Diddy faces new criminal probe after publicist claims he sexually battered him

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs could face fresh criminal charges in California after authorities confirmed they are reviewing allegations made by celebrity publicist Jonathan Hay, despite the rapper already serving time in federal prison.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed this week that both the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have submitted investigative presentations relating to claims made by a single alleged victim.

According to Venusse D. Dunn, chief of communications for the DA’s office, the case remains under review.

The alleged victim is publicist Jonathan Hay, who filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in July 2025 accusing the music mogul of sexual battery, according to the Daily Mail.

Combs has denied all allegations against him.

In a statement previously provided to CNN, attorney Jonathan Davis, representing Combs, said: ‘As Mr. Combs’s legal team has repeatedly stated for over a year now, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a media circus.’

He continued: ‘Let me make it absolutely clear, Mr. Combs categorically denies as false and defamatory all claims that he sexually abused anyone. He looks forward to vindicating himself in court, where such matters are decided – and not in the media – based on admissible, material evidence, not rank speculation and unsubstantiated allegations.’

Hay, meanwhile, described himself as a ‘survivor’ in a statement to the Daily Mail following confirmation of the criminal review.

‘Having my painful experiences heard and validated by the LAPD and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is an undeniable turning point,’ he said.

‘This progress marks a significant victory in my fight for total accountability. I am certain that justice will be achieved and that full responsibility will be enforced.’

According to Hay’s lawsuit, the alleged incidents took place in Los Angeles in 2020 and 2021 while he was working on a remix tribute project connected to late rapper The Notorious B.I.G. alongside the rapper’s son, CJ Wallace.

The lawsuit alleges that during one studio session in September 2020, Combs criticised the music being produced and encouraged Hay to take ketamine.

Hay further claims he later accompanied Combs and members of his entourage to a Los Angeles warehouse where clothing belonging to The Notorious B.I.G. was being stored before donation to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Hay alleges in the civil filing that he was then left alone with Combs, who allegedly masturbated onto one of the late rapper’s shirts and ordered him to ‘finish him off’. The lawsuit further alleges Combs threw the shirt at him afterward.

A second alleged incident outlined in the lawsuit claims Combs forcibly made Hay perform oral sex in March 2021.

Wallace has denied allegations that he or others conspired to facilitate any assault.

According to court filings cited by the Daily Mail, Wallace later filed a defamation lawsuit against Hay, accusing him of engaging in a ‘smear campaign’ after disputes over unreleased music connected to The Notorious B.I.G.’s estate.

In a statement to CNN, Wallace’s attorney Jeremiah Reynolds said: ‘Jonathan Hay’s allegations against CJ Wallace will be shown to be a complete fantasy, totally devoid of reality. We look forward to Hay eventually being held liable in court for defamation.’

The developments come as Combs continues serving a federal prison sentence after being convicted on two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution.

He was found not guilty of more serious charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

He is currently expected to remain in custody until 2028.

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