Liza Gardner is the third individual to file a sexual assault lawsuit against music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs just before the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act on November 23. Her legal action brings to light events from the early 1990s. It follows similar allegations from Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura and Joi Dickerson-Neal.
Background
According to NBC News, Ms. Gardner has come forward with allegations stemming from a night in the early 1990s. She details attending an MCA Records event with a friend, eventually leading to a traumatic series of events at singer-songwriter Aaron Hall’s apartment.
Liza Gardner’s Allegations
Ms. Gardner claims that Diddy and Hall invited her and her friend to an after-party where they were pressured into sex with Diddy. She alleges that she was subsequently assaulted by Mr. Hall in a traumatic incident, leaving her shocked and traumatized.
According to Rolling Stone, the lawsuit states:
“While at Hall’s apartment, [Liza Gardner] was offered more drinks and was coerced into having sex with Combs […] After Combs finished doing his business, [Liza Gardner] laid in bed, shocked and traumatized. As she was in the process of getting dressed, Hall barged into the room, pinned her down and forced [Liza Gardner] to have sex with him.”
Ms. Gardner also claims in the legal filing that Diddy came to her home days later and subjected her to a second attack, including non-fatal strangulation. She is represented by Tyrone Blackburn, Esq.
Multiple Lawsuits
This lawsuit marks the third accusation against Diddy in rapid succession, following lawsuits from Ms. Ventura and Ms. Dickerson-Neal. The successive lawsuits against Diddy indicate a pattern of behavior that is now being scrutinized in a legal context. It raises questions about accountability, power dynamics, and the importance of addressing allegations, regardless of when they occurred. The legal landscape is evolving, and these lawsuits contribute to the ongoing conversation about sexual assault, harassment, and the need for accountability.
As legal proceedings unfold, the lawsuits against Diddy underscore the significance of survivor voices and the complexities surrounding historical cases. The legal actions not only seek justice for the accusers but also highlight the broader societal shift toward holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or influence.
Diddy Denies Any Wrongdoing
Diddy’s legal team issued the following statement:
The claims involving alleged misconduct against Mr. Combs from over 30 years ago and filed at the last minute are all completely denied and rejected by him. He recognizes this as a money grab. Because of Mr. Combs’ fame and success, he is an easy target for accusers who will falsify the truth, without conscience or consequence, for financial benefit. The New York Legislature surely did not intend or expect the Adult Survivors Act to be exploited for improper purposes. The public should be skeptical and not rush to accept these unsubstantiated allegations.”
Mr. Hall has yet to respond to the allegations. However, he made a series of depraved and curious comments on Vlad TV, boasting that Diddy had seen Hall have intimate relations. He also gloated about sexualizing and impregnating Gloria Velez, while she was a minor.
