Crystal McKinney, a former supermodel, has brought a serious legal complaint against Sean Combs, better known as Diddy.
Former supermodel sues Diddy over 2023 sexual assault
In the lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, McKinney alleged that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2003.
McKinney detailed the events of the night in 2003 when she met Combs at a Men’s Fashion Week event.
She was invited by a fashion designer and subsequently introduced to Combs, who made advances and promised to help advance her modelling career.
McKinney alleges that later that evening, Combs pressured her to drink alcohol and smoke a laced joint at his studio, leading to her feeling intoxicated and losing control.
She claimed that Combs forcibly led her to a bathroom where he sexually assaulted her.
McKinney also reported that she woke up in a taxicab the next morning, realising she had been assaulted.
She submitted evidence of her declining career opportunities following the incident, attributing the sabotage to Combs.
McKinney also provided details of her ongoing psychological and emotional distress, including a suicide attempt in 2004, depression, and addiction issues, all stemming from the alleged assault.
What does she want?
Crystal McKinney seeks justice and compensation for the physical and emotional harm she has endured.
She is asking for compensatory and punitive damages, as well as recognition of the wrongful acts committed by Combs and the other defendants.
Additionally, McKinney requests that the court declare the actions of Combs and his associated entities as unlawful under the NYC Gender Motivated Violence Act.
She also seeks coverage for attorney’s fees and other legal costs associated with her lawsuit.
Why is the NYC Gender Motivated Violence Act crucial in this lawsuit?
The NYC Gender Motivated Violence Act plays a pivotal role in McKinney’s lawsuit.
This act, which opened a two-year lookback window starting 1 March 2023, allows survivors of gender-motivated violence to sue their abusers regardless of when the abuse occurred.
McKinney’s case leverages this legal provision to seek redress for the alleged assault by Combs, emphasising the act’s importance in providing a platform for justice for past abuses.
Who is Crystal McKinney?
Crystal McKinney was a rising star in the modelling world, having won MTV’s inaugural Model Mission in 1998.
This victory secured her a contract with IMG and led to high-profile modelling gigs with brands like Tommy Hilfiger and appearances in magazines such as Elle and Cosmopolitan.
Her career also included appearances on TV shows and international modelling assignments.
Despite her promising start, McKinney’s career took a downturn following the alleged assault by Combs.
The trauma from the incident led to severe personal and professional setbacks, including mental health struggles and addiction.