October 1, 2024 at 4:56 p.m. EDT
A legal team announced on Tuesday that they are preparing to file over 100 sexual assault lawsuits against Sean Combs, marking a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing the music producer known as Diddy. This unprecedented legal action is one of the most extensive in the #MeToo era, according to lead attorney Tony Buzbee during a press conference in Houston. Buzbee highlighted that this move breaks the silence surrounding what he described as “the biggest secret in the entertainment industry.”
Andrew Van Arsdale, another attorney representing the plaintiffs, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of these cases. He noted that Combs’s alleged victims include both men and women, whose ages at the time of the alleged assaults ranged from 9 to 38. These incidents reportedly span a 20-year period during which Combs was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. The push to file these lawsuits gained momentum following Combs’s recent arrest and the denial of his bond, which has validated the experiences of many alleged victims who previously blamed themselves.
The lawsuits, set to be filed in New York, California, and Florida, will begin within the next month. Erica Wolff, representing Combs, denied all allegations, stating that Combs rejects any claims of sexual abuse and is determined to prove his innocence in court.
The incidents allegedly occurred at various high-profile locations including Manhattan, the Hamptons, Los Angeles, and Miami, often during industry events like holiday parties and album releases. Buzbee indicated that additional high-profile individuals might be implicated as the investigation continues.
According to Buzbee, a significant number of the alleged victims had previously reported their assaults to police or sought help at hospitals. Some were found to have been drugged with horse tranquilizers. The lawsuits will also accuse Combs and his associates of issuing threats and making hush money payments to silence the victims.
This legal battle comes after Combs has faced multiple sexual assault allegations over the years, with the upcoming lawsuits potentially adding substantially to this history. The complexity of these cases is underscored by the variety of charges planned against Combs, ranging from sexual abuse to trafficking.
As these legal proceedings unfold, they promise to not only challenge Combs but also cast a wider net across the entertainment industry, examining the actions and complicity of many who have remained in the shadows until now.