Diageo cites Diddy rape claims in renewed push to keep him out of tequila ads
Diageo is citing a newly surfaced rape accusation against Sean “Diddy” Combs in its renewed effort to keep the hip-hop mogul out of tequila advertisements.
The accusation arose in a new Los Angeles Times profile of the Revolt Media founder, in which Combs’ longtime assistantpersonal assistant, Anthony Jones, said the mogul had raped him in 1994.
The article states that Jones had recently recounted the accusations on his Youtube Channel and hiring a criminal attorney before backtracking and claiming the behavior was consensual.
Diageo, the drinks giant behind the Ciroc brand of tequila, is concerned by the fresh allegations and has doubled down on its efforts to keep Combs away from its product.
In a statement, Diageo said: “We take all allegations of criminal activity very seriously and will not condone or condone any behavior that would be considered unlawful or inappropriate.”
The company added that it has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and assault, and would take appropriate action if required.
The Times report on Combs also includes accusations of physical assault from a former girlfriend and other alleged abuses of power.
Combs has denied the allegations and is reportedly considering legal action against the Times.