Who is Dawn Richard? Details explored as singer testifies in Diddy’s trial

Dawn Richard is a singer and performer who became famous for being part of the music group Dirty Money, which was created by Sean “Diddy” Combs. She was also part of Danity Kane, a group that disbanded in 2020. She worked with Diddy for many years and was often seen in his music shows and groups.

Now, Dawn Richard is making headlines for a different reason. She is one of the people who came forward to testify in Diddy’s trial. Diddy is facing multiple serious charges, including racketeering, s*x trafficking, abuse, and forcing people to do things against their will. There are also accusations of kidnapping, drugging, and coercing individuals into s*xual activities.

Dawn Richard has also filed a lawsuit against Diddy. She reportedly says that he abused her while she worked with him. She says she also saw him abuse Cassie Ventura. Dawn Richard's statements could be a significant factor in this trial, so let's take a look at Richard's story.

Dawn Richard's career in music and work with Diddy

Dawn Richard got her first break when she auditioned for a TV show called Making the Band. The show was created by Diddy and aired on MTV. On the show, Diddy selected Dawn and a few other young women to form a girl group, which was later called Danity Kane. They made songs together, performed on TV, and became popular. They released three studio albums and went on tours.

Dawn worked closely with Diddy during this time. He was not just the show's host but also its manager and producer. He helped shape their sound and public image. But there were also problems in the group. After some time, Danity Kane broke up. Some members said Diddy was difficult to work with, and D. Woods, one of the former members of the group, mentioned that Diddy was verbally abusive in an interview with ABC News.

Later, Dawn joined another music group with Diddy. It was called Diddy – Dirty Money. This group also included Kalenna Harper, and they released one album, Last Train to Paris. Diddy – Dirty Money disbanded in 2012.

After that, Dawn decided to go solo. She started working on her own music. She released albums like Goldenheart, Blackheart, and New Breed. People liked her style. Her music was different and mixed R&B, pop, and electronic sounds. Many critics praised her for being creative and honest in her work.

Dawn Richard's allegations against Diddy

In 2024, Dawn Richard filed a lawsuit against Diddy, where she reportedly said that Diddy had abused her. She stated that Diddy would often yell at her and physically touch and grab her in ways that made her feel weird. She said that once Diddy made her practice for 48 hours without any sleep or meals.

In the lawsuit, Dawn also claimed that Diddy would often conduct meetings wearing nothing but underwear. She also said she saw Diddy abuse Cassie multiple times, and once he tried to beat her with a hot pan. Dawn reportedly tried to help Cassie once, but Diddy told her to mind her business, or else she would be next.

Diddy’s legal team has denied everything. They said Dawn’s claims are false, and she is doing this to get attention. They also pointed out that Dawn Richards worked with Diddy for many years and never said anything until now.

After Richards filed her case, Combs’ attorney, Erica Wolff, said in a statement,

“Mr. Combs is shocked and disappointed by this lawsuit. 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.”

In addition to punitive and exemplary damages, Richard is requesting money for her legal fees and compensatory damages for emotional distress and mental anguish. She also stated that she is yet to be paid royalty and license fees.

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