Recently, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Florida were raided by Homeland Security and other law enforcement agents. These raids were executed as part of an ongoing sex-trafficking investigation by federal authorities, according to sources who spoke to the Associated Press. This news comes after a series of sexual assault lawsuits filed against Combs in recent months. As lawsuits and celebrities continue to speak up about their experiences with Diddy, music fans are staying alert about potential news that may come out about their favorite artists. The music industry is following the television and film industry and entering its #MeTooMovement.

With April marking Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it is important that we remember the history of the #MeTooMovement. Activist Tarana Burke originally coined the phrase “me too” in 2006. But it became popular in 2017 when actress Alyssa Milano tweeted ‘me too’. Afterwards, she encouraged others to do the same and share their stories. In an interview with Forbes, Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of National Women’s Law Center and co-founder of Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund said, “I think the spark in fact was the injustice of learning that people with the power and privilege that some of the Weinstein survivors had, that they too did not have justice and healing.” Sexual assault can happen to anyone and anyone can sexually assault an individual.

The Second Wave of the #MeTooMovement

Despite the fact that male artists have received sexual assault allegations, including R Kelly and Russell Simmons, no one of Diddy’s status been called out, until now.

Just as feminism has different waves, we are entering the #MeTooMovement’s second wave.

When looking at Diddy’s lawsuits, it is important to take into account that Diddy is one of the most influential names in hip-hop, with the likes of Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) and Jay Z. Diddy founded his own record label, Bad Boys Records, signing Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112. Additionally, people credit Diddy for discovering big names in music, including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige and Usher.

As people speak about Diddy, there is speculation that news will come out about other powerful people within the industry.

While I cannot confirm or deny the allegations about Diddy, sexual violence is real across industries. Regardless of the basis of these allegations, hopefully people will feel empowered to tell their stories. This applies to all industries.

Most recently, MAX released its docuseries “Quiet on Set” exposing the abuse and toxic work environments former staff members endured.

Thus far, this second wave of the #MeTooMovement, appears to apply to child actors and the music industry. Yet, that only scratches the surface of communities affected by sexual violence.

As we enter this new wave, let us all remember to show grace to those sharing their stories. And most importantly, allow people to tell their stories when they are ready. This may be the #MeTooMovement’s second wave, but it is certainly not the last.