S Poddar
Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents several claimants who say they were wronged by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, has estimated that the count of civil suits filed against the music mogul may go as high as 300. Already filing 20 lawsuits against Combs, Buzbee has said that his office received some 3,000 inquiries since he invited victims to come forward in October. He estimated that although the number of cases might ultimately be in the range of 100 and 150, the figure of 300 is probably in the 300 range, although not all cases would come to court.
Most of these lawsuits have accused Combs of aiding abuse at parties which took place in cities such as New York, California and Florida. These incidents, apparently, also involved people being administered drugs who were unaware of their soft drinks being laced with drugs. On his legal team’s response to those allegations, they term them a “shameless publicity stunt” and say that this is because it is supposed to seek payments from celebrities fearing loss of reputation due to such defamation as has previously occurred on Combs as well, in the form of totally baseless accusations.
The 55-year-old artist, who dominated the rap and soul music scene during the 1990s, has been charged with some serious crimes, which include racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation of individuals for prostitution. Combs denies all of these charges, and he’s been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn while he awaits his May 2025 trial.
Besides the cases against Combs, Buzbee is also suing another hip-hop icon, Jay-Z. A lawsuit was filed where it was alleged that Jay-Z and Combs sexually assaulted a minor at an awards after-party in 2000. Jay-Z responded by denouncing Buzbee, accusing him of blackmailing him by pressuring him to settle the case. Jay-Z, in a statement, condemned the attorney, questioning his character and expressing disbelief at Buzbee’s claims. He also criticized Buzbee’s military service, calling it into question, and labeling him a “deplorable human.”
Buzbee, a high-profile attorney known for his assertive courtroom style, has represented numerous clients in high-stakes legal battles. His career lists billions in settlements for sexual misconduct, including over two dozen women who accuse Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of similar offenses. Despite huge successes, though, Buzbee is a polarizing figure. Some of his critics-even Jay-Z-have accused him of extortion tactics in some of his legal practices. Nonetheless, Buzbee maintains that he is committed to giving a voice to marginalized individuals and holding powerful figures accountable.
Buzbee’s law firm has emphasized his dedication to amplifying the voices of the underrepresented, noting that he often takes on cases involving individuals whose accusations are typically met with skepticism. As a former Marine and Texas A&M University graduate, Buzbee’s aggressive approach to law and his ability to command public attention have made him a name to know in Texas and beyond. His legal style is marked by his strategic use of media to shape public perception and build pressure on defendants.
For Combs, the situation grows increasingly dire. He will be spending the Christmas holiday in jail, and the inmates, including Combs, will be allowed to participate in card games, dominoes, soccer, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, said a spokesperson from the detention center. Still, Combs’ focus is going to be on his pending legal issues. Combs is accused of having run a criminal network for years, allegedly extorting and abusing women. According to the accusation, he used various forms of manipulation and violence to make the victims not speak out.
The indictment also contains astounding allegations that Combs staged “Freak Offs,” which are sex acts he planned, filmed, and sometimes directed. The indictment alleges that these events were intended for his personal gratification and that he allegedly watched and recorded as he masturbated. The lawsuits also allege that Combs and his co-conspirators resorted to violence, including kidnapping, arson, and physical assault, to silence and intimidate women who participated in these events.
His lawyers maintain denial for all charges pending in the trial. Combs maintains that all criminal enterprise charges against him are fabrication. Prosecutors’ given narration of their version, on the other hand, was a gross misinterpretation of the fact. With a bad public image through such allegations, Combs claims to be frustrated; aggressive tactics in the media had already destroyed his reputation. He maintains that an acquittal is the only way to repair the damage done to his career and personal life.
As the legal team of Combs continues to vigorously defend him as innocent, the number of civil lawsuits keeps on increasing. With a trial date set for May 2025, the eyes of all will focus on the outcome of the proceeding. If the allegations are proven to be true, Combs could face severe consequences that would change the course of his life and career forever. However, at the moment, the battle is in court, and Combs continues to deny all accusations and claims that the charges are a story fabricated by those who want to destroy him.
