Mounting Civil Suits Against Sean 'Diddy' Combs Could Impact His Criminal Case, Experts Warn
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is urging prosecutors to reveal the identities of his accusers. They argue that the government is unjustly compelling the music mogul to navigate a labyrinth of uncertainty as he readies his defense. This plea arises as more civil accusers emerge, following his recent arrest and indictment on multiple criminal charges.
In correspondence addressed to Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs’ lawyers contended that while the government alleges numerous victims, none have been explicitly named. They claim that identifying the individuals central to the prosecution’s case is complicated by a barrage of unfounded accusations from those they describe as desperate and opportunistic.
The US Attorney's office refrained from commenting. Combs, currently detained in Brooklyn, has entered a not guilty plea to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. Federal authorities accuse him of masterminding a criminal network engaging in heinous activities such as sex trafficking and kidnapping, asserting he did not act alone. His trial is slated for May 2025.
An appellate court is scheduled to hear arguments regarding Combs’ bail plea on November 4, following a lower court’s denial. Since his arrest, eight new civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault have been filed. Legal expert Jennie VonCannon suggested these could guide the ongoing investigation.
VonCannon noted the increase in accusers' numbers heightens the likelihood of previously unknown conduct, potentially leading to additional charges or defendants. Prosecutors have hinted at the possibility of a superseding indictment, which could alter the trial’s scope.
New accusers and witnesses have reportedly met with federal agents post-arrest. The Department of Homeland Security and the SDNY have not commented on the investigation’s progression or potential new charges.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, who now represents over 120 accusers, filed six new lawsuits this week. Since November 2023, at least 18 suits have been lodged, including one from ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, which was swiftly settled.
Combs has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Following the release of a 2016 video showing him in a violent episode with Ventura, he issued a public apology. His defense seeks to exclude this footage from trial evidence, alleging unauthorized media leaks by the government.
The latest accusers allege sexual assaults spanning from 1995 to 2021. Represented by Buzbee and attorney Andrew Van Arsdale, the anonymous claimants include both genders, with one recounting an alleged incident at a 1998 White Party in the Hamptons.
Combs’ legal team did not address specific claims but reiterated his innocence, stating, “Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone.” Another accuser alleges a non-consensual filmed assault, while another claims drugging and assault led to pregnancy, with assertions as recent as 2024.
VonCannon posited that Combs might have been indicted prematurely due to perceived threats to community safety and witness tampering. Combs’ defense contests these assertions in their appeal against his detention.
The indictment may reflect a broader pattern of criminal activity, potentially involving additional crimes. With Combs behind bars, more accusers reportedly feel empowered to speak out.
Prior to Combs’ arrest, most plaintiffs had already been in dialogue with federal investigators. An accuser disclosed knowledge of further victims contacting federal agents, acknowledging ongoing fear of retribution due to Combs’ formidable influence in the music industry. “He still has some hold,” she remarked.
