Legal Storm: Potential Cases Against Diddy Skyrocket Amid Allegations

As Sean Combs confronts a wave of allegations, a lawyer claims the number of potential civil cases could be as high as 300, while Combs maintains his innocence amidst concerns over the validity of the claims.

Lawyer Tony Buzbee, representing multiple alleged victims of Sean "Diddy" Combs, stated that the number of potential civil lawsuits against the hip-hop mogul may reach around 300. Since Buzbee's news conference in October, which sought clients for representation, approximately 3,000 calls have flooded into his office. To date, 20 lawsuits have been filed, with Buzbee predicting that the final count could realistically land between 100 and 150, as some claims may be barred by statutes of limitations in certain states.

Combs has vehemently denied all allegations, labeling them "sickening" and claiming they stem from individuals seeking financial gain. His legal team has criticized the spate of lawsuits as part of a "reckless media circus" and accused Buzbee of exploiting the situation for publicity. Attorney Erica Wolff expressed confidence in Combs's integrity, asserting that the truth would emerge in court.

Currently detained in Manhattan for unrelated criminal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, Combs's past is increasingly under scrutiny. Buzbee, a well-known and sometimes controversial figure in the legal community, detailed how he was recruited to assist after receiving an overwhelming number of calls in connection to Combs. The vetting process for potential victims has since begun, highlighting claims ranging from accusations of rape to sexual assault.

Among the allegations, one notable case involves a woman who asserts she was raped by Combs in 2004 at just 19 years old, while another claim involves a young boy asserting he was drugged and assaulted by Combs when he was just 10. So far, anonymity has shielded the plaintiffs in court, but Combs's lawyers are pushing for disclosure of identities to mount a defense.

Buzbee explained that he believes the potential cases are widespread, a reflection of a culture of impunity associated with Combs's past. One lawsuit currently garners extra attention for including accusations against other celebrities, including rap icon Jay-Z, who has publicly dismissed these claims as unfounded and malicious, alleging attempts at blackmail.

Buzbee's assertion that more high-profile figures could soon emerge in this legal saga aligns with ongoing speculation fueled by social media. However, he insists that his clients will not be deterred by the potential backlash of their identities coming to light.

Legal expert Jennie VonCannon noted the process could take considerable time, as criminal proceedings must precede any civil cases due to the risks of self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment. The grand jury process for Combs is still ongoing, which may lead to additional modifications of the charges. The criminal trial is currently set to commence in May 2025, leaving a looming uncertainty for the alleged victims and the accused alike.