A lawyer announced on Tuesday that he is representing 120 individuals who have accused hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs of sexual misconduct. Combs is currently awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Houston attorney Tony Buzbee anticipates that lawsuits will be filed within the next month, with the majority expected to be filed in New York and Los Angeles. Buzbee detailed that the victims include 60 males and 60 females, with 25 of them being minors at the time of the alleged misconduct. One individual claimed to have been 9 years old when he was abused, according to Buzbee. The allegations span from 1991 to the present year.
"This kind of sexual assault, abuse, and exploitation should never occur in the United States or anywhere else. It should not have been allowed to continue for so long. This behavior has left a large number of people injured, frightened, and scarred," Buzbee stated during a press conference. Following the announcement of the accusations in Texas, an attorney for Combs responded that the performer "cannot address every baseless allegation in what has turned into a reckless media circus." Erica Wolff, Combs' attorney, issued a statement asserting that her client "emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors." Wolff added that Combs looks forward to proving his innocence in court, where the truth will be determined based on evidence rather than speculation.
Buzbee revealed that over 3,280 individuals contacted his firm alleging they were victimized by Combs. After reviewing the allegations, his firm decided to represent 120 of these individuals. Other cases are still under review, and some clients have spoken with the FBI. The individuals represented by Buzbee's firm hail from more than 25 states, with the majority coming from California, New York, Georgia, and Florida. The alleged abuse primarily occurred at parties in New York, California, and Florida where attendees were given drinks laced with drugs. Some of the misconduct is said to have taken place during auditions where, according to Buzbee, "many times, especially young people hoping to break into the industry, were coerced into this type of conduct in the promise of being made a star."
Combs, 54, has been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since pleading not guilty on September 17 to federal charges alleging he used his "power and prestige" to induce female victims into drugged-up sexual performances with male sex workers at events known as "Freak Offs." Combs has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. His attorney maintains his innocence and vows to fight for his vindication.
