UltraViolet Responds to Fourth Set of Rape Allegations Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs; Calls on Grammy Awards to Rescind Comb’s Nominations, and Invitation to Attend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 7, 2023
CONTACT: Brett Abrams | Brett@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Responds to Fourth Set of Rape Allegations Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs; Calls on Grammy Awards to Rescind Comb’s Nominations, and Invitation to Attend
NEW YORK, NY — Yesterday, allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, alleging the rape and sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl in 2003, were filed under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law in a federal Manhattan court.
The lawsuit concerns the fourth individual to come forward over allegations of sexual assault by Combs in the span of three weeks, following singer Cassie’s accusations of sexual assault and domestic violence against Diddy on November 16.
In response to this news, Elisa Batista, Campaign Director at UltraViolet, has called on the Grammys to rescind its 2024 nomination and invitation of Combs:
“We are deeply disturbed and concerned by the recent allegations of sexual abuse, sex trafficking of a minor, and domestic violence made against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs over the past three weeks. The gravity of the allegations against Combs underscore the ongoing need for accountability — and that the #MeToo movement is relevant and badly needed more than ever.
“Not surprisingly, almost all of Combs’ brands have dropped him for his abusive and inexcusable behavior. But last month, the Grammys awarded Combs with his first-ever nomination as a lead artist in one of the two R&B album categories. We are calling on the Grammys to stop enabling abusers and to immediately rescind Combs’ nomination and invitation. Survivors don’t need to see that.
“Speaking out against an abuser, let alone one so powerful and influential, is a terrifying possibility for so many survivors. And one of the reasons the four women who came forward to share their experiences with Combs deserve our attention and our respect.
“Most sexual assault survivors never report their abuse out of fear of being gaslit, discredited, harassed, threatened, or worse. We applaud the four survivors who bravely did so here.
“The graphic allegations against Combs are a sobering reminder that survivors deserve better. Shame on Sean Combs for trying to discredit these women; shame on the music and entertainment industries for enabling men who weaponize their wealth and power to sexually abuse young women and girls.
“We will always stand with and believe survivors. Full Stop.”
UltraViolet has a long-running connection to the #MeToo movement and the music industry.
In 2014, pop singer Kesha came forward to accuse music producer Dr. Luke sexual assault. After the allegations were made public, UltraViolet hosted petitions, organized protests, and publicly advocated for Sony Music to “Free Kesha” from her relationship with her alleged abuser.
In 2018, following Spotify’s decision to remove R. Kelly and other infamous abusers from its official playlists, UltraViolet penned an open letter to Spotify CEO applauding the company’s decision, but urging Elk to look deeper at other artists with a history of sexual and physical abuse that continued to profit from Spotify’s promotion. Ultimately, Spotify reversed its decision to hold abusers accountable and added R. Kelly back to official Spotify-promoted playlists.
One year later, tens of thousands of people signed UltraViolet’s petition, echoing calls of the #MuteRKelly campaign, urging RCA Records to drop Kelly. UltraViolet also commissioned a plane banner to fly over Sony Music’s HQs in Los Angeles, demanding RCA Records to sever ties with R Kelly and took part in the “#MuteRKelly Rally to Protect Black Girls” at Sony Music HQ’s in New York City.
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