Why did Danity Kane's Dawn Richard sue Diddy in 2024? Details explored as singer expected to take stand at the trial

Dawn Richard, a member of the music group Danity Kane, will reportedly be the next person to testify in Sean Diddy Combs’ ongoing trial. According to a report by Just Jared, Richard is expected to take the stand today, i.e., May 16, 2025.

She will be called in for her testimony after lawyers finish the interrogation with Cassie Ventura. This information was shared by prosecutor Maurene Comey, according to NBC News.

Dawn Richard sued the music mogul in 2024, claiming that Combs allegedly groped and se*ually assaulted her. Besides that, she also argued that he had her falsely imprisoned.

In her lawsuit against Diddy, Richard said she was a witness to Cassie Ventura’s alleged assault. Besides these claims, Richard mentioned that she was yet to be paid her unpaid wages from when she worked with the music group. Lisa Bloom, her attorney, made a statement, saying:

“We will not rest until we achieve full and complete justice for Dawn in this case.”

After Dawn Richard filed the lawsuit last year, one of Combs’ bandmates, Kalenna Harper, made a statement siding with the hip-hop mogul. Taking to her Instagram, Harper wrote:

“It's important to understand that while I was present in some of the same professional settings mentioned, many of the allegations and incidents described in this suit are not representative of my experiences, and some do not align with my own truth.”

According to NBC News, Richard was motivated to file the lawsuit after Cassie Ventura went ahead with hers.

Diddy’s lawyer claimed Dawn Richard’s allegations were false

According to Richard's lawsuit, she saw Diddy physically abuse Cassie Ventura multiple times, including hitting her with his hands and objects, slapping, punching, and throwing things at her.

The suit also claimed that whenever Ventura tried to defend herself, he would respond with violence. In one instance, Dawn Richard said she saw him throw hot eggs at Ventura and then drag her upstairs.

Afterward, he allegedly warned Richard to stay silent, saying there would be serious consequences, which left her frightened. Diddy was reportedly taken aback by Richard’s lawsuit. His attorney, Erica Wolff, said:

“In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now manufactured a series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a pay day — conveniently timed to coincide with her album release and press tour.”

Wolff went on:

“It’s unfortunate that Ms. Richard has cast their 20-year friendship aside to try and get money from him, but Mr. Combs is confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving that in court.”

The lawsuit stated that in early 2010, Richard saw Diddy hit Cassie Ventura in the face during a party in Los Angeles. It also claimed that some incidents of abuse happened in front of other celebrities.

Richard allegedly tried to support Ventura and urged her to leave him, but each time Diddy found out, he became furious and threatened Richard. He allegedly warned her that he had the power to destroy people's lives.

Dawn Richard, in her lawsuit, mentioned that she had yet to be paid $3.3 million. Besides that, she also sought compensatory damages.

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