Houston — An attorney stated Tuesday that he is representing 120 accusers who have filed sexual assault complaints against Sean “Diddy” Combs, the hip-hop entrepreneur who is facing sex trafficking charges.
Tony Buzbee, a Houston attorney, said he anticipates lawsuits to be filed within the next month, with the majority in New York and Los Angeles. Buzbee described the victims as 60 males and 60 females, with 25 being minors at the time of the alleged misbehavior. According to Buzbee, one guy claimed to have been abused when he was nine years old. The allegations range from 1991 to this year.
“This type of sexual assault, abuse, and exploitation should never occur in the United States or elsewhere. This should never have been allowed to continue for this long. Buzbee stated during a news conference that this behavior has resulted in a large number of people who have been wounded, scared, or scarred.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accused Of Sexual Misconduct By 120 People, Attorney Says
Following the disclosure of the claims in Texas, Combs’ attorney stated that the singer “cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus.”
“That said, Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors,” attorney Erica Wolff said in a statement. “He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.”
Buzbee stated that more than 3,280 people contacted his business alleging they had been victimized by Combs and that after reviewing the allegations, his firm opted to represent 120 people. Other cases are currently under examination. He stated that some of his clients had spoken with the FBI.
Buzbee’s firm represents people from more than 25 states, with the bulk coming from California, New York, Georgia, and Florida.
The alleged abuse occurred primarily at events in New York, California, and Florida, where people were given drug-laced cocktails, according to Buzbee.
Some of the alleged behavior occurred during auditions, where “many times, especially young people, people wanting to break into the industry were coerced into this type of conduct in the promise of being made a star,” Buzbee stated.
Combs, 54, has been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn since pleading not guilty on September 17 to federal charges that he used his “power and prestige” to coerce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately staged sexual performances with male sex workers in events known as “Freak Offs.”
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accused Of Sexual Misconduct By 120 People, Attorney Says
Other claimed victims have previously filed lawsuits against Combs, alleging sexual abuse.
Combs pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. His attorney stated that he is innocent and will fight to clear his name.
Combs is a well-known music executive, producer, and performer in hip-hop, having won three Grammys and collaborated with artists including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112. In 1993, he launched Bad Boy Records, the well-known fashion label Sean John, a vodka brand, and the Revolt TV network. He sold his shares in the latter company in June of this year.
Buzbee has also represented women accusing NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and misconduct.
SOURCE | AP
