Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Faces $60 Million Lawsuit from Former ‘Making the Band’ Star Sara Rivers

Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing new legal trouble as former Making the Band 2 contestant Sara Rivers has filed a $60 million lawsuit against the hip-hop mogul. The lawsuit, filed on February 28, 2025, accuses Combs of sexual harassment, exploitation, and career sabotage stemming from her time on the MTV reality series. It also names several other defendants, including MTV, Viacom, and former Bad Boy Entertainment employees.

Allegations of Exploitation and Mistreatment

Rivers’ lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of her experience on Making the Band 2, the hit reality series that followed aspiring musicians vying for a spot in Combs’ music group. One of the most infamous moments from the show—the “cheesecake” incident—is now at the center of Rivers’ legal claims. She and her fellow cast members were famously forced to walk miles to retrieve a cheesecake for Combs, a task that was framed as a test of their dedication. However, Rivers now describes the ordeal as an act of humiliation and exploitation.

Beyond the publicized challenges on the show, Rivers alleges that she was subjected to even more severe mistreatment behind the scenes. The lawsuit claims that she was forced to sleep in an open bay with four male cast members, despite being married at the time. She was reportedly given an ultimatum: comply or risk being removed from the show. According to Rivers, this created a hostile and distressing environment, leaving her feeling vulnerable and powerless.

Sexual Harassment and Assault Allegations

The lawsuit further accuses Combs of sexual misconduct, alleging that he once cornered Rivers and inappropriately touched her chest. The claim adds to the growing list of accusations against Combs, who has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months over past allegations of sexual misconduct.

Rivers also claims that Combs sabotaged her career by disbanding Da Band, the group formed on Making the Band 2, while continuing to profit from their work. She alleges that his decision was not only a calculated move to maintain control over the artists he helped create but also a deliberate effort to prevent them from achieving independent success.

Additional Defendants and Industry Complicity

The lawsuit, filed by attorney Ariel Mitchell, names several other high-profile figures and corporations as defendants. MTV and its parent company Viacom are accused of turning a blind eye to the alleged abuse and enabling an environment of exploitation. The lawsuit also names Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, and his former assistant, Fonzworth Bentley, claiming they played a role in facilitating or covering up the misconduct.

Rivers argues that these parties were aware of the toxic and abusive conditions but failed to intervene, prioritizing the success of the reality show over the well-being of its contestants.

Diddy’s Legal Team Responds

Combs’ legal team has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as “false claims” and suggesting that Rivers is taking advantage of the upcoming deadline for New York’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act.

In an official statement, his representatives said:

“No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone.”

His attorneys insist that the claims are baseless and part of a broader effort to tarnish his reputation amid ongoing legal battles.

A Growing List of Legal Challenges

This lawsuit adds to a series of legal troubles mounting against Combs. In the past year, multiple individuals have come forward with allegations ranging from sexual misconduct to violent behavior.

Combs is also facing a high-profile federal case involving charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, with a trial set to begin in May 2025. The case has already seen major developments, including the recent resignation of Combs’ defense attorney under mysterious circumstances, further fueling speculation about the severity of the charges.

The Impact on Combs’ Legacy

For decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs has been one of the most powerful figures in the entertainment industry, building an empire that spans music, fashion, and media.

However, the wave of allegations against him threatens to unravel his legacy, raising questions about the culture of power and control within the music business.

As more details emerge and legal proceedings unfold, the entertainment industry—and the public—will be watching closely. If Rivers’ lawsuit proceeds to trial, it could not only reshape Combs’ future but also serve as a reckoning for the reality TV industry and the treatment of aspiring artists.

For now, Combs remains defiant, but with multiple legal battles on the horizon, his empire may be facing its most significant test yet.