Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused in a new lawsuit of threatening to kill a woman and dangling her over a 17th-floor balcony.
The suit, filed this week in Los Angeles by fashion designer Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, alleges sexual battery, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other claims, according to Rolling Stone. Bongolan is seeking $10 million in damages for the emotional trauma she says has persisted since the alleged incident.
Bongolan claims she was subjected to escalating threats and intimidation from Combs, culminating in a September 2016 confrontation. According to the lawsuit, Combs dangled Bongolan off the edge of a balcony at the apartment of his then-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, while screaming at her.
“The act of dangling someone over a balcony serves no other purpose than to instill terror or to threaten their life, stripping them of any sense of safety or bodily autonomy,” the lawsuit, filed by attorney James R. Nikraftar of Miller Barondess, asserts. “Ms. Bongolan refuses to let this fear dictate her life and is seeking accountability for the trauma Mr. Combs inflicted.”
Combs, who is also facing sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges and remains in custody without bail, has denied Bongolan’s allegations. His legal representatives released a statement describing the claims as baseless. “Anyone can file a lawsuit, regardless of the evidence they may or may not have,” the statement reads. “Mr. Combs firmly denies these allegations and remains confident they will be proven meritless in court.”
Bongolan describes herself as a young, aspiring fashion designer who befriended Ventura around 2014 while both worked at the Los Angeles store Diamond Supply Co. Through Ventura, she met Combs, who she initially believed could provide her with unique career opportunities. However, the lawsuit states, “Ultimately, it only led to terror and abuse at his hands.”
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From 2014 to 2018, Bongolan collaborated on various projects for Combs, including the 2016 Bad Boy reunion tour, music videos, and specialized clothing designs. However, her lawsuit claims these professional opportunities exposed her to violence and abuse, as she allegedly witnessed disturbing signs of an abusive relationship between Combs and Ventura.
Bongolan recalls seeing Ventura with bruises or black eyes, which Ventura reportedly attributed to Combs. She also describes an incident during a heated argument in which Combs allegedly threw a large kitchen knife at Ventura, prompting Ventura to throw one back in self-defense.
As time went on, Bongolan alleges that Combs began directing his anger at her. During a photoshoot for Ventura, he allegedly cornered Bongolan and issued chilling threats. “I’m the motherf***ing devil,” Combs reportedly told her. “You have no idea what I could do to you. I could kill you.”
Bongolan claims she took the threats seriously, citing his violent behavior toward Ventura and an incident involving Kid Cudi, whose car reportedly exploded after he had a brief relationship with Ventura.
Diddy’s attorneys continue to dispute Bongolan’s claims, reiterating their confidence in the judicial process. “The truth will come to light in court, demonstrating the baseless nature of these accusations,” they said in a statement.
Combs, who was denied bail for the third time earlier this week, faces a trial scheduled for May 2025 as these allegations and others against him continue to mount.
