Sean Combs Faces New Lawsuit: Former 'Making the Band' Star Alleges Abuse and Exploitation

Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing another legal battle as Sara Rivers (formerly known as Sara Stokes) has filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Rivers, a former contestant on the hit reality series Making the Band 2, alleges a pattern of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the hands of Combs and multiple associated entities, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Universal Music Group, MTV Productions, and Viacom.

The Allegations

Rivers' lawsuit comes in the wake of several lawsuits that have surfaced against Combs in recent months, notably including Cassie Ventura’s November 2023 case, which detailed years of sexual assault, violence, and sex trafficking. The allegations in Rivers' case echo similar patterns of abuse, control, and mistreatment, exposing what she describes as a culture of exploitation within Combs' business empire.

According to the 148-page complaint, Rivers details:

• Gender-Motivated Violence: She accuses Combs of using his power and influence to coerce, manipulate, and control women in the entertainment industry.

• Reality Show Abuse: Rivers claims that Making the Band 2 contestants were subjected to degrading and extreme conditions, including forced labor, humiliation, and mental distress.

• Exploitation and Coercion: Rivers alleges that Combs used his position to take advantage of aspiring artists, forcing them into uncomfortable and exploitative situations.

Lawsuit Highlights & Legal Standing

The lawsuit invokes the NYC Gender Motivated Violence Act, the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, and several federal and state statutes to seek monetary and injunctive relief against Combs and his associates. The case also references Combs' 2024 arrest in New York, where he is reportedly being held without bail on various charges.

Rivers asserts that Combs and his business associates, including Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Universal Music Group, Viacom, and Paramount, not only enabled but financially benefited from these abusive practices.

'Making the Band' & Industry Exploitation

The lawsuit sheds light on the toxic culture behind the scenes of Making the Band 2, a reality show produced by Bunim-Murray Productions and aired on MTV. Rivers, who was one of the finalists, describes being subjected to:

• Intense psychological and physical distress, including sleep deprivation and forced physical challenges.

• Unfair and unreasonable labor conditions, with little to no compensation.

• Public humiliation and coercion, all under the guise of "artist development."

One of the most infamous moments from the show, commonly known as the “Cheesecake Episode,” where contestants were forced to walk miles in freezing temperatures to fetch a slice of cheesecake for Combs, is cited as an example of the power dynamics and mistreatment contestants endured.

Industry Reactions & Growing Legal Troubles for Combs

The case against Combs adds to a growing number of lawsuits that paint a disturbing picture of systemic abuse within the entertainment industry. Since Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit, multiple women and former employees have come forward with similar allegations against Combs, sparking renewed conversations about accountability in music and media corporations.

Combs has yet to respond to Rivers' allegations, but his legal team has denied similar claims in previous lawsuits. However, the escalating legal pressure, combined with his recent arrest, signals a major reckoning for the Bad Boy Records founder.

As Rivers joins a growing list of individuals speaking out against Combs, her lawsuit could serve as a turning point in the fight against abuse and exploitation in the music industry. Whether this legal action will lead to significant consequences for Combs remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the culture of silence surrounding industry abuse is crumbling.

The lawsuit is currently awaiting proceedings in the Southern District of New York, where Rivers is seeking damages and legal action against Combs and the other named defendants.

Stay tuned for updates as this case develops.