Sean 'Diddy' Combs Temporarily Steps Aside as Revolt Chairman amid Multiple Sexual Assault Lawsuits

The television network was co-founded by Combs and Andy Schuon in 2013

Sean Combs
Sean "Diddy" Combs. Photo:

Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Following three recent lawsuits accusing Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual assault, the music mogul has temporarily stepped away from Revolt, the music-focused television network he co-founded with Andy Schuon in 2013.

On Tuesday, Revolt released a statement via social media announcing Diddy, 54, will no longer serve as the network's chairman, while a rep for the rapper tells PEOPLE it's a temporary move.

"Sean Combs has stepped down from his position as chairman of Revolt," began the network's statement. "While Mr. Combs has previously had no operational or day-to-day role in the business, this decision helps to ensure that Revolt remains steadfastly focused on our mission to create meaningful content for the culture and amplify the voices of all Black people throughout this country and the African diaspora."

Sean "Diddy" Combs arrives at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean "Diddy" Combs at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California.
Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Steve Granitz/WireImage

The statement continued, "Our focus has always been one that reflects our commitment to the collective journey of Revolt — one that is not driven by any individual, but by the shared efforts and values of our entire team on behalf of advancing elevating and championing our culture — and that continues."

Combs' move away from the company comes less than a week after he was accused of sexual assault by a third woman in a lawsuit filed in New York County Supreme Court. In documents obtained by PEOPLE, a Jane Doe alleges that Combs and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall took turns raping her and a friend in New York City more than 30 years ago.

The allegation arrived Nov. 23, the same day Diddy was named in another lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault of a college student in 1991 and days after Combs settled a different lawsuit accusing him of rape and abuse — all litigation filed under the Adult Survivors Act, which expired on Friday.

Sean "Diddy" Combs attends Day 1 of 2023 Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Center on August 26, 2023
Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Paras Griffin/Getty

“These are fabricated claims falsely alleging misconduct from over 30 years ago and filed at the last minute. This is nothing but a money grab. Because of Mr. Combs’ fame and success, he is an easy target for anonymous accusers who lie without conscience or consequence for financial benefit," a spokesperson for Combs wrote in a statement to PEOPLE.  

They added, "The New York Legislature surely did not intend or expect the Adult Survivors Act to be exploited by scammers. The public should be skeptical and not rush to accept these bogus allegations.”

In the other lawsuit filed Nov. 23, a woman named Joi Dickerson-Neal accused the rapper of drugging and raping her when she was a college student at Syracuse University in 1991, according to the court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

Diddy performs onstage during the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival
Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Kevin Winter/Getty

Diddy is denying the allegations, claiming Dickerson-Neal fabricated the story.

“This last-minute lawsuit is an example of how a well-intentioned law can be turned on its head. Ms. Dickerson's 32-year-old story is made up and not credible. Mr. Combs never assaulted her, and she implicates companies that did not exist. This is purely a money grab and nothing more," a spokesperson for the rapper wrote in a statement to PEOPLE.

Attorneys for Dickerson-Neal claim she was the victim of “revenge porn” after the music mogul allegedly recorded the incident and shared the tape with others in the music industry.

Sean "Diddy" Combs
John Shearer/Getty

Earlier this month, Diddy and Casandra “Cassie” Ventura reached a settlement just one day after the singer filed a lawsuit against him for allegations of rape, sex trafficking and domestic violence.

“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Ventura said in a statement. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”

Her attorney, Douglas Wigdor, said, “I am very proud of Ms. Ventura for having the strength to go public with her lawsuit. She ought to be commended for doing so.”

Sean Combs (L) and singer Cassie Ventura arrives for the 2018 Met Gala on May 7, 2018, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. - The Gala raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute. The Gala's 2018 theme is Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.
Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura.

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

Combs added, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”

Additionally, Ben Brafman, Combs' lawyer, clarified his client's stance on issue, telling PEOPLE in a statement, "Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best."

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

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