LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 25: Rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs attends the REVOLT & AT&T Summit on October 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Diddy is making resume changes amid ongoing allegations of assault against him. On Tuesday (Nov. 28), REVOLT confirmed the hip hop mogul has stepped down as company chairman. Hours later, Capital Preparatory Schools also announced it was ending its partnership with Diddy.
In a statement shared on Instagram, REVOLT explained why Diddy — birth name Sean Combs — decided to step away.
“Sean Combs has stepped down from his position as Chairman of REVOLT. While Mr. Combs has previously had no operational or day-to-day role in the business, this decision helps to ensure that REVOLT remains steadfastly focused on our mission to create meaningful content for the culture and amplify the voices of all Black people throughout this county and the diaspora.”
REVOLT added that the decision is about the brand as a whole versus one individual.
“Our focus has always been one that reflects our commitment to the collective journey of REVOLT — one that is not driven by any individual but by the shared efforts and values of our entire team on behalf of advancing, elevating and championing our culture — and that continues.”
See their post below.
REVOLT’s statement made no mention of Diddy’s recent media storms, which include coverage of at least three sexual assault lawsuits against him.
The first came about a week before Thanksgiving from his former girlfriend and Bad Boy Records artist Cassie. She submitted her allegations of sexual assault, repeated verbal and physical abuse, and sex trafficking across state lines in a detailed 35-page lawsuit.
The singer filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which gave victims a one-year opening to file without the constraints of the statute of limitations. The act expired on Nov. 23 after the filing period opened last year.
Cassie and Diddy settled her lawsuit for an undisclosed amount less than 48 hours after she filed. Afterward, Diddy clarified that the settlement was not a reflection of guilt or admission to her allegations.
In a statement to The Shade Room, his lawyer said:
“Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
However, less than a week later, another woman filed a lawsuit making similar assault claims. Like Cassie, Joi Dickerson-Neal filed under New York’s Adult Survivors’ Act just before it expired. According to NY Daily News, Joi alleged Diddy assaulted her after a 1991 date at Wells restaurant in Harlem. She claims the producer gave her a drug that made her unable to independently stand or walk, then sexually assaulted her at a music studio.
Soon after the lawsuit hit the media, a spokesperson for Diddy denied the allegations in a statement to the NY Post.
“This last-minute lawsuit is an example of how a well-intentioned law can be turned on its head. Ms. Dickerson’s 32-year-old story is made up and not credible. Mr. Combs never assaulted her, and she implicates companies that did not exist. This is purely a money grab and nothing more,” the statement reads.
Then came the third lawsuit against Diddy filed under the act. An anonymous woman accused the producer and singer Aaron Hall of taking turns raping her and a friend in 1990 or 1991 at Hall’s apartment, per Rolling Stone.
“While at Hall’s apartment, Jane Doe was offered more drinks and was coerced into having sex with Combs,” the filing states. “After Combs finished doing his business, Jane Doe laid in bed, shocked and traumatized. As she was in the process of getting dressed, Hall barged into the room, pinned her down and forced Jane Doe to have sex with him.”
He then allegedly visited the woman’s apartment a few days later and choked her “to the point that she passed out.” Diddy was reportedly worried about word getting back to his then-girlfriend.
Again, he denied the allegations via a spokesperson.
“These are civil suits with fabricated claims of misconduct from over 30 years ago, which are nothing but a blatant money grab. Mr. Combs is being unfairly targeted by anonymous accusers who lie for financial gain. The New York Legislature never intended the Adult Survivors Act to be exploited.”
Diddy has not reacted to REVOLT’s announcement on his social platforms. After REVOLT’s announcement went viral, a second entity — Capital Preparatory Schools — revealed the status of its partnership with Combs on its website.
“Following a comprehensive evaluation, a decision has been made to end the partnership between Capital Preparatory Schools and Sean Combs. While this decision was not made lightly, we firmly believe it is in the best interest of our organization’s health and future.”
According to AP, the Harlem native launched the charter school in Harlem in 2016 and has gifted millions to the school network for educational purposes.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated to reflect new information regarding Diddy and Capital Preparatory Schools.
