Fashion designer Bryana “Bana” Bongolan has accused Sean "Diddy" Combs of terrifying abuse in a newly filed lawsuit, claiming he threatened her by dangling her from a high-rise balcony, among other actions.
The legal action, pursued in Los Angeles, is part of a troubling pattern of allegations against the music mogul spanning over several years, USA Today reported.
Bongolan's legal battle with Combs began with a shocking incident that reportedly took place in September 2016. During this event, Combs allegedly forced Bongolan onto the balcony of his ex-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine's apartment in Los Angeles and dangled her over the edge of the 17th floor. According to the suit, he intended not only to terrorize Bongolan but also to possibly cause deadly harm.
Following the harrowing balcony incident, the lawsuit further alleges that Combs violently threw Bongolan against the patio furniture. This act is described as both physically abusive and mentally traumatizing, thus highlighting a pattern of dangerous behavior by Combs.
James R. Nikraftar, the attorney representing Bongolan, also emphasized the gravity of Combs’ alleged actions. Nikraftar stated, "The only purpose of dangling someone over a balcony is to actually kill them or to intentionally terrorize them and rob them of any concept of dominion over their bodily autonomy and safety."
This lawsuit parallels the experiences shared by Combs' ex-girlfriend Ventura Fine, whose past lawsuit also illustrated Combs' alleged propensity for violence and intimidation. She quickly settled her lawsuit just one day after its filing in November last year, adding a layer of historical context to the enduring concerns about Combs' behavior.
Combs' legal team has responded robustly to the allegations. They have reiterated the legal right of individuals to pursue lawsuits but have countered that the claims against Combs are unfounded and will be proven baseless through the judicial process. "Mr. Combs firmly denies these serious allegations and remains confident they will ultimately be proven baseless," stated Combs' legal representatives.
In addition to fighting the allegations legally, Combs' past continues to haunt him with more than two dozen civil lawsuits filed against him just in the past year. These suits paint a troubling picture of a man repeatedly involved in serious legal and personal disputes.
Adding credibility to the claims against him, a 2016 surveillance footage surfaced showing Combs engaging in aggressive behavior towards Ventura Fine. Such documented evidence has provided tangible support for allegations that Combs engages in violent and controlling behavior within his relationships.
Currently, Combs' personal and legal troubles have culminated in his detention in a Brooklyn facility. He is awaiting a May 2025 trial for separate federal sex crimes charges stemming from his arrest this past September. This situation adds a significant chapter to Combs' ongoing legal saga and the public scrutiny surrounding his actions.
The unfolding lawsuit in Los Angeles and Combs' federal cases highlight the challenges he faces. These incidents not only have the potential to reshape his personal freedom and legal standing but could also profoundly affect his public image and career in the music industry. Moreover, they present significant legal hurdles that Combs must address.
As the cases against Combs progress, they will inevitably illuminate the complex interplay of celebrity, power, and accountability. In particular, Bongolan's lawsuit, which demands $10 million in damages, underscores the severity of the allegations and the long road ahead in court, where, according to Combs' legal team, "the truth will come to light."
Furthermore, this intricate case continues to develop, offering a stark reminder of the serious allegations that can emerge from the high-stakes world of entertainment and the impactful consequences they can carry for all parties involved.
