NEW YORK, USA — Music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is facing a new wave of legal trouble as seven civil lawsuits were filed against him on Monday, October 21, 2024 adding to a growing list of allegations of sexual misconduct and assault.
Two of the new lawsuits involve accusers who claim they were minors at the time of the alleged assaults, and for the first time, the complaints also implicate unnamed celebrities in the incidents.
One of the accusers, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was 13 years old in 2000 when she was invited to an afterparty hosted by Combs following the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City.
According to her lawsuit, after consuming a drink, she became drowsy and looked for a place to rest.
The complaint states that Combs, along with an unnamed male and female celebrity, entered the room where she was lying down.
“You are ready to party!” Combs allegedly told her, according to the complaint.
Doe claims the unnamed male celebrity raped her while Combs and the female celebrity watched, after which Combs allegedly raped her as well.
When contacted for comment, Combs’ representatives referred to an earlier statement issued by his attorneys regarding six other lawsuits filed last week.
In the statement, Combs’ legal team denied all allegations, asserting, “Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone — adult or minor, man or woman.”
They further expressed confidence in the judicial process, stating, “In court, the truth will prevail.”
The seven lawsuits filed on Monday—five in federal court and two in New York Superior Court—include accusations of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, battery, and false imprisonment.
The alleged incidents occurred at various parties hosted by Combs between 2000 and 2022 in New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
The plaintiffs, identified as either Jane Doe or John Doe, include three women and four men, with all but one alleging they were drugged before being assaulted.
One accuser, identified as a 17-year-old aspiring artist, claims that in 2022, Combs offered him a drink at a party, assured him of a path to stardom, and then drugged and sexually assaulted him.
These lawsuits follow others filed last week by attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents at least 120 alleged victims, including minors.
The new lawsuits add to the legal challenges Combs is facing, as federal prosecutors continue to build a criminal case against him.
Criminal Charges and Federal Investigation
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and related crimes, remains in custody in New York while awaiting trial, which is set for May 2025.
Prosecutors allege that Combs used his business empire to orchestrate a “criminal enterprise” that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labour, and physical abuse over the course of decades.
On Monday, Combs’ legal team stated that they have “significant” new information that could support their argument for his release pending trial.
They are requesting a pause in ongoing appeals to bring this new evidence to the attention of the federal judge overseeing the case, Judge Arun Subramanian.
Prosecutors, however, oppose any delay.
In addition to seeking his release, Combs’ attorneys have asked the court to issue an order barring potential witnesses and their attorneys from speaking publicly about the allegations, citing concerns about the potential to interfere with his trial.
“This Court should exercise its discretion in issuing an order requiring all potential witnesses and their counsel to refrain from making extrajudicial statements that have a substantial likelihood to interfere with Mr. Combs’s trial or otherwise prejudice the due administration of justice,” Combs’ lawyers wrote to the judge.
Ongoing Legal Battle
Since November 2023, at least 25 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault or misconduct have been filed against Combs.
The first, filed by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, was settled swiftly, but the remaining cases are still active.
As federal prosecutors continue their investigation, additional charges or defendants could be included in a superseding indictment.
For now, Combs remains at the center of one of the most high-profile legal battles in the entertainment industry.
