A woman named Bryana “Bana” Bongolan has brought forth accusations of sexual battery against Sean “Diddy” Combs. She alleges that in September 2016, the music producer held her over a 17-story balcony while his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and others were present.
Bongolan, who was an aspiring fashion designer at the time of the incident, stated in her lawsuit that Combs’ actions were extreme and violated her dignity, bodily autonomy, and sense of safety. She described the event as the culmination of a series of threats, intimidation, and violence she experienced from Combs since their first meeting.
In response to the allegations, Combs’ attorneys have stated that the musician, currently in custody facing federal charges, strongly denies the accusations. They express confidence that the claims made against Combs will be shown to be unfounded.
“He has unwavering faith in the facts and in the fairness of the judicial process,” his lawyers’ statement said in part.
“In court, the truth will come to light, demonstrating that the claims against Mr Combs are without merit.”
Bongolan’s suit echoes a situation mentioned in Ventura’s dam-breaking November 2023 lawsuit that, while settled quickly, was the first in what turned out to be a barrage of civil lawsuits against Combs.
He now faces over 30 civil complaints, in addition to being the subject of an ongoing federal investigation.
Ventura’s lawsuit, which was settled the day after it was filed, made mention of an incident in which Combs allegedly “picked up one of Ms Ventura’s friends like a child and dangled the friend over the balcony of the 17th-floor hotel suit” that Ventura was staying in.
This alleged incident, however, was stated in Ventura’s suit as having taken place after an August 2015 so-called freak-off, the term prosecutors and others allege was used to describe Combs’ drug- and sex-fuelled parties.
A source familiar with the alleged balcony incident told CNN that the “friend” mentioned in Ventura’s 2023 lawsuit is, in fact, Bongolan and that her allegation is the same one referenced in Ventura’s claim.
CNN has requested comment from Ventura’s attorney.
In May, CNN published a surveillance video that showed Combs physically abusing Ventura in 2016 in a Los Angeles hotel.
Combs apologised two days after the video was broadcast in a video shared on social media.
“I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab,” Combs said.
“I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
Bongolan’s suit makes reference to Combs of displaying a “disturbing pattern of abusive behaviour” and claims that Combs often showed up to Ventura’s apartment unannounced and started banging on the door, at which time Ventura would instruct her to be quiet “so as to make Mr Combs believe no one was home”.
Her suit claims she saw Combs throw a large kitchen knife at Ventura.
Bongolan is suing Combs for damages.
