Sean “Diddy” Combs is once again facing serious legal trouble as another individual, identified only as John Doe, has come forward with allegations against him.
The latest lawsuit, filed in the New York County Supreme Court on February 3, accuses the imprisoned hip-hop mogul of drugging and sexually assaulting the plaintiff. This development adds to the growing number of legal battles Combs has been embroiled in over the past year.
The lawsuit was initiated by Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee, a lawyer who has been representing multiple individuals bringing claims against Combs. Buzbee has played a key role in the legal pursuit of the music executive, and his involvement in this case signals another major challenge for Combs. The accusations detailed in the lawsuit depict a disturbing sequence of events that allegedly transpired nearly a decade ago.
The plaintiff in the lawsuit is an aspiring male singer who claims that Combs assaulted him in 2015. The lawsuit outlines allegations of sexual battery and seeks a range of damages to address the physical and emotional suffering endured by the plaintiff. The precise amount of compensation being requested will be determined during the trial, as the case moves forward in the judicial system.
According to court filings, the events in question occurred when the plaintiff was a 23-year-old rapper and singer striving to establish himself in the music industry. At the time, he was scheduled to perform as an opening act for a well-known artist at a series of nightclub events in Los Angeles, including at QC’s 20/20, a popular venue in Montebello, California. These performances were seen as a potential breakthrough for the plaintiff’s career.
Before taking the stage, the plaintiff was allegedly informed that Combs would be in attendance that evening. He was told that the music executive had heard about his talent and would be watching his performance.
Additionally, he was led to believe that if he impressed Combs, there was a strong possibility of securing a record deal with Bad Boy Records, as well as the opportunity to record music with Combs personally.
The lawsuit asserts that such behavior is indicative of a broader pattern in Combs’ conduct. “The conduct described herein is shockingly typical of how defendant Sean Combs conducted himself for many years,” the legal document states.
“Sean Combs believed he was above the law. He is not.” This statement underscores the plaintiff’s belief that the alleged assault was not an isolated incident but part of a longstanding pattern.
The plaintiff contends that the assault occurred later that night at an exclusive after-party in Los Angeles following his performance. According to the lawsuit, numerous high-profile entertainers were in attendance, and drug use was rampant throughout the gathering.
One of Combs’ associates reportedly handed the plaintiff a drink that contained Combs’ signature vodka brand, Cîroc. He was encouraged to consume the drink and was informed that it had been provided by Combs himself.
Shortly after drinking the beverage, the plaintiff allegedly began feeling lightheaded and eventually lost consciousness. The lawsuit describes his condition as deteriorating rapidly, with his ability to remain aware and responsive significantly impaired. The filing states that his last clear memories before blacking out included seeing various partygoers engaging in illicit activities.
As he drifted in and out of consciousness, the plaintiff claims he witnessed Combs and his entourage participating in group sexual acts. He further alleges that several individuals present at the gathering appeared to be drugged, unconscious, or possibly working as paid escorts. The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of the party’s atmosphere and the actions taking place within it.
The plaintiff later regained consciousness after experiencing a physical jolt, according to the lawsuit. Upon waking, he discovered that his pants had been removed, and he alleges that Combs was inappropriately touching him. The court filing further suggests that the plaintiff believes Combs had engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with him while he was incapacitated.
The lawsuit also claims that Combs instructed the plaintiff to engage in sexual activity with a woman at the party. The plaintiff, realizing the severity of the situation, feigned a need to use the restroom in order to escape. Upon entering the bathroom, he took the opportunity to flee the venue entirely, making his way to the parking lot before leaving the area.
Despite the traumatic nature of the alleged incident, the plaintiff did not immediately report the assault. He feared that coming forward would result in severe professional repercussions, potentially costing him any chance of success in the music industry.
His hesitation highlights the significant power imbalance that exists between aspiring artists and influential figures within the entertainment world.
According to the lawsuit, the impact of the alleged assault had profound consequences on the plaintiff’s career aspirations. The legal document states, “This assault greatly affected Doe’s passion for music, leading him to abandon his aspirations for many years. The reality and dark underbelly of the industry, as revealed through his encounter with Combs, ended his desire and dreams to pursue a career in that world.”
In response to the allegations, Combs’ legal team issued a statement dismissing the lawsuit as nothing more than an opportunistic ploy. “As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every new publicity stunt, even in response to claims that are facially ridiculous or demonstrably false,” the statement read. The defense insisted that the judicial process would ultimately reveal the truth.
Attorney Tony Buzbee has announced that this lawsuit is just one of many he plans to file in the coming days. He stated that he intends to submit more than ten civil lawsuits against Combs and his associates within the next week.
This surge of legal action coincides with a looming March 1 deadline in New York, marking the last opportunity for victims of past sexual assault to file civil cases despite previously expired statutes of limitations.
The filing of this latest lawsuit comes shortly after federal prosecutors expanded their case against Combs. On January 30, additional details were added to his existing indictment, which now includes allegations of sex trafficking involving at least three women.
Prosecutors also accuse Combs of violently assaulting an individual by dangling them off a hotel balcony during what has been described as a decades-long racketeering conspiracy.
The revised indictment has extended the timeframe of Combs’ alleged criminal activity. While the original charges indicated that the conspiracy began in 2008, prosecutors now argue that it spanned from 2004 to 2024. This suggests a broader scope of wrongdoing, further complicating Combs’ legal battles.
The indictment specifies that at least three female victims are directly involved in the case, identified in court records as “Victim-1,” “Victim-2,” and “Victim-3.” Prosecutors claim that Combs leveraged his wealth, influence, and status to manipulate and exploit women, often under the guise of romantic involvement.
The allegations presented in the indictment depict a systematic pattern of abuse. The document states that Combs “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.” These assertions contribute to the mounting legal pressure the music mogul is facing.
At present, Combs is contending with more than 30 civil lawsuits. In addition to these claims, he is preparing for a federal criminal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The trial is scheduled to commence on May 5, making it one of the most closely watched legal battles in the entertainment industry.
Since his arrest in September 2024, Combs has maintained his innocence and entered a plea of not guilty. He is currently being held in custody without bail, as he awaits trial. The coming months will be crucial in determining the outcome of these serious allegations and their potential impact on his legacy and future.
