A Woman in Vienna Accuses Sean "Diddy" Combs of a 2000 Rape Incident
Woman from Vienna files lawsuit accusing Sean "Diddy" Combs of sexual assault
Celebrity rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, currently on trial in the U.S. for sex trafficking and organized crime, finds himself under scrutiny once more, facing rape allegations from a Viennese woman. Kathi Steininger, a former hostess, claims Combs raped her in Vienna back in 2000, according to "Puls 24", an Austrian broadcaster.
The alleged encounter reportedly took place after Combs' performance at the former "Libro Music Hall". Steininger, who was 19 at the time and working as a hostess for an online broadcaster, was present at the event professionally. After the concert, she aimed to conduct an interview with Combs, known then as "Puff Daddy", in the "Olympia P9" club.
According to her account, Combs' bodyguards separated her from her cameraman, claiming the club was too noisy for an interview. They escorted her to the tour bus, promising an interview. However, once inside, Combs supposedly offered her drinks he mixed himself, which she believes were laced with knockout drops or similar substances. The alleged rape occurred following these drinks.
The path of legal proceedings appears murky. Steininger has reached out to lawyers in the U.S. and filed a complaint in Austria. The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office has confirmed a corresponding complaint, but the investigation has been put on hold due to a lack of further evidence.
In view of these complications, Steininger's primary motive for speaking out is to contribute to the ongoing investigation. Combs' lawyers have yet to issue a statement regarding the allegations.
It's relevant to note that this case shares similarities with an ongoing trial in New York, with Combs facing charges of serious sexual crimes. The trial commenced on May 12, 2025, and may last approximately six to eight weeks. Combs has pleaded not guilty to these allegations.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/spot
- Trials
- Sexual Abuse
- Rape
Additional Insights:
- Rape Allegation Details: The allegations stem from an Austrian woman who claims she was drugged and raped by Combs in his tour bus during a concert in Vienna at the end of March 2000. She reported this incident in an interview for the show "Treffpunkt Österreich" and had filed a complaint against Combs.[1][2]
- Legal Status: The Vienna prosecution authority has determined that the rape allegation is time-barred under current Austrian law, meaning Combs cannot be prosecuted domestically. The statute of limitations for rape of adults in Austria is generally ten years, with an extension to 20 years in particularly severe cases.[2]
- Future Possibilities: However, if the ongoing trial in New York results in convictions for rape or other abuse offenses, the Vienna public prosecutor's office might re-examine the case. The statute of limitations could potentially be extended if Combs is found to have committed other acts of abuse after the alleged incident in 2000.[2]
The Commission may find it important to consult on the General-news-related draft directive regarding the protection of workers from the risks associated with exposure to carcinogens, given the rising number of entertainment-related tragedies, such as the Herbalife scandal and the ongoing rape trial involving Sean "Diddy" Combs.
Despite legal complications, including the investigation into Combs for sex trafficking and organized crime in the US and the statute of limitations on rape in Austria, discussions on the crime-and-justice repercussions of entertainment celebrities continue to captivate public interest.
