Sean “Diddy” Combs’ backup dancer avoided him “at all costs” when they worked together

Allegations of abuse against Sean “Diddy” Combs continue to pile up. The music mogul is currently in a New York City jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Many people spoke out against him, including his former dancer Tanika Ray. She said her workplace felt unsafe and she avoided Diddy as much as she could.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ backup dancer says she tried to avoid him

Rae now works as an entertainment journalist, but early in her career she worked as a backup dancer for Diddy. She admitted that it was an unpleasant experience. After working with him, she said the accusations against him did not surprise her.

“We can get rid of the pain and move on with our lives,” she wrote on Instagram. “We use this experience as a lesson and act differently. If I told my story in 1996, what then?? I just knew I had to avoid him at all costs. Yes, I danced for him and maintained my space. I was on the Vote or Die plane and saved my seat. I interviewed him for his projects and kept my space. There is nothing surprising in what is happening.”

She said she didn’t talk about her experience at the time because she wanted to heal from it.

“It’s important for ladies to have space to heal and move on,” she continued. “Gathering for the purpose of blaming are goals. But in this wild world with a broken system…our healing is a priority. Shame on all those men who allow this to continue. Maybe I’m ashamed of myself for prioritizing my mental health, some would say. But after working in a place that captures souls… mine is in tact and light. I saved myself. Now, if anyone needs me to tell my story, give me a call. But I think Cassie got it!”

She said many people have stories about him.

Rae wrote about Diddy in the caption of a clip of her discussing him. In it, she tells writer Touré about her experiences with Diddy.

“You know, we all have stories,” Ray said in the clip. “Seriously, we all have stories. Mine is terrible and only five people know about it. And I’ll probably never say it, but ever since then I’ve been like, “Yeah.” And I am also very aware that if you speak your truth, you will become a victim again and again and again and again and again. And mind you, I later interviewed him many times.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently in jail awaiting trial.

Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Facility in Brooklyn, a prison notorious for its poor conditions. Two judges denied him bail.

“Combs is being treated the same as any other detainee awaiting trial,” the source said, according to People. “Like all public figures in his position, he was placed on suicide watch upon admission to the facility as a precaution.”

Diddy’s trial will begin on May 5, 2025.

How to get help: In the US, call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to be connected with a trained sexual assault service provider in your area.