“On January 3, 1991, while on school break for the holidays, Ms. Dickerson reluctantly agreed to an early dinner with Sean Combs or “P. Diddy.” They had many friends and acquaintances in common and she had appeared with Combs in a few clips of a music video. After dining at the famous Wells Restaurant in Harlem, “Home of Chicken and Waffles since 1938,” Combs pushed Ms. Wells to keep him company as he attended to a few things in the city.

Getting into Combs’ car that day was something Ms. Dickerson would come to regret forever. During their date, Combs had intentionally drugged Ms. Dickerson, resulting in her being in a physical state where she could not independently stand or walk. Driving first to a music studio where she could not get out of the car, Combs proceeded to a place he was staying to sexually assault her. As was his practice, but unbeknownst to Ms. Dickerson, Combs video recorded the rape. Days later, a male friend revealed to her that he had viewed the “sex tape” along with other men. Horrified, Ms. Dickerson asked how many others saw it, to which he responded, “everyone.”

Ms. Dickerson’s life went into a tailspin. She returned to college, but soon had to be admitted into the hospital for severe depression and suicide ideation. Unable to function, she dropped out of college. Ms. Dickerson has struggled with her mental health and career progression thereafter. The sexual assault and public exposure of it, caused her to suffer overwhelming feelings of humiliation, embarrassment, violation, and constant apprehension about who all viewed it. As Combs’ success and wealth rose quickly, she tried to block his existence out as she tried to put her life back on track. Still today, Ms. Dickerson continues to
work on her emotional health, economic recovery and finishing her college degree. Seeking accountability from Combs under the law is one more step in that journey.“