Man names Jay-Z and Beyoncé as witnesses in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sexual assault lawsuit
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs has been accused of sexually assaulting a man at a “freak-off” attended by Jay-Z, Beyoncé, LeBron James and the Estefans. The alleged incident took place in April 2015, when he was made to wear a penis mask.
Joseph Manzaro says he was drugged and taken to a home on Star Island in Miami, owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, for Combs’ son Christian’s birthday. He claims Gloria saw him in a “deteriorating state” and told someone to call an ambulance before Emilio guided her away.
Manzaro alleges he bumped into James in a hallway, who said, “Y’all better do something about that.” According to People, Manzaro claims he was taken to Combs’ mansion through an underground tunnel by former adult film star Adria English.
After regaining consciousness, he says he was in a room with Jay-Z and Beyoncé. The singer was allegedly confused and asked why a “half-naked” man with a sex toy on his face was standing in front of her.
Another defendant claimed it was a “punishment” and that “Diddy wants him to see what we do to snitches.” Combs allegedly ordered Manzaro to be degraded in front of others, where he was stripped and dressed in a thong and “a black leather mask with a rubber dam forcibly inserted and zipped closed over his head.”
The lawsuit reads, “A locking sex device was affixed to the mask, which protruded from his mouth. Plaintiff was then subjected to degrading and non-consensual acts.”
Combs’ legal team denied any wrongdoing in a statement. “This complaint demonstrates the depraved lengths plaintiffs will travel to garner headlines in pursuit of a payday,” they said. “No sane person reading this complaint could credit this story. Mr Combs looks forward to having his day in court where these lies – and the perverse motives of those who told them – will be revealed.”
Jay-Z’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, also said, “[Jay-Z] wasn’t in Florida at that time to witness this incident — he was engaged in easily findable public activities that prove he was not at this event. This is more nonsense that erodes the trust in our ‘justice’ system.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.