Sean “Diddy” Combs faces multiple lawsuits alleging child assault and sex trafficking, with over 120 accusers coming forward.
At a Glance
- New lawsuit claims Combs raped a 10-year-old boy in 2005.
- Over 120 accusers represented by attorney Tony Buzbee.
- Allegations span from 1991 to present, including minors.
- Combs denies all allegations, calling them “publicity stunts”.
- Criminal trial is scheduled for May 5, 2025.
Mounting Legal Troubles for Music Mogul
Sean “Diddy” Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry, is facing a series of damaging lawsuits alleging child assault and sex trafficking. The most recent lawsuit, filed in New York State court, accuses Combs of raping a 10-year-old boy in 2005. This case is part of a growing number of legal actions against the music mogul, with over 120 accusers coming forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.
Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee, representing the victims, has filed multiple lawsuits and claims to have been contacted by over 3,280 individuals alleging victimization by Combs. Of these, Buzbee’s firm is representing 120 cases, with accusers split evenly between males and females. Notably, 25 of these individuals were reportedly minors at the time of the alleged misconduct.
A new civil lawsuits alleges Sean "Diddy" Combs of sexual assault by six more people.
Combs is already facing federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking and is set to go to trail on May 5, 2025.ABC News' @AaronKatersky reports more.https://t.co/sDhctd1mSo pic.twitter.com/UacuYhjhb2
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) October 15, 2024
Allegations Span Decades
The accusations against Combs span a period from 1991 to the present year, painting a disturbing picture of long-term alleged misconduct. The lawsuits describe a pattern of abuse occurring mainly at parties in New York, California, and Florida, often involving drug-laced drinks. Some incidents allegedly took place during auditions, with promises of stardom used as coercion.
“Many times, especially young people, people wanting to break into the industry were coerced into this type of conduct in the promise of being made a star,” says attorney Tony Buzbee.
In the case of the 10-year-old victim, the lawsuit alleges that Combs drugged and assaulted the boy in a Manhattan hotel room. The victim reportedly continues to suffer from ongoing psychological trauma, including fears and night terrors. Another lawsuit claims Combs sexually assaulted a 17-year-old in 2008, who was subsequently blacklisted from the music industry.
Legal Ramifications and Combs’ Response
Combs now faces serious charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he could potentially face a life sentence. The music mogul is currently held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, having been denied bail twice. His criminal trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025.
“Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor,” say Combs’ lawyers.
Combs’ legal team vehemently denies all allegations, dismissing them as publicity stunts and maintaining his innocence. They argue that the lawyer behind the lawsuits is more interested in media attention than the truth. However, the sheer number of accusers and the severity of the allegations have placed Combs under intense scrutiny.
Impact on the Music Industry
The allegations against Combs, a titan in the music industry who founded Bad Boy Records and other successful ventures, have sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. The case highlights the ongoing issues of abuse and exploitation in the industry, particularly involving aspiring young artists.
“I think one aspect that makes this lawsuit different is the stature of the accused,” says Sidney Madden.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the music industry and the public await further developments in this high-profile case. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for how the entertainment world addresses issues of sexual misconduct and the protection of vulnerable individuals, especially minors, within its ranks.