Dawn Richard is an American singer, songwriter, and multimedia artist known for her innovative approach to R&B, pop, and electronic music. Born on August 5, 1983, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she began her music career as a member of the girl group Danity Kane, formed during MTV’s Making the Band 3 in 2004. The group achieved commercial success before disbanding in 2009. Richard then joined Diddy— Dirty Money, releasing the acclaimed album Last Train to Paris in 2010
Embarking on a solo career, Richard released her debut album, Been a While, in 2005 under the name Dawn Angeliqué. She later adopted the moniker DΔWN and released a trilogy of albums: Goldenheart (2013), Blackheart (2015), and Redemption (2016), exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption through experimental sounds. Her 2021 album Second Line pays homage to her New Orleans roots, blending electronic music with cultural elements
Beyond music, Richard is a multifaceted artist involved in animation, dance, and entrepreneurship. She co-founded Papa Ted’s, a vegan pop-up in New Orleans, and collaborates with platforms like Adult Swim to support Black and queer animators
MORGAN WALLEN DROPS 37-TRACK ALBUM”I’M THE PROBLEM”
Richard, a former member of Danity Kane and Diddy–Dirty Money, filed a lawsuit against Combs in September 2024, alleging sexual and physical abuse during their eight-year professional relationship. She also claims to have witnessed Combs being violent toward other women, including Cassie Ventura and Kim Porter.
Despite personal and professional challenges, she continues to create music that resonates with themes of empowerment and resilience.
Dawn Richard is expected to testify in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s ongoing federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. Prosecutors announced that she would take the stand once the cross-examination of Cassie Ventura, Combs’s ex-girlfriend and the prosecution’s star witness, concludes.
While the exact timing of her testimony is not confirmed, it is anticipated to occur soon after Ventura’s cross-examination concludes. Richard’s testimony will provide further insight into Combs’s alleged misconduct within his inner circle.
