NEW YORK, USA – In the wake of multiple sexual assault allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs, numerous businesses have decided to end their partnerships with his Empower Global e-commerce platform, which focuses on promoting Black-owned companies.
Sean Combs has been accused of rape and sexual assault by multiple women, including Cassie Ventura, a R&B singer and model, whose N30 million lawsuit was settled a day after it was filed in November.
Rolling Stone reports that at least 18 brands, including Tsuri, Nuudii System, No One Clothiers, Fulaba, and House of Takura, have withdrawn from the initiative.
Lenard Grier of No One Clothiers described the decision to leave the platform as “difficult” but “correct,” citing lost reverence for Mr. Combs as a business and entertainment leader.
Ashli Goudelock, owner of Tsuri, emphasized her company’s stance against the mistreatment of women, stating their imminent exit from Empower Global.
Rebecca Allen of her namesake shoe brand and Annette Njau of House of Takura both cited the lawsuit filed by Casandra Ventura against Sean Combs as a significant factor in their decisions. Njau elaborated on the gravity of the allegations, stressing their support for victims’ rights and truth.
“We had a relationship with Empower Global from its earlier days because I was previously connected with the founder who sold the Nile List,” Allen revealed.
“We enjoyed working with the team, but have not seen meaningful sales, so we were already planning to terminate our relationship at the end of this year. These harrowing allegations have expedited our decision, and we ended our partnership with Empower Global earlier this month.”
“This decision was made on the day that Casandra Ventura filed her lawsuit,” Njau stated. “We take the allegations against Mr Combs very seriously and find such behaviour abhorrent and intolerable. We believe in victims’ rights, and support victims in speaking their truth, even against the most powerful of people.”
The brands’ departure is not solely due to the allegations. Allen mentioned underwhelming performance and existing plans to end their partnership with Empower Global, which was accelerated by the recent claims.
On December 6, Combs responded to the accusations with a statement on Instagram, proclaiming his innocence and decrying attempts to “assassinate my character.”
“Enough is enough,” the statement read.
“For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
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He asserted his determination to fight for his name, family, and truth. The mogul had previously denied Ventura’s claims of sexual assault, trafficking, and abuse.
This situation represents a significant challenge for Combs and his business ventures, as the allegations have led to a noticeable shift in corporate partnerships and public perception.
