A Texas lawyer reveals that 120 alleged victims, including minors, are suing the music mogul for serious offences spanning decades
In a dramatic escalation of legal woes, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been hit with more than 100 new allegations of sexual assault, rape, and sexual exploitation. Texas attorney Tony Buzbee announced this shocking news during a press conference, revealing he represents a staggering 120 alleged victims—half of whom are men and the other half women—coming from over 25 states across the United States. Among the accusers are 25 minors, including some who were just nine years old at the time of the alleged abuse.
Buzbee stated, “This is an important matter that we intend to aggressively pursue,” emphasising the determination of his team to uncover all individuals and entities that may have played a role in the alleged misconduct. The allegations date back as far as 1991 and stretch to the present day, with most incidents reportedly occurring after 2015. Locations of these alleged crimes span major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, and many complaints revolve around parties hosted by Combs—events tied to album launches and festive celebrations such as New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July.
The attorney described a distressing pattern of behaviour, claiming that young artists were often coerced into compromising situations with promises of fame. “Many aspiring musicians were led to believe that complying with such conduct was their ticket to stardom,” he explained, shedding light on the darker side of the entertainment industry.
One particularly harrowing case involves a nine-year-old boy who claims he was sexually abused by Combs and his associates while trying to secure a record deal at a New York recording studio. The boy’s lawyer quoted him as saying, “Had he not been in power, I feel I could’ve been something great. I quit the industry because of what Sean Combs did to me.”
Another troubling account involves a minor who alleged that Combs promised him stardom but insisted on a private meeting without parental supervision. During this meeting, the boy claims Combs requested he perform oral sex on him. Additionally, Buzbee highlighted a case involving a 15-year-old girl, who reportedly flew to New York for a party hosted by Combs, only to be raped by him and others in attendance.
According to Buzbee, a troubling trend emerged wherein alleged victims were often given “laced” drinks before being assaulted. “The biggest secret in the entertainment industry has finally been revealed to the world,” he declared, suggesting that the long-standing silence surrounding these abuses may finally be breaking.
This wave of allegations is not Combs’ first encounter with legal troubles. He was arrested last month on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking and remains in federal custody after being denied bail, a decision he is currently appealing. Combs has denied all allegations of criminal wrongdoing, asserting that the latest claims are “false and defamatory.”
Erica Wolff, Combs’ attorney, expressed her client’s intention to fight the allegations. “Mr Combs emphatically and categorically denies the allegations,” she stated, adding that he “looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.”
Buzbee clarified that the ongoing legal actions would not constitute a class action lawsuit; rather, each alleged victim will have their individual case filed, allowing for their personal stories to be told in pursuit of justice. Furthermore, Andrew Van Arsdale, an attorney from the AVA law group working with Buzbee, reported an influx of inquiries, indicating their firm has received over 3,000 phone calls from individuals claiming to have been abused by Combs.
Alongside the 120 current alleged victims, Van Arsdale indicated that they are vetting another 100 cases, which suggests that this issue may have far-reaching implications across the entertainment industry. The sheer number of claims and the serious nature of the allegations have sparked a conversation about accountability in Hollywood, where many individuals have begun to share their experiences of abuse and exploitation.
As this unfolding story continues to capture public attention, both the entertainment industry and fans alike will be watching closely. The outcomes of these legal battles could set significant precedents, not just for Combs but for the entire industry, prompting a reckoning with its past and the treatment of vulnerable individuals within it.