Diddy accused of drugging, sexually assaulting a 16-year-old in 2000
What's the story
A new lawsuit has been filed against incarcerated music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, accusing him of sexually assaulting a minor in 2000.
The unidentified plaintiff referred to as Jane Doe, alleges she was drugged and raped by Combs when she was a 16-year-old high school student.
The alleged incident occurred in Manhattan in late August or early September of that year as the plaintiff returned home from a babysitting job.
Encounter details
Encounter with Combs led to the alleged assault
Court documents—as cited by PEOPLE—reveal that the plaintiff was a part-time babysitter, employed in the apartment building where a woman, allegedly in a romantic relationship with Combs, also lived.
The lawsuit alleges that Combs approached Doe, initiating a conversation by expressing concern for her safety as she walked alone at night.
It goes on to allege, "Getting into Combs's car that day was something the plaintiff would come to regret forever."
Assault allegations
Alleged assault details emerged in lawsuit
The plaintiff claims she got scared when Combs failed to drop her home as promised.
The lawsuit states Combs offered her a drink to "calm her down," following which she felt "groggy and unsteady."
The suit alleges Combs, along with a male driver and another unidentified man, took her to a place where she was sexually assaulted by Combs.
She was later dropped off in her building's lobby by the same driver.
Legal troubles
Combs faces multiple sexual assault claims
At the time of the alleged assault, the plaintiff was a student at The Museum School in New York City.
This lawsuit is among more than 40 sexual assault or misconduct claims filed against Combs in the past 16 months.
Combs's legal team has denied these allegations, stating, "No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won't change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted, or sex trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor."
Upcoming trial
Combs detained; awaits trial on additional charges
Along with the lawsuit, Combs is also facing criminal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
He was arrested in New York City in September.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and continues to be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His trial is set for May.
Combs's legal team expressed confidence in prevailing through "a fair and impartial judicial process."