It’s Monday, and here we are with more alleged Diddy ugliness. This time, D. Woods is speaking out about the “troubling interactions” she says she experienced while working with rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs during her time in the iconic girl group Danity Kane.
In a candid but bombshell interview conducted on ABC’s Good Morning America, Woods opened up about her experience with Combs, shedding light on what she describes as a verbally abusive work environment.
Ya’ll remember Danity Kane? Such promise. A few bangers. Personalities were plentiful. Behind it all seems to be another story about alleged behavior that should never happen.
“I would say that this moment now is a time where I feel like my experience, my truth will really be heard and actually considered and believed,” D. Woods shared during the interview with ABC News’ Eva Pilgrim. The former Danity Kane member, who was part of the group from 2005 to 2008, reflected on the way Combs, who discovered and mentored the group, affected her and her bandmates. “You know, he is looked at as a hero of our community, and myself included, I looked up to him too,” she explained. “So a lot of people don’t want to believe that their hero can be this other person.”
Get this: Woods’ revelations come at a time when Combs is facing serious legal allegations. The hip-hop mogul, whose career is built on his influence and success in the music industry, is currently awaiting trial after being arrested in September on sex trafficking charges. Federal prosecutors accuse him of a long-standing pattern of abuse, threats, and coercion towards women and others around him to satisfy his sexual desires and protect his reputation. These charges stem from a federal indictment that also includes allegations of sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution, racketeering conspiracy, forced labor, and even kidnapping. Combs has denied all wrongdoing, but the charges have cast a dark shadow over his legacy.
What’s more, in addition to the federal indictment, several civil court filings have outlined a range of disturbing alleged crimes. Combs is accused in multiple lawsuits of creating a hostile and abusive environment, including claims of sexual harassment and coercion. One of the most notable civil cases involves accusations that Combs used his position of power to intimidate women into engaging in sexual acts. These legal battles paint a picture of a man who allegedly used manipulation and violence to maintain control over individuals in his orbit. One claim also describes an instance where Combs allegedly threatened to have an associate killed. These revelations have shocked many who once viewed Combs as a business mogul and mentor.
When it comes to reflecting on her time with Danity Kane, Woods recalled how Combs’ management style created a toxic and emotionally taxing environment. “He did it in different ways with all of us, you know, picking and prodding and just a way to chip and knock away, but then praise you,” she said, describing his behavior as part of the behind-the-scenes drama of the TV show Making the Band. “It was a way to manipulate and control us. He was the creator of this group, and in many ways, that power dynamic affected us all.”
It’s interesting to note that although D. Woods has since moved on from her time in the group and pursued other career interests, including performing on Broadway, the emotional scars from her interactions with Combs appear to have stayed with her. Today, she feels it’s important to share her truth, particularly as more women come forward with allegations against the music mogul.
Check this out. When asked what she would say to Combs if she had the chance, Woods was uncertain. “I honestly do not know, but I don’t think you really have to say anything,” she responded thoughtfully. “As long as I’m holding my head up high and my shoulders back, that’s all that really matters.”
Looking at the total picture, D. Woods’ reflections and Combs’ legal troubles are a reminder that not all experiences in the entertainment industry are as glamorous as they may seem. While Combs remains a revered figure for many in hip-hop and pop culture, these allegations and testimonies from former associates like Woods reshape the narrative around his career. As the legal proceedings unfold, Woods’ voice adds to the growing conversation about abuse of power and the need for accountability in the industry.