Sean 'Diddy' Combs is confronting a formidable legal battle following the emergence of 120 new sexual assault allegations. These claims have sparked widespread attention and scrutiny, presenting significant challenges for the music mogul as he navigates the implications of these serious accusations.
Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing a barrage of new sexual assault allegations, with a series of lawsuits set to be filed against him.
Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee announced at a press conference on Tuesday that he is representing 120 individuals who have accused Combs of sexual assault, with the alleged incidents dating back over two decades.
Buzbee declared, “We will expose the enablers who enabled this conduct behind closed doors. We will pursue this matter no matter who the evidence implicates." He added that his team has gathered "pictures, video, texts" to support the accusations.
The attorney outlined the breadth of the allegations, stating they include "violent sexual assault or rape, facilitated sex with a controlled substance, dissemination of video recordings, sexual abuse of minors." He emphasized the seriousness of the claims, stating, “It’s a long list already, but because of the nature of this case, we are going to make sure, damn sure, we are right before we do that. These names will shock you.”
Buzbee revealed that over 3,000 individuals have approached his office with accusations against Combs and that he plans to file lawsuits in various states within the next 30 days. He stated that the names of other defendants would be revealed at a later date.
Among the new accusers, Buzbee noted that 62% identify as African American and they hail from over 25 states, with a majority from New York, California, Georgia, and Florida. He also claimed that 25 of the accusers were minors at the time of the alleged incidents, some as young as 1991. Buzbee went further, alleging that one of the accusers was only 9 years old at the time of their alleged assault.
Combs' lawyer, Erica Wolff, issued a statement denying the accusations, stating, “As Mr. Combs’ legal team has emphasized, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus. That said, Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors. He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court if and when claims are filed and served, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.”
Combs is currently facing separate charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution, charges brought by the Southern District of New York last month. Combs pleaded not guilty and his lawyers have maintained his innocence.
Buzbee has previously represented victims in high-profile lawsuits, including against BP after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and against NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson for sexual misconduct. He also filed a $750 million lawsuit against Travis Scott following a fatal crowd crush at Astroworld Festival.
This new wave of allegations against Combs adds to his growing legal troubles, which began with a lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, last year. Ventura accused Combs of assault and sex trafficking during their relationship. While Combs vehemently denied the allegations, he eventually settled with Ventura for an undisclosed amount. Months later, surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel leaked, prompting an apology from the mogul.
Several other lawsuits have been filed against Combs since Ventura's claim, including one from Dawn Richard, a former member of the girl group Danity Kane. Richard alleged that Combs groped, assaulted, imprisoned her, and threatened her life.
Combs has denied all accusations, labeling them "sickening allegations" from individuals seeking "a quick payday."
Many of the lawsuits against Combs were filed in New York City, which has the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, allowing individuals to file lawsuits alleging sexual abuse even after the statute of limitations has passed.
