(KTLA) — The federal sex-trafficking investigation involving music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is broadening its reach.
Rodney Jones, a music producer who first sued Combs for sexual assault back in February, is now adding Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. to that complaint.
Jones, also known as Lil Rod, said the actor sexually harassed and assaulted him, such as by groping him while aboard Combs’ yacht. Jones’ original lawsuit alleged Combs forced him to procure sex workers and forced him to engage in unwelcome sex acts.
That same lawsuit claims the Bad Boy Records founder admitted to being responsible for that infamous 1999 New York City nightclub shooting that ended up getting him, then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez and rapper Jamal “Shyne” Barrow arrested.
Ultimately, Barrow was charged with the shooting and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Combs was arrested on weapons charges.
Shooting victim Natania Reuben said Combs shot her in the face that night.
“I literally watched them pull out the guns; I had a clear point of view,” she said during an appearance on “Elizabeth Vargas Reports.” “I mean, I was literally shot in my nose. I was facing them directly; I watched everything occur.”
“Because his name was more notable, he was believed, rather than a victim who gave a first-hand account,” she explained. “By the grace of God, I survived.”
Reuben filed a $130 million lawsuit for compensation against Combs in 2008 and settled in June 2011.
Jones’ lawsuit is among many that the rap impresario has faced recently, though he’s not alone in his legal woes.
Meanwhile, in June of 2023, Gooding settled a civil sexual abuse case just before trial. He was accused of raping a woman in a New York City hotel 10 years prior.
Law enforcement officials told NewsNation affiliate KTLA that they have not arrested Combs after raiding homes tied to him in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday.
They have arrested Combs’ alleged drug “mule,” who was traveling with him. Brendan Paul, 25, was taken into custody on Monday at Miami’s Opa-Locka Airport.
Video shows federal agents intercepting Combs’ private plane before Paul was to board. He’s been booked on one count of possession of cocaine and marijuana candy.
The Miami Herald reports the “Last Night” singer was at the airport with Paul; the pair were headed on a spring break trip with Combs’ twin daughters. This was just hours after both homes were raided.
On the day of the raids, a private plane arrived in the Bahamas, which was connected to Combs. However, the country’s prime minister confirmed that Combs was not on that plane.
In the meantime, his representatives and attorneys maintain his innocence.
Attorney Aaron Dyer called the searches ”a gross use of military-level force” and that Combs is “innocent and will continue to fight” to clear his name.
Dyer issued a statement on Tuesday, a day after the raids.
“There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.”
During the search at Combs’ L.A. home in the Holmby Hills neighborhood, his sons Justin Combs, 30, and Christian “King” Combs, 25, were among those temporarily detained outside.
Combs’ whereabouts are unknown at this time.
KTLA has reached out to Gooding Jr.’s team for comment on these allegations and has not heard back.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.
