I’m Faith Nyasuguta
Jailed hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing sexual misconduct allegations from 120 individuals as he awaits trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the accusers, announced the shocking claims during a press conference on October 1, stating that lawsuits are expected to be filed within the next month, with most cases proceeding in New York and Los Angeles.
Buzbee revealed that the group of accusers is equally divided between males and females, with 60 men and 60 women coming forward with allegations. The individuals represent a diverse demographic, with 62% identifying as African-American, 30% as white, and the rest as Hispanic or Asian. According to Buzbee, the alleged misconduct spans over more than two decades, from 1991 to 2024, which he said explains the large number of alleged victims.
“The time frame of the acts complained of is very wide. If you wonder why there are so many alleged victims, that’s your answer. We’re talking about more than 25 years of this type of conduct,” Buzbee stated. One accuser, he added, claims to have been just nine years old at the time of the abuse.
Strong Denials from Combs’ Legal Team
In response to the accusations, Combs’ legal team has issued emphatic denials. Attorney Erica Wolff, speaking on behalf of Combs, condemned what she described as a “reckless media circus” and dismissed the allegations as “false and defamatory.“
“Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors,” Wolff said in a statement. “He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.”
Despite the denial, Buzbee noted that over 3,280 individuals contacted his firm with claims of victimization by Combs. After careful review, his firm chose to represent only 120 of those cases, while others remain under investigation. Some of Buzbee’s clients, he mentioned, have also spoken to the FBI regarding their allegations.
Allegations Involving Parties, Drugs, and Coercion
The allegations stem largely from incidents at parties hosted in New York, California, and Florida. Buzbee alleged that individuals attending these parties were given drinks laced with drugs. He also claimed that many aspiring performers, particularly younger individuals seeking to break into the music industry, were coerced into compromising situations with the promise of fame and success.
“Many times, especially young people, people wanting to break into the industry were coerced into this type of conduct with the promise of being made a star,” Buzbee stated.
The accusations against Combs have surfaced as he faces federal charges related to his involvement in organizing so-called “Freak Offs,” where female victims were allegedly drugged and coerced into sexual activities with male sex workers. These events were reportedly staged as part of a wider sex trafficking operation. Combs, now 54, has been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since pleading not guilty to the charges on September 17.
Combs’ Legacy and Legal Battle
Combs’ legal team continues to assert his innocence, maintaining that the allegations are unfounded. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. His attorney stressed that Combs will vigorously defend his name and reputation in court.
Combs, also known as “P. Diddy” or “Puff Daddy,” is a towering figure in the music industry, having built an empire as a producer, performer, and entrepreneur. Over his decades-long career, he won three Grammy Awards and collaborated with legendary artists such as Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, and Lil’ Kim. In addition to founding Bad Boy Records in 1993, Combs launched the Sean John clothing line, a vodka brand, and the Revolt TV network, which he partially sold off in June 2024.
Tony Buzbee, the attorney leading the case against Combs, is no stranger to high-profile legal battles. He previously represented numerous women who accused NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and misconduct, a case that resulted in significant settlements.
As Combs’ trial approaches, the mounting accusations add another layer to an already dramatic legal battle. Both the hip-hop icon’s legacy and his future hang in the balance as the case moves forward.
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