NEW YORK, USA — Clayton Howard, one of the male escorts at the centre of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing legal saga, has filed a civil lawsuit against both Combs and singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, alleging sexual exploitation, drugging, psychological abuse, and lasting physical harm.
Howard, who says he went by the alias “Dave” when he was hired for so-called “freak-offs” involving the couple, claims he was trafficked across state lines for commercial sex over a period spanning more than five years, beginning in 2009.
The explosive allegations were detailed in a lawsuit obtained by TMZ.
According to Howard’s court filing, Diddy and Cassie used him as “entertainment to satisfy their sexual fetishes and personal ambitions,” and subjected him to emotional manipulation and sexual coercion under the influence of drugs.
He alleges the abuse left him with permanent physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial loss.
Howard claims he contracted a sexually transmitted disease from Cassie after engaging in unprotected sex, and further alleges she became pregnant by him and had an abortion without informing him.
He says the sexual encounters continued even after the abortion.
In one of the more disturbing claims, Howard accuses Cassie of manipulating him into taking ecstasy and forcing him to masturbate for extended periods, resulting in injuries including tears and scabbing.
“They drugged, manipulated, and traumatised me,” Howard says in the lawsuit, which seeks damages for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Though Howard did not testify in Combs’ recent criminal trial, he was referenced multiple times.
A federal agent recounted details of his travel and accommodation expenses, including a stay at the Four Seasons and a cross-country flight from New York to Los Angeles—all allegedly paid for by Combs.
Combs, who remains in federal custody following his conviction for transporting escorts across state lines for prostitution, faces up to 20 years in prison.
He was acquitted on more severe charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. His sentencing is set for Friday, October 3, 2025.
Cassie Ventura, who previously settled a civil suit with Combs last year, has not publicly responded to Howard’s new allegations.
Legal teams for both Combs and Ventura have yet to issue statements regarding the lawsuit.
