Attorney Tony Buzbee estimates that up to 300 civil lawsuits could be filed against Sean "Diddy" Combs, as accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse come to light. Combs has vehemently denied all allegations, describing them as a defamation campaign.**
Over 300 Cases Expected Against Sean "Diddy" Combs, Lawyer Claims**
Over 300 Cases Expected Against Sean "Diddy" Combs, Lawyer Claims**
Potential civil lawsuits against the music mogul continue to mount as lawyer Tony Buzbee outlines extensive allegations from alleged victims.**
A lawyer representing numerous alleged victims of Sean "Diddy" Combs has stated that the total number of potential civil legal cases against the musician could reach "the 300 range." According to Tony Buzbee, who spoke to the BBC, his firm has received around 3,000 inquiries since he began soliciting clients in October. To date, 20 lawsuits have already been filed by individuals seeking damages from Combs, with Buzbee now estimating a realistic final count of about 100 to 150 cases due to time constraints in some jurisdictions.
Combs has denied all allegations, characterizing them as "sickening" and motivated by individuals seeking quick financial gain. His legal team has dismissed the allegations, branding Buzbee's press conference and his method of collecting potential claims as a "reckless media circus." Attorney Erica Wolff stated, "Mr. Combs has full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process."
The legendary musician is currently detained in Manhattan’s Metropolitan Detention Center, facing separate criminal charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering, charges that he also denies.
Buzbee has a notable reputation in the legal field, previously gaining prominence for his work suing energy corporation BP after the Texas City disaster and for representing former Texas governor Rick Perry in abuse-of-power allegations. His involvement with Combs began last year when Andrew Van Arsdale, his co-counsel known for advocating for victims in cases against the Boy Scouts of America, began receiving calls regarding Combs.
Following Buzbee's public solicitation for victims through social media, his office was inundated with calls, leading to a thorough vetting process to identify viable claims. Presently, the attorneys are still receiving daily inquiries regarding potential cases.
The alleged victims’ accusations span two decades, involving both men and women. Claims include a woman asserting that Combs assaulted her in a hotel room in 2004 and a young musician who alleges he was drugged and assaulted by the rapper when he was just 10 years old.
Currently, the lawsuits have been filed anonymously, with victims referred to as John Doe or Jane Doe in the court documents. However, Combs' attorneys are pushing for the public disclosure of their identities to prepare for potential trials, arguing it may discourage the plaintiffs. Buzbee defended the approach, affirming that the plaintiffs are committed to their cases despite the challenges posed by identity disclosure.
A particularly notable lawsuit alleges involvement of other celebrities in Combs' alleged misdeeds, including accusations related to a 2000 incident involving a 13-year-old girl at one of Combs' parties. The lawsuit recently identified rapper Jay-Z as a participant, leading to a fierce rebuttal from him, who denounced the claims as outrageous and accused Buzbee of extortion.
Legal controversies surrounding Combs have sparked speculation about the involvement of additional high-profile figures, with Buzbee suggesting that this could become a trending topic in the media.
As the legal battles unfold, it remains clear that allegations against Combs are not only serious but involve broader implications for the music industry. Buzbee believes these claims suggest a pervasive culture within the industry that enabled such behavior to go unchecked for years.
Court processes may require time, as the Fifth Amendment mandates that Combs' criminal trial on separate charges must conclude before civil claims can be pursued. Criminal proceedings are slated to begin in May 2025, with potential ramifications for the civil lawsuits awaiting resolution in the meantime.