18 companies leave Diddy’s business venture amid sex abuse claims

Nedu Okorie 2023-12-12 0

Empower Global, a company founded by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the US rapper, has been dropped by 18 companies following several sexual assault allegations against him.

Last month, Cassie, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend accused the music mogul of rape, abuse, and human trafficking during their 10-year relationship.

The lawsuit was, however, settled out of court one day after it was filed.

Diddy was then sued by two other women who claimed they were sexually abused by the hip-hop mogul.

Last week, a fourth woman alleged that she was “sex trafficked” and “gang raped” by Combs, Harve Pierre, a former Bad Boy Records president, and another man in 2003 when she was 17.

According to Rolling Stone, a total of 18 brands have cut ties with Diddy’s Empower Global which was founded in 2021.

Annette Njau, founder of luxury-bag, eyewear, and apparel company House of Takura, said the decision was “made on the day that Casandra Ventura filed her lawsuit”.

“We take the allegations against Mr. Combs very seriously and find such behavior abhorrent and intolerable,” Njau said.

“We believe in victims’ rights, and support victims in speaking their truth, even against the most powerful of people.”

Annette Azan, founder of Nuudii System, an undergarment and shapewear line, said she also terminated her account the day she learned of Ventura’s allegations.

Lenard Grier, the co-founder of No One Clothiers, said the “decision was difficult but it was clearly the correct choice”.

“Our brand is founded on the belief that every individual is important and worthy of respect, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, etc,” Grier added.

“The allegations against Mr. Combs are in direct conflict with these beliefs. In turn, we felt a moral imperative to end our relationship.”

Other companies that have left Empower Global include skincare brand Tsuri, jewelry label Fulaba, footwear line Rebecca Allen, and sunscreen brand Baby Donna.

Last month, Revolt, a TV network co-founded by Diddy, revealed that he had stepped down as chairman of the company.