Sean “Diddy” Combs has temporarily stepped down as chairman of Revolt, the TV network he co-founded in 2013, following news of lawsuits against him alleging sexual abuse.
The company said in a statement published by Revolt on Instagram that it will continue with its mission of creating “meaningful content for the culture. Our focus has always been one that reflects our commitment to the collective journey of REVOLT — one that is not driven by any individual, but by the shared efforts and values of our entire team on behalf of advancing, elevating and championing our culture — and that continues.” It’s not clear when Combs plans on returning as chairman.
The latest news comes days after three women came forward to accuse Combs of sexual abuse. The lawsuits were filed the week of the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act — a New York law permitting victims of sexual abuse a year-long window to file civil action despite the statute of limitations.
One of the lawsuits filed against Combs was a federal suit arguing that the record producer raped, sex trafficked and abused his former girlfriend, singer Cassie (real name is Casandra Ventura). Ventura filed the $30 million lawsuit alleging a history of coercion and abuse that went on for more than a decade; however, just one day after the lawsuit was filed, the two parties settled the case out of court.
Through her attorney, Cassie issued a statement saying that Combs and Ventura were both satisfied with the deal they had struck: “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.” Ben Brafman, Combs’ lawyer, also issued a statement emphasizing his client’s innocence: “Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com