25 November 2023 , 18:16
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The Grammys seating plan has been plunged into chaos by claims made against rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.
Organisers normally only have to worry about the egos of the stars in the room. But we can reveal that in the wake of rape and sexual abuse allegations against the hip-hop star, a number of celebrity agents have asked for their clients to be seated away from him.
This week, Combs settled a lawsuit with his ex-girlfriend Cassie, who accused him of abusing her for more than a decade. And on Friday, two more women filed civil cases against the star, accusing him of rape and sexual assault.
Combs settled a lawsuit with his ex-girlfriend Cassie (AFP via Getty Images)
Diddy with Cassie Ventura at the premiere of 'The Perfect Match' at the Arclight Theatre in Los Angeles on March 7, 2016 (AFP via Getty Images)As a result, several Academy officials are pushing to remove the billionaire superstar from the Grammy guest list. A music insider tells us: “The formal invitations go out this month. There’s conflict at the academy as several voting members do not think it would be appropriate to invite Diddy.
“Some, including several high profile African-American members, fear that inviting him sends the wrong message to audiences and the charities it supports. Several publicists have asked that their artists aren’t seated by him. It’s a logistical nightmare.”
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Last week Cassie – who was signed to Combs’ label, Bad Boy Records – alleged sex trafficking, human trafficking, sexual battery, sexual assault and gender-motivated violence, among other causes of action. She also accused Combs of forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes for him to film.
Combs’ attorney said in a statement that the settlement “does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims”. A representative also denied the latest allegations.