John Legend has publicly addressed the allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs, with whom he collaborated on a song released last year. In an interview with CNN International’s Christiane Amanpour, Legend expressed his horror over both the allegations and the recently released hotel surveillance footage showing Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016.
“I was horrified by the descriptions that I read before the video evidence came out,” Legend said. “And absolutely it’s something that needs to be brought to light when it happens.”
The assault, first mentioned in Ventura’s November 2023 lawsuit against Combs, which was settled out of court one day after it was filed, has led Legend to advocate for accountability and support for victims. He emphasized his stance to believe women who make such accusations and to ensure their voices are heard, aiming for accountability and reparations to help victims heal.
Legend described Combs’ actions as “shameful” and expressed his hope for Ventura and other alleged victims to find healing. He called for accountability, highlighting that Combs has been named in eight civil lawsuits, including Ventura’s now-settled complaint. While Combs has denied the allegations in these suits, seven cases remain active.
Last year, Legend collaborated with Babyface and Combs on the song “Kim Porter,” from Combs’ 2023 album “The Love Album: Off the Grid,” named after Combs’ former partner who passed away in 2018.
Additionally, Legend spoke about his new podcast, “Afghan Star,” which explores the impactful story of the eponymous competition reality show that showcased musical talent across Afghanistan. Legend highlighted the show’s revolutionary role in the country, particularly given the Taliban’s earlier repression of music.
“It’s a beautiful story of the power of music, the power of the people’s resilience, and a really remarkable show that was pretty revolutionary for its time,” Legend said. He noted that despite the Taliban’s return to power, the spirit of music in Afghanistan persists, demonstrating the enduring influence of shows like “Afghan Star.”
