## Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accuser Crystal McKinney Sues Harvey Weinstein in Shocking Trial Crossover In a stunning legal development, one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former sexual assault accusers, Crystal McKinney, has filed a lawsuit against convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein, highlighting a potential crossover in high-profile sexual assault trials. The lawsuit, filed on Friday in New York’s Manhattan Federal Court, alleges that Weinstein lured McKinney and her friend to his hotel room in 2003, according to documents obtained by People. McKinney, a former model, claims Weinstein, currently incarcerated awaiting a re-trial for his sex crime convictions, initially arranged a meeting under the guise of discussing "business opportunities" within the film industry. The legal battle unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing investigations and trials involving Combs, who is currently on trial for sex trafficking and other charges.
The initial encounter took place at a nightclub before Weinstein invited McKinney and her unnamed friend to his private suite at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park Hotel in NYC for a confidential conversation. McKinney’s account describes a troubling escalation, alleging Weinstein preemptively offered excessive amounts of alcohol, "piling" it on them before leaning in to touch her chest. Following this, McKinney and her friend retreated to the restroom, where Weinstein entered with his private area exposed. The lawsuit details a sequence of disturbing events, with McKinney claiming Weinstein coerced her and her friend into engaging in sexual acts with each other before ultimately attempting to rape them. This legal action against Weinstein is fueled by a desire for justice and compensation for the alleged trauma.
Weinstein’s legal defense, spearheaded by Imran H. Ansari, swiftly dismissed the accusations, stating in a statement to Page Six on Sunday, "Harvey Weinstein categorically denies the outlandish and fantastical claims made against him by Crystal McKinney in her complaint. Made late in time and suspiciously on the heels of her complaint against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Mr. Weinstein is ready to refute and defend against the salacious claims, that are believed to have been made with an opportunistic motive."
Furthermore, McKinney’s lawsuit incorporates accusations against Combs, filed last May, alleging a separate sexual assault incident in 2003 following a Men’s Fashion Week event in New York City. McKinney, then 22 years old, claims she and several of Combs’ friends went back to his studio for drinks and to smoke weed. She describes a "very powerful" joint and recalls becoming delirious, alleging it was laced with other drugs. McKinney alleges Combs then forcefully directed her to the restroom, where he allegedly attempted to sexually assault her, instructing her to "suck it" and forcing her to give him oral sex. McKinney describes losing consciousness while walking away and subsequently waking up in a taxi.
As a result of the alleged assault, McKinney claims she attempted suicide the following year and suffered from chronic depression. While Combs has not directly addressed McKinney’s lawsuit, his legal team has consistently denied previous allegations of sexual assault, stating, "No matter how many lawsuits are filed — especially by individuals who refuse to put their own names behind their claims — it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone — man or woman, adult or minor." They emphasize the importance of a fair judicial process in determining the truth. This case underscores the complex and often overlapping nature of sexual assault allegations and the legal battles that can ensue.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
