Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing accusations of sexual battery from Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, who alleges that in September 2016, the music mogul dangled her from a 17-story balcony while others, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, were present.
In a lawsuit filed late last week, Bongolan, who was an aspiring fashion designer at the time, claims that Combs engaged in “outrageous and abhorrent conduct” that violated her “fundamental dignity, bodily autonomy, and sense of safety.”
The suit describes the alleged incident on September 26, 2016, as the “culmination of a series of threats, intimidation, and violence” that characterized Bongolan’s interactions with Combs from the moment they met.
The lawsuit claims that Bongolan managed to get herself back over the balcony’s banister to safety, but Combs allegedly lifted her up once more, “with only Combs’ grip keeping her from falling to her death.” Upon witnessing the struggle, Cassie Ventura intervened, prompting Combs to pull Bongolan back over the balcony. However, the suit states that Combs then “slammed” Bongolan onto patio furniture.
Attorneys for Combs, who is currently in custody awaiting trial on federal charges, strongly denied the allegations, stating, “He firmly denies these serious allegations and remains confident they will ultimately be proven baseless.” In a statement, his lawyers added, “He has unwavering faith in the facts and in the fairness of the judicial process. In court, the truth will come to light, demonstrating that the claims against Mr. Combs are without merit.”
Bongolan’s lawsuit mirrors a claim mentioned in Ventura’s high-profile November 2023 lawsuit. While Ventura’s case was settled quickly, it marked the beginning of a series of civil complaints against Combs. He now faces over 30 civil lawsuits and remains under investigation in an ongoing federal probe.
Ventura’s lawsuit, which was settled the day after it was filed, referenced an incident in which Combs allegedly “picked up one of Ms. Ventura’s friends like a child and dangled her over the balcony of the 17th-floor hotel suite” she was staying in. This alleged event occurred after a so-called “freak-off” in August 2015, which prosecutors and others have described as drug- and sex-fueled parties hosted by Combs.
Sources familiar with the case suggest that the “friend” mentioned in Ventura’s 2023 lawsuit was in fact Bongolan, and that her allegations are consistent with what was described in Ventura’s claim.
In May, CNN released a surveillance video showing Combs physically abusing Ventura in a 2016 incident at a Los Angeles hotel. Combs later apologized, stating in a video shared on social media, “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
Bongolan’s suit also highlights Combs’ “disturbing pattern of abusive behavior,” citing incidents where he would show up unannounced at Ventura’s apartment, banging on the door. At these times, Ventura allegedly instructed Bongolan to remain quiet, “so as to make Mr. Combs believe no one was home.” Bongolan’s suit also alleges that she witnessed Combs throw a large kitchen knife at Ventura.
Bongolan is suing Combs for damages.
