Sean “Diddy” Combs Faces New Sexual Assault Allegations as Investigation Expands

Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing new sexual assault allegations, prompting fresh investigations by law enforcement in Los Angeles. The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it is reviewing a report submitted by an alleged victim in Florida. That individual has identified himself on social media as music producer Jonathan Hay, though the posts have since been deleted.

A spokesperson for Combs has not responded to ABC News’ request for comment. The music mogul is currently serving a federal prison sentence after being convicted earlier this year on charges of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution.

ABC News legal contributor and trial attorney Brian Buckmire explained that Hay’s decision to publicly identify himself is unlikely to affect the ongoing criminal investigation. “The only impact is that law enforcement now knows exactly who to speak with,” he said, noting that Hay has already reached out to authorities in Florida, who are coordinating with Los Angeles investigators, where the alleged incident happened.

Buckmire emphasized that the criminal investigation may actually strengthen Hay’s civil suit. “Instead of only civil attorneys conducting inquiries, you now have the full force of the LAPD doing part of the investigation,” he said. “Their findings could potentially support the civil case.”

Adding another layer of complexity, CJ Wallace — the son of the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. — filed a counter-suit against Hay. Wallace denies Hay’s claims that he and Combs participated in an alleged 2021 assault, calling the accusations a “calculated smear campaign.” The dueling lawsuits are currently paused, along with several other civil actions involving Combs, due to his ongoing incarceration.

Buckmire also outlined the key legal differences between the criminal and civil cases facing Combs. Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” the highest legal standard. Civil cases, however, rely on the much lower threshold of “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning jurors must simply find it more likely than not — roughly 51% — that the alleged conduct occurred.

Combs is serving a 50-month federal sentence at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey following his conviction on two criminal counts. With multiple civil cases pending and new allegations emerging, the legal challenges facing the embattled hip-hop figure continue to escalate.