Dejoan Bledsoe v. Sean Combs et al

In the summer of 2009, Dejoan Bledsoe, an 18-year-old musician, attended a small music industry party at the Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, where he recognized many attendees. Sean Combs approached Bledsoe, handed him an alcoholic drink, and discussed his music career, mentioning the possibility of signing with Bad Boy Records. After finishing the drink and receiving another, Bledsoe felt lightheaded and began slipping in and out of consciousness, realizing he had been drugged, likely with GHB or ecstasy, by Combs or his agents/employees. He did not fully lose consciousness at that time. Combs’ security escorted Bledsoe from the initial room to a separate hotel room down the hall, where Combs soon arrived. Combs reiterated his influence in the music industry, promising a potential record deal and studio time. While physically weak and intermittently conscious, Bledsoe felt hopeful about his career but feared for his safety. Combs then forcibly anally raped Bledsoe. Throughout the night, Bledsoe recalls being in bed with two other people—a man and a woman—engaged in group sexual activity with him and Combs, while he continued to go in and out of consciousness before blacking out completely. The next morning, Bledsoe awoke in the same hotel room with Combs, his associates, and security present, experiencing extreme anal pain. Combs asked if Bledsoe enjoyed himself and requested his phone number. To escape quickly, Bledsoe provided a fake number, gathered his belongings, and left. At home, he noticed anal bleeding and severe pain. The assault caused significant emotional and psychological trauma, leading Bledsoe to abandon his musical aspirations due to the revealed 'dark underbelly' of the industry. Fear of Combs’ influence prevented immediate reporting, resulting in ongoing humiliation, shame, financial harm, and loss of livelihood.

Past, present, and future general and special damages, including lost earnings and economic damages; statutory damages; costs of suit; interest as allowed by law; punitive or exemplary damages; attorney’s fees pursuant to Civil Code sections 51.9(b), 52, 52.4; and other relief deemed just by the court.