Diddy Accusers Set To Testify Before Grand Jury As Feds Push Criminal Case Against Music Mogul
Investigators allegedly informed witnesses that they could be summoned to testify before a federal grand jury in New York City.
The accusers of American rapper John Sean Combs, nicknamed Diddy, are reportedly scheduled to appear before a federal grand jury on possible criminal charges against him.
Investigators are alleged to have informed witnesses that they could be called to testify in front of a federal grand jury in New York City, CNN said, citing sources familiar with the investigation.
According to CNN, a representative for the Homeland Security Investigations agency (HSI) would to comment on the presence of a grand jury, but did say the investigation is still underway.
Combs was named in multiple civil lawsuits since November accusing him of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and rape. He has dismissed all alleged wrongdoing, with his attorneys branding the lawsuits and their accusations as money grabs, “baseless” or “sickening.”
CNN claimed that the possible witnesses had not yet been prepared for testimony. HSI investigators are reported to be still gathering evidence and questioning prospective sources to ensure that any indictment is "bulletproof."
Ordinary citizens form grand juries, which prosecutors use to subpoena records and witnesses. Grand juries also decide whether to prosecute suspects.
The formation of a grand jury would be a key step in the government's continuing probe into Combs.
A federal investigation was initiated into Combs after he was mentioned in eight civil cases since November, seven of which expressly accused him of sexual assault.
His former partner brought the first case against him, singer and dancer Cassie, who alleged years of abuse.
It was filed under the New York Adult Survivors Act, which had recently expired. This act provided a one-year window for adult victims of sexual assault to file civil claims, regardless of the statute of limitations.
Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, said in her lawsuit that Combs trafficked, raped, and abused her on numerous occasions over a ten-year period.
On May 17, surveillance footage obtained by CNN revealed an incident that appeared to back up elements of Ms Ventura's first complaint. The March 2016 footage shows Combs following her down a corridor of a Los Angeles hotel before punching and kicking her outside a set of elevators.
The complaint stated that the altercation took place " March 2016,” Combs became “extremely intoxicated and punched Ms Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye.”
The CCTV tape showed Combs leave Ms Ventura and then returning to push her into a corner. He then throws an object at her, which is also mentioned in her complaint.
Combs made a video apologizing for his conduct in the video, calling his behavior "inexcusable" and stating that he "takes full responsibility for his actions in the video" two days after the film was revealed.
The lawsuit against Combs was resolved for an undisclosed sum of money a day after Ms Ventura filed it.
