NEW YORK, US — Attorneys for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs have issued a defiant statement following the filing of six new sexual assault lawsuits against the embattled music mogul, who remains in custody awaiting trial on federal charges.
The lawsuits, filed by attorney Tony Buzbee on Monday, October 14, 2024, are part of a larger wave of legal actions involving 120 alleged victims, many of whom were minors at the time of the incidents.
Buzbee made headlines earlier this month with a press conference announcing his representation of more than 100 accusers, launching a public sexual assault helpline as part of the campaign.
Diddy’s legal team responded to the filings, characterizing the press conference and associated hotline as publicity stunts.
“The press conference and 1-800 number that preceded today’s barrage of filings were clear attempts to garner publicity,” the statement to TMZ read.
“In court, the truth will prevail. Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone — adult or minor, man or woman.”
Combs, 54, is currently detained at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center, facing federal charges separate from the civil lawsuits.
He was arrested last month and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The rapper, known for hits like “All About the Benjamins,” has pleaded not guilty and maintains his intent to testify during his upcoming trial.
Six New Lawsuits Filed
Of the six new lawsuits filed Monday, two were brought by women and four by men, all identified as Jane or John Doe to protect their privacy.
One anonymous John Doe alleges Combs sexually assaulted him at one of the rapper’s infamous “White Parties” in the Hamptons in 1998, when the victim was 16 years old.
Buzbee has revealed that the 120 individuals he represents include both male and female survivors, many of whom were minors at the time of the alleged abuse.
“Our youngest victim is 9 years old,” Buzbee said during his October 1 press conference. “We have an individual who is 14 years old. We have one who is 15.”
The civil cases add to the mounting legal pressure on Combs, who also faces allegations from clients represented by renowned attorney Gloria Allred.
Allred’s firm has filed multiple lawsuits against the hip-hop mogul on behalf of victims accusing him of sexual misconduct.
Legal Team Pushes Back
Erica Wolff, one of Diddy’s attorneys, dismissed the wave of allegations as a “reckless media circus” following Buzbee’s October press conference.
“As Mr. Combs’ legal team has emphasized, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus,” Wolff told Newsweek.
Diddy’s legal team insists that the rapper will vigorously contest the charges and civil claims, standing firm on his assertion of innocence.
“In court, the truth will prevail,” the statement emphasised.
Shifting Focus of Federal Investigators
The federal investigation into Combs has strained resources at the FBI, which recently announced a pause in its separate probe involving Prince Andrew and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
A legal source disclosed that investigators have redirected manpower to the Diddy case as new information and leads have poured in over recent months.
“The sheer volume of information being gathered in the Combs case is comparable to when the Epstein investigation first broke wide open,” the source told reporters.
With dozens of new allegations and multiple lawsuits in progress, federal and civil proceedings against Diddy are expected to unfold over the coming months, drawing national attention to the case.
If convicted of the federal charges, Diddy could face decades in prison. The civil suits could also result in significant financial penalties, further compounding his legal troubles.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse or assault, contact your nearest Rape Crisis organisation for support. Here are links to organisations that can help you HERE and HERE.
