Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing fresh allegations of sexual battery in California, as authorities review claims brought forward by publicist Jonathan Hay.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that a new criminal investigation involving Combs is underway, even as the rapper and entrepreneur seeks to overturn his federal conviction.
Hay alleges that Combs sexually assaulted him during two separate incidents in 2020 and 2021. According to a police report he filed in September 2024 in Largo, Florida, the alleged incidents occurred in Los Angeles and were later referred to California authorities for investigation.
In legal filings, Hay claims that during a 2020 studio session connected to a tribute remix project involving the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G., Combs engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct and subjected him to unwanted sexual advances. Hay further alleges that a second incident occurred months later, during which Combs forcibly compelled him to engage in a sexual act against his will.
Venusse D. Dunn, chief of communications for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, said investigators from both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have submitted findings related to the allegations. The matter is currently under review.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Hay described himself as a survivor and said the decision by law enforcement agencies to examine his claims represents a significant step toward accountability.
The allegations are also the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by Hay, who claims the incidents occurred while he was working on a music project involving Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G. Hay further alleges that others associated with the project facilitated circumstances that enabled the alleged misconduct.
Combs has previously denied allegations of sexual misconduct in multiple lawsuits filed against him. At the time of reporting, no criminal charges related to Hay’s allegations had been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.
