Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs agreed to pay male sex workers $6 million in hush money
October 8, 2024, published at 3:00 PM ET
Sean “Diddy” Combs agreed to pay more than $6 million to a male sex worker who claimed he was used as a sex slave, an amount and cover-up never previously disclosed.
RadarOnline.com can reveal that the hush money deal went to a man who claimed he was hired to have sex with Diddy and the rapper’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Venturaaccording to people familiar with the deal.
Article continues below advertisement
The non-disclosure agreement was intended to prevent the sex worker from discussing his drug-induced tryst with him Diddyor discredit him or Ventura, the sources said.
The escort and his Florida-based attorney approached the rapper, who has been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution, several years ago and negotiated payment in exchange for his silence.
It settled the individual’s civil claims Diddyincluding misconduct and human trafficking, the sources said.
RadarOnline.com has chosen not to name the man, who has said he is an alleged victim of sex crimes.
Article continues below advertisement
But sources confirmed that the man eventually told his story to federal prosecutors and recently testified before the grand jury, which is still considering whether to file more charges against the beleaguered man. Diddy.
The previously unreported settlement was negotiated on Diddy’s behalf by Mark Geragos, the famed Los Angeles attorney who previously represented the pop star. Michael Jackson.
Article continues below advertisement
Article continues below advertisement
Geragos is also a lawyer for Erik and Lyle Menendezthe brothers who used 12-gauge shotguns to blow away their mother, Kitty, and their ex-father at their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989.
Geragos lists Diddy on his website as one of his clients, alongside others unrelated to the disgraced music mogul’s woes, including Chris Brown, Jussie Smollett, Winona Ryderand NBA superstar Scottie Pippen.
Article continues below advertisement
Geragos’ daughter Teny Geragos is one of three lawyers taking the lead Diddies so-called Defense Dream Team, which also includes criminal lawyers Marc Agnifilo and Anthony Ricco.
Agnifilo and Teny Geragos have a history of defending high-profile figures charged with serious crimes, including former Goldman Sachs executive Roger Ng and NXIVM founder Keith Raniere, who was convicted of sex trafficking.
Article continues below advertisement
Article continues below advertisement
Teny Geragos will likely take on the delicate task of questioning victims, especially female witnesses, about their claims against Diddy if the case ever goes to trial.
A source familiar with the case said: “The civil settlement did not stop the man from telling his version of what happened between him and him. Ventura to federal prosecutors and the grand jury.”
However, a defense source said the US Attorney’s Office should be careful about “hitching its wagon” to the person who was the subject of the payment, suggesting this could undermine the FBI’s case at trial .
MORE ABOUT:
Diddy
DAILY. BREAK. CELEBRITY NEWS. EVERYTHING FOR FREE.
Article continues below advertisement
“Expect the defense to argue that anyone who got involved with Diddy did so consensually and for their own reasons — whether that was money, career advancement or romantic interest,” the person said.
“There are also cases where people engaged in extortion because “Diddy was a high-profile target because of his wealth and fame.”
The source added: “How can anyone claim to be a victim when he shook someone up and ended up making millions of dollars?”
Article continues below advertisement
Article continues below advertisement
The accusations against Diddy – he remains imprisoned at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, after being denied bail – have exploded since he was indicted on racketeering charges; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution, on September 17.
As claims of celebrity sex tapes emerged, along with explosive claims from underage victims, RadarOnline.com also revealed that the prospect of a superseding indictment has become more likely.
The grand jury that brought the initial indictment against Diddy was never dismissed after it was first filed earlier this year and continues to hear new evidence, sources said.
Article continues below advertisement
The ongoing testimony clearly indicates that the multi-faceted investigation, which includes the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, is gearing up for additional charges against the 54-year-old.
One of the witnesses was a male sex worker who claimed Diddy flew him across the country to one of his “freak off” parties, sources said.
The FBI has said these “freak off” parties were akin to sex orgies, took place in mansions or hotel rooms with heavy security around them and also involved heavy drug use, gallons of alcohol and large quantities of baby oil and lubricants.
Article continues below advertisement
Article continues below advertisement
“Evidence has been presented to the grand jury regarding Diddy’s involvement with the witness,” said a person with knowledge of the matter.
“The questions focused on how their association came about, the extent of their association, and whether the association was limited to one geographic location or whether the witness was flown from one location to another.
“Prosecutors are primarily focused on whether Diddy or others associated with him made payments to the witness, and how those payments were facilitated.”
Article continues below advertisement
Another law enforcement insider shared RadarOnline.com“The decision to continue presenting evidence to the grand jury represents a major escalation for Diddy and sets the case on a path to further criminal prosecution.”
Diddy has pleaded not guilty and is raising his bid to seek bail again.