime injuries” as a result of the incident.
McKinney met Combs at a Men’s Fashion Week event in New York City in 2003 when she was 22 years old. The event, held at Cipriani Downtown, was where Combs was representing his clothing brand Sean John.
The lawsuit states that a fashion designer, referred to as “the designer,” had invited McKinney to the event and worked to ensure she looked good so that Combs would find her attractive. The designer had promised to introduce McKinney to him.
During the dinner event, Combs openly displayed his interest in McKinney in a sexually suggestive manner, which continued throughout the night, according to the lawsuit.
Documents detail how Combs complimented McKinney’s looks and claimed he could help advance her career in the industry. He even gave her his phone number as a sign of good faith.
Despite McKinney feeling uncomfortable with Combs’ behavior, he continued to flirt with her and keep refilling her wine glass, at times making her feel uneasy.
Later that evening, Combs insisted that McKinney visit his studio, where she found him with several other men. One of the men offered her a joint laced with a narcotic or other intoxicating substance, unknowingly to her.
Feeling under the influence of the substances and pressured by Combs, McKinney ended up in a bathroom with him where, against her will, he sexually assaulted her by forcing her to perform oral sex on him.
After the incident, McKinney lost consciousness and woke up in a taxi heading back to the designer’s apartment, realizing she had been assaulted by Combs.
As a result of the assault, McKinney claims to have suffered severe psychological and emotional trauma, leading to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues.
The lawsuit also mentions how the assault affected McKinney’s relationships, including her marriage, which fell apart due to the trauma she experienced.
McKinney continues to struggle with mental health issues and intimacy problems as a direct result of the assault, according to the lawsuit.
The model is seeking unspecified damages for the harm caused by Combs.
It is noted that this lawsuit comes amidst other allegations against Combs, including a recently surfaced video showing him assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016.
