Aubrey O’Day has expressed a profound sense of validation following the arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs, her former boss at Bad Boy Records. In a recent social media post, O’Day described the event as a significant victory for women globally, following Combs’ indictment on sex trafficking and sexual assault charges.
On September 16, O’Day, 40, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her thoughts on the arrest. “The purpose of Justice is to provide an ending and allow us the space to create a new chapter,” she wrote. “Women never get this. I feel validated. Today is a win for women all over the world, not just me. Things are finally changing.”
O’Day, who was a member of the girl group Danity Kane formed by Combs, has previously voiced her criticisms of the music mogul. In 2008, Combs removed O’Day and fellow band member Wanita “D. Woods” Woodgett from the group amid growing tensions.
Despite recent developments, O’Day has previously expressed that the allegations against Combs did not fully vindicate her. In June, she told PEOPLE that exposure and revelations about the abuse did not alter her past experiences, likening it to “childhood trauma” that persists over time.
In March, O’Day addressed the home raids conducted at Combs’ properties, hoping it would encourage other victims to speak out. She shared her views on social media, including a clip of Tupac Shakur dancing, with the caption, “There is no ‘too soon’ on this one, just ‘too late.'”
In September 2023, O’Day claimed that Combs had asked her to sign a non-disclosure agreement to prevent her from disparaging him and his label—a deal she advised her former bandmates to reject. She also commented on Combs’ private jet leaving California during the raids, expressing frustration over her long-standing warnings.
On September 16, Combs was arrested at a Manhattan hotel after a grand jury indictment. Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, responded to the charges by denouncing them as unjust. “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist,” Agnifilo stated. “He is an imperfect person but he is not a criminal.”
Agnifilo further asserted that Combs has been cooperative with the investigation, voluntarily relocating to New York in anticipation of the charges. He urged the public to withhold judgment until all facts are known, asserting that Combs is innocent and looking forward to clearing his name in court.
Combs faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The indictment, unsealed on September 17, outlines seven allegations against him, all of which he denies. Following a federal judge’s decision, Combs will remain in custody without bail as he awaits trial.
After the court ruling, Combs’ family members, who attended the arraignment, declined to comment and left the courthouse without making a statement.