Unveiling Kathi Steininger: Austrian Broadcaster Speaks Out against P. Diddy in TV Interview
- Written By: Neele Fromm (Slanted towards a casual, laid-back style)
- Approx Reading Time: 3 mins
Austrian Interviewee Shares Story About Encounter with P. Diddy on Live Broadcast - Austrian TV host details encounter with P. Diddy during a live broadcast interview
"I was violated," Kathi Steininger says, her voice firm but emotional. Tears well up in her eyes as she recounts the night 25 years ago that still haunts her. As a journalist, she had arranged a post-concert interview with Sean "Diddy" Combs, but what followed was far from the anticipated discussion. The interview never happened, and instead, Steininger alleges she was left to grapple with psychological issues and PTSD following an alleged assault by the rapper. It wasn't until years later that she finally confided in her family about what happened. In the Austrian television program "Treffpunkt Österreich," Steininger bravely shares her story.
Steininger's shocking claims add to the growing list of accusations against Combs. Around a hundred individuals, including both men and women, have joined a collective lawsuit filed in the US, alleging severe misconduct against the celebrated entertainer.
Who is Kathi Steininger?
Kathi Steininger, a familiar face in the Austrian media landscape, began her career in the early 2000s. She gained popularity as the presenter of the renowned boulevard magazine "Spotlights," airing weekly on Austria 9 TV. However, following the station's closure in 2012, and successive burglaries at her home and her then-husband's company, Steininger chose to leave television permanently. After her divorce in 2021, Steininger redefined her career, training as a fitness instructor and endorsing a diet product. Today, she resides in Vienna with her two sons.
"I wished I hadn't gone to bed with that man"
"I was ashamed," Steininger admits today. It took the widespread discussion about sexual violence surrounding P. Diddy for her to find the courage to speak out. "I want him held accountable for what he did to me," she says in an interview with Puls 24. According to Steininger, the incident occurred on March 28, 2000, after a concert at the Vienna "Libro Music Hall." Steininger had hoped for an interview at the "Olympia P9" club — but things went awry.
Steininger claims that Combs' bodyguards separated her from her familiar cameraman and producer under the pretense that it was too noisy at the party for an interview, and they led her into one of the tour buses. Both men confirmed this to Puls 24. There, the rapper offered her a drink — Steininger suspects today that it was spiked with a sedative. After scrutinizing the reports about the accusations of other victims, she recognized the truth: "My drink was tampered with. I would never have gone to bed with that man." Combs handed her the drink and poured it himself, she recalls: "I was fully conscious, but my body allowed it."
Steininger also collaborated with US attorneys about the P. Diddy incident
In the spring of 2024, Steininger came forward to the US prosecutor's office investigating Diddy. However, since the alleged assault took place in Europe, an American court declined her direct involvement. Nevertheless, the authorities appreciated her cooperation and questioned her extensively for months beforehand.
Steininger filed a complaint in Austria. The Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office acknowledged the receipt, however, the investigation was initially suspended "pending a future indictment." Reason: Although the act is time-barred in Austria, legal action may be pursued if Combs is convicted in the United States.
Undeterred by the inability to provide testimony as a witness, Steininger remains steadfast: "It's not over - we're right in the thick of it." She emphasizes the significance of bringing "the true nature" of this man to light. Steininger's brave revelation is part of a powerful movement of survivors joining together: Following singer Cassie Ventura's lawsuit in November 2023, over a hundred victims have come forth with serious allegations against Combs. In May 2025, the trial against the musician began, with Combs facing charges of rape, human trafficking, and organized crime.
- Against the backdrop of a growing list of accusations against Sean Combs, Austrian broadcaster Kathi Steininger, who was violated in an alleged assault by the celebrity entertainer, has collaborated with US attorneys about the incident.
- In the face of numerous allegations of misconduct against P. Diddy, including those by Kathi Steininger and over a hundred other individuals, the trial against the musician began in May 2025, with Combs facing charges of rape, human trafficking, and organized crime.
