Kesha Snubs Sean 'Diddy' Combs After Cassie Rape Allegations

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Kesha appears to have snubbed Sean "Diddy" Combs following the Cassie abuse allegations, removing his name from her 2009 hit "TiK ToK."

On November 16, the rapper's ex-girlfriend—R&B star Cassie Ventura—filed a suit in Manhattan Federal Court accusing the 54-year-old of rape and physical abuse during their 10-year relationship. Combs denied the claims, with the former couple settling out of court on November 17. Newsweek has reached out to Kesha, Combs and Cassie for comment via email.

During the Los Angeles' stop of her Only Love tour on Saturday, Kesha belted out the chart-topping single, with a slight tweak. Instead of the original line of "Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy," the 36-year-old sang "Feeling just like me."

Kesha, 2021, Sean "Diddy Combs," 2018
Left: Kesha at Pacific Design Center on July 15, 2021 in West Hollywood, California. Right: Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 4, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. Kesha changed... Frazer Harrison/John Shearer/FilmMagic/Getty Images Entertainment

After fans began sharing footage of the performance at the Hollywood Palladium online, the new lyric quickly went viral, receiving millions of views on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter.

Many users praised the swap, with Poppy calling Kesha iconic. "We need to start holding these men accountable," she wrote. "Queen behaviour by Kesha," agreed Syed Irfan Ahmad. "Nobody want to associate with P. Diddy no more," posted Santorini.

"She knows all too well," wrote @ladidaix, referring to Kesha's own public legal fight against her former producer Dr. Luke. The singer accused the head of Kemosabe Records of rape and emotional abuse in 2014, leading to a countersuit from Luke for defamation. Kesha's filing led to almost a decade of legal battles, which were finally settled in June 2023.

"Love how artists evolve with their music over time," said Mohamed Fakhar. "Kesha giving a fresh spin to a classic hit is what live performances are all about! Who else loves seeing their faves switch things up?"

However, others questioned the decision, with Ikemba writing: "Y'all too quick to act. You didn't have to replace his lyrics."

In the court filing, Cassie accused Combs of taking control of her singing career and personal life, introducing her to drugs and forcing her into sexual encounters with male prostitutes, which he allegedly filmed and photographed.

The 37-year-old—who met Combs after signing to his Bad Boy Records label in 2005—said that the music mogul subjected her to regular beatings and raped her when she attempted to end their relationship in 2018.

On Friday, Combs' team announced that the case had settled out of court.

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

Comb's lawyer Ben Brafman said: "Just so we're clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing."

In a statement, Cassie said: "I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support."

About the writer

Sophie is a Newsweek Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in Lincoln, UK. Her focus is reporting on film and TV, trending news and the entertainment industry. She has covered pop culture, women's rights and the arts extensively. Sophie joined Newsweek in 2022 from Social Change UK, and has previously written for The Untitled Magazine, The Mary Sue, Ms. Magazine and Screen Rant. She graduated with a BA Honours in Fine Art from Birmingham City University and has an MA in Arts Journalism from the University of Lincoln. Languages: English.

You can get in touch with Sophie by emailing s.lloyd@newsweek.com.


Sophie is a Newsweek Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in Lincoln, UK. Her focus is reporting on film and ... Read more