FORMER STYLIST FOR SEAN “DIDDY” COMBS FILES LAWSUIT FOR DECADE OF SEXUAL, PHYSICAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
LOS ANGELES, CA – Deonte Nash, the former stylist of rapper and record executive Sean “Diddy” Combs, has filed a lawsuit against his former employer and Combs’ multiple entities for a decade of abuse directed at Nash.
As a 21-year-old aspiring creative, Nash seemingly accomplished his dreams by being hired by Combs and his various business entities; also working as the stylist and creative director for Combs’ former girlfriend Cassie Ventura. However, Nash was immediately met with exploitative working conditions, often working overtime and forced to style additional individuals in Combs’ personal circle with no compensation.
Nash also endured constant unreasonable demands and expectations, forced tests of loyalty and manipulation, sexual harassment and sexual assaults, physical violence, labor trafficking, threats of harm, and threats of death. He left Defendants’ employment around 2018, but threats continued, leaving him in significant fear for his safety and unable to move forward freely with his life.
The courage of Cassie Ventura, who publicly spoke out against Combs in her own civil lawsuit and later, the federal criminal trial, further brought to light Combs’ pattern of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse of his employees and others, paving the way for survivors like Nash to come forward. But Nash’s case underscores the ongoing danger Combs poses, not only to survivors but to the broader community. Mr. Combs’ years of abuse and history of intimidation have silenced victims for decades.
In one example, after Combs found out that Nash and Cassie Ventura had gone out to dinner in Los Angeles without his permission, he violently attacked Nash by slamming him against a car and choking him. On another occasion, Combs and his security team entered Nash’s home, confiscated his keys and phone, and forcibly searched the house for Ventura. In a separate incident, Combs and his security team chased Nash on the freeway at nearly 100 miles per hour, forcing him to turn off his lights to escape—leaving him terrified and convinced he could not seek protection from authorities. Other examples of Combs’ abuse include death threats that forced Nash and Ventura into
hiding for a week, repeated sexual touching and exposing himself to Nash without consent, and damage to Nash’s professional reputation.
Survivor Statement – Deonte Nash: “After enduring years of abuse, I finally found the courage during the criminal trial, and I am now ready to take action. Sean Combs has never taken accountability for the years of harm he inflicted on me and so many others. Today, I am free from the confinement his abuse imposed, and I have reclaimed my voice. It is time for the world to confront the truth about the horrific abuse I endured and the lasting impact of Mr. Combs’ actions on my life. His abuse has consistently affected every part of my life, from my personal well-being to my career, and the damage cannot be ignored. I am reclaiming my story and demanding the justice I deserve.”
“My client is incredibly brave to be coming forward against his abuser, especially someone as powerful as Sean Combs,” said Katie Llamas of Singleton Schreiber, Nash’s attorney. “Mr. Nash still fears for his safety every day. Had he not been subpoenaed and forced to testify in Mr. Combs’ criminal trial, he likely would never have come forward. The reality is that Sean Combs is a danger to others—his power and intimidation tactics have kept victims silent for too long. This lawsuit is not only about justice for Mr. Nash but about protecting the community from further harm.”
The lawsuit seeks general and compensatory damages, non-economic damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, costs of the lawsuit, and lost wages.
On information and belief, during the period of abuse Combs owned and controlled multiple entities, including 207 Anderson, Bad Boy Entertainment, Bad Boy Records, Janice Combs Publishing, and Combs Global, among others. Collectively referred to as “Combs Enterprises,” these companies are alleged to be Combs’ alter egos. The lawsuit asserts that Nash was employed both by Combs individually and through these entities, all of which functioned as his employers under the law.
Singleton Schreiber is a client-centered law firm specializing in civil rights, sexual abuse, mass torts, and personal injury/wrongful death. With over a decade of commitment to justice, the firm stands up for marginalized and harmed communities. As leaders in litigating sexual assault and abuse, Singleton Schreiber relentlessly pursues accountability for perpetrators and enabling institutions. Home to the nation’s largest fire litigation practice, the firm has represented more than 30,000 wildfire and explosion victims and played leading roles in cases such as the 2025 Eaton Fire, Moss Landing Battery Fire, Esparto Fireworks Explosion, and the 2023 Maui Fires. Singleton Schreiber is also pursuing cases against Tesla for its misrepresented autopilot system, leading national hair relaxer litigation, and advocating for survivors of abuse involving
major hotel chains. The firm fights to restore dignity and secure justice for all who have suffered systemic wrongdoing
