With an eye of skepticism, I read through all 73 pages of the Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, Jr. lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs when it was filed earlier this year. I couldn’t help but question the veracity of the allegations, especially considering the easily-identifiable other well-known persons allegedly involved in the vile acts described.
Had I become a cynic?
By the time I’d read through the bulk of the complaint, I wondered whether there was some financial incentive. And sure enough, by the time I got to the requests for relief, it became apparent that Lil Rod was looking for some financial gain…he’d not been properly compensated for his work. And I’m willing to bet he was skeptical about filing this lawsuit for that reason amongst others.
Now, to be fair, I fully believed the allegations set forth by Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. I cannot recall one moment in which I questioned her. Why did I believe her, but not Lil Rod?
After months of investigations and a plethora of other lawsuits and charges against the falling mogul (yes, falling, because it’s not over), the Federal indictment is reflective of the claims made by Lil Rod.[1]
For years, many celebrities and highly influential people have either directly spoken out about Combs’ ways, or have made indirect statements that were open to interpretation, but were dismissed as untruths. He was invincible.
Or so he thought.
Following the “#MeToo” agenda to give voice to survivors of sexual assaults and rapes, the statute of limitations in New York was lifted to allow otherwise stale claims to be brought against assailants. And late at the midnight hour, Cassie Ventura made her mark.
Blinded by his own ignorant arrogance and ego, Diddy did not settle out of court. And good thing he didn’t. Without his self-aggrandizement, the public would not be critically aware of his indiscretions, and he would likely still be in a position of building his wealth.
But now, can he preserve any of it?
I have some sympathy for his children. The wealth they would have likely inherited has been compromised.
He’s had a high payroll to keep things quiet, and now, he has a high payroll to defend his actions.
When I watched the leaked video of Diddy assaulting Cassie over and over again, and then watched his “apology”, I was reminded of similar instances that I experienced. I could see right through to his true sociopathic nature. He was willing to take on whatever persona he needed to in order to save himself. This is the same manner of speech and behaviors that I have seen in most if not every abusive individual that I have experienced. I’d hate to be on the prosecution team. Honestly, I am not certain I would be able to be part of the prosecution or the jury due to my own personal biases. He wouldn’t stand a chance. The level of disgust that I have towards him is not something that I can describe.
And I am certain that the defense team will use his rearing to tell a story of someone who “didn’t know any better”. I suppose we’ll find out in May 2025.
So, here we are. Is this an instance of “trying to bring a Black man down”, or is this truly someone who was abusive? When we saw claims against Bill Cosby (which apparently are still growing…have you seen what Nevada has allowed?), it was more difficult to discern. But Diddy has had years of accusations against him. Now, coupled with video, how can you run away from the truth?
In Texas, there are at least 120 claimants with similar stories about Diddy’s sexual assaults and rapes. [2]
How did he get away with this for so long? How long has his close circle colluded with him to help him avoid accountability? Why were they so afraid? How was law enforcement so unaware?
There is also the contention that he angered someone or someones who are powerful, and/or caused them to feel insecure about their own positions due to the notoriety and wealth that he was accumulating. I do not dismiss this…every conspiracy isn’t a theory…but at a minimum…the proof is in the pudding (pun intended).
The silver lining in this is you can’t throw money at abuse and expect that it vindicates you. Everyone isn’t “hushed” indefinitely. Guilt causes the spirit of good morale to ascend the transgressions of those who participate in the commissions thereof. Many abusers who lack the financial means to conceal their wrongdoings tend to suffer more timely and relentless demises than those in higher tax brackets. And with that said, I suppose that what he said all those years ago is true: More money, more problems.
Works Cited
- Goudie, Chuck, and Barb Markoff. “Fed Indictment of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Mirrors Lawsuit Filed by His Former Chicago Music Producer.” ABC7 Chicago, 18 Sept. 2024, abc7chicago.com/diddy-indictment-mirrors-lawsuit-filed-sean-combs-former-chicago-music-producer-rodney-lil-rod-jones-jr/15317344/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
- “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Will Face 120 Accusers for Alleged Sexual Misconduct, Attorney Says.” com, CBS Texas, Oct. 2024, www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/sean-diddy-combs-to-face-120-accusers-alleged-sexual-misconduct/. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.