Diddy says escort suing over Cassie ‘freak offs’ was a prostitute who could have said no — but didn’t

Sean “Diddy” Combs has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former male escort Clayton Howard, arguing that Howard willingly participated in paid sexual encounters involving the music mogul and Cassie Ventura.

In newly filed court documents obtained by TMZ, Combs reportedly describes Howard’s allegations as “psychotic” and “reckless” and argues that they fail a “common sense” test.

Diddy highlights Howard’s former profession

Howard alleges that he was subjected to coercion, sexual exploitation and other abuse while participating in encounters with Combs and Ventura over several years.

Combs denies those allegations and argues that Howard’s work as a professional escort makes his claims of forced participation implausible.

“Howard is a prostitute. He is paid for sex for a living,” Combs’ filing reportedly states.

The filing says Howard’s profession involved travelling to clients, removing his clothes and performing sexual acts in exchange for money.

Combs’ lawyers argue that it is “beyond ludicrous” for Howard to claim that arranging, travelling to and participating in the encounters was forced.

Escort services compared to a restaurant

Combs reportedly compares Howard’s former escort business to a restaurant offering customers choices both “on and off the menu”.

According to the filing, Howard could have refused any request that made him uncomfortable, changed the services he offered or ended the encounters.

Combs argues that Howard instead repeatedly returned for further sexual encounters and payments.

“He alone was empowered to change it or just say no,” the filing reportedly states.

The music mogul also characterises Howard as an “enabler and exploiter” who was willing to perform requested acts to make money. He claims the lawsuit was filed only after Howard could no longer profit from the arrangement.

Howard alleges coercion and exploitation

Howard has presented a sharply different account. His lawsuit alleges that he was sexually exploited and coerced during encounters involving Combs and Ventura between approximately 2009 and 2019.

He has also alleged that some encounters were recorded without his consent and that he suffered physical and psychological harm.

The fact that someone works as an escort does not, by itself, establish consent to every act or prevent them from bringing allegations of coercion. The court will have to assess the specific allegations and evidence presented by both sides.

Combs is asking the judge to dismiss Howard’s case. No final ruling has been issued on the claims addressed in the latest filing.

The lawsuit is one of several civil legal battles involving Combs, who is serving a federal prison sentence following his conviction on two prostitution-related offences. He was acquitted of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges at his 2025 criminal trial.