Damon Dash says he “didn’t go to those parties” where Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly staged sexual displays that authorities say were known as “Freak Offs.”
The 53-year-old music executive addressed Diddy’s “shocking” situation in an Instagram Stories clip on Sunday, as the 54-year-old Grammy winner remains in custody after being arrested a week ago on suspicion of human trafficking.
The New York City native was seen in a series of resurfaced photos taken in East Hampton, New York, in July 2000, featuring him with celebrities including Diddy, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-Z and the late Aaliyah, with whom he was in a relationship.
The Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder said on the social media platform, according to TeFab“I went to a concert in the Hamptons with Aaliyah about 20 years ago and that was pretty much it. But there were a lot of people there, you know?”
Dash said his romance with the Are You That Somebody singer, which lasted until her death in August 2001 at age 22, began in the upscale New York state neighborhood.
Damon Dash, 53, says he ‘didn’t go to those parties’ where Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs allegedly organized sexual demonstrations that authorities say were known as ‘Freak Offs’
(L-R) Natane Adcock, Damon Dash, the late Aaliyah, Jay Z, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs and Jennifer Lopez at Puff Daddy’s Fourth of July Party on July 2, 2000 in East Hampton, New York
“There’s nothing happening in the Hamptons… that was the day I met Aaliyah,” Dash said of photos that circulated after Combs’ arrest.
“We were hanging out there and then we left and that’s what happened,” Dash said. “That was 20 years ago, that wasn’t in L.A. or Miami.”
He added: ‘I know they’re going to play games with those pictures. It’s all good, I don’t really care.’
Dash said he’s not surprised by the entertainment industry’s collective silence on Diddy’s case.
“People sit by and watch people do things that could be immoral, but until they get caught, no one says anything about it,” Dash said.
He added: ‘Whether it’s illegal or immoral, I just break out. I don’t wait for people to get caught.’
“I don’t wait for someone else to tell me they’re doing something wrong. If something goes against my moral principles, I move on.”
Dash and his ex-wife, fashion designer Rachel Roy, 50, were married from 2005 to 2009 and have two daughters: model Ava Dash, 24, and Tallulah Dash, 16. He is also father to son Dame “Boogie” Dash, 32, with ex Linda Williams; son Lucky, 20, with ex Cindy Morales; and three-year-old son Dusko with fiancée Raquel Horn.
Dash was one of the notable names seen at Diddy’s 2000 party, along with the late Aaliyah and Diddy’s ex Jennifer Lopez
Dash said he’s not surprised by the entertainment industry’s collective silence regarding Diddy’s case
“People will sit there and watch people do things that may be immoral, but until they get caught, no one says anything about it,” Dash said
Combs pleaded not guilty last week to federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
In a criminal complaint, authorities allege that the rap mogul abused, threatened and coerced women “to satisfy his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct.” The allegations date back to 2008.
Combs tried twice more to get bail after his arrest, but was told he must remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
If found guilty, Combs faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.
