Diddy Hit with New Lawsuit from Former Stylist Deonte Nash Alleging Years of Abuse
Nash, who testified against Sean “Diddy” Combs in federal court earlier this year, now claims the hip-hop mogul subjected him to violent and sexual abuse throughout his employment.
Los Angeles, Sept. 25, 2025 — The legal troubles surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs continue to mount. This week, Deonte Nash, a former stylist who worked closely with Combs and his then-partner Cassie Ventura, filed a civil lawsuit in California superior court, alleging a decade of disturbing abuse.
Nash, now 38, testified earlier this year as a witness in Combs’ federal trial, where the music mogul was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking. Encouraged by that experience, Nash said he felt empowered to come forward with his own story.
Allegations of Abuse and Intimidation
According to the complaint, Nash began working for Combs in 2008 at the age of 21. He alleges that the job quickly turned into a nightmare, marked by unpaid overtime, sexual harassment, and violent assaults.
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In one incident, Nash claims Combs slammed him against a car and choked him after learning Nash had gone to dinner with Ventura.
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In another, he alleges Combs’ security guards chased him down a freeway at nearly 100 mph after an altercation at Ventura’s apartment.
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Nash further accuses Combs of groping him and grinding against him without consent on multiple occasions.
“His abuse has consistently affected every part of my life, from my personal well-being to my career,” Nash said in a statement. “The damage cannot be ignored.”
Legal Fallout for Combs
The lawsuit accuses Combs of sexual battery, human trafficking, and sexual orientation violence, among other offenses. Nash’s legal team emphasized that the claims are not only about accountability but also about shedding light on what they describe as a long-standing pattern of intimidation and exploitation.
Combs has denied the allegations. His legal team issued a statement calling Nash’s claims “falsehoods” and describing him as “an opportunist looking to profit off his proximity to a celebrity.”
Tied to Cassie Ventura’s Case
Nash’s lawsuit comes nearly two years after Cassie Ventura’s explosive 2023 filing against Combs, which alleged years of violence and trafficking. That case triggered a wave of similar lawsuits from former employees and associates.
Nash and his attorneys say Ventura’s courage, along with his own testimony in federal court, gave him the resolve to file his claim now. “Had he not been subpoenaed, he likely would never have come forward,” Nash’s lawyer said.
Broader Implications in California
While Combs continues to face multiple civil suits, Nash’s case is a reminder of the legal protections available under California law. Victims of workplace abuse, harassment, or assault often pursue remedies through personal injury California claims, which allow survivors to seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial harm.
Legal analysts note that cases like Nash’s highlight how employment relationships can intersect with personal injury law, particularly when power imbalances lead to exploitation or violence.
What Happens Next
The lawsuit adds to the growing list of legal battles Combs faces nationwide. A New York judge is currently weighing sentencing on his federal convictions, while state courts in California prepare to handle the new claims.
For Nash, the lawsuit is about reclaiming his voice. “I am demanding the justice I deserve,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deonte Nash accusing Diddy of?
In his California lawsuit, Deonte Nash accuses Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual battery, harassment, human trafficking, and violence related to his sexual orientation. Nash also alleges that Combs physically assaulted him and subjected him to unsafe working conditions during his decade of employment.
Why did Nash wait until now to file his lawsuit?
Nash testified earlier this year in Diddy’s federal trial, and his lawyers say that experience gave him the courage to file his own claim. They also credit Cassie Ventura’s 2023 lawsuit against Combs with inspiring other survivors to come forward.
How does personal injury law apply in this case?
Although the allegations involve sexual misconduct and abuse, they also fall under the broader category of personal injury California claims. In such cases, survivors can seek compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, and damage to their careers caused by another party’s misconduct.
What happens next in the lawsuit?
The case will proceed through California’s superior court system. Combs’ legal team has denied the allegations and will likely challenge the lawsuit’s validity. If the case moves forward, both sides could either reach a settlement or go to trial.
