Texas attorney Tony Busby announced his law firm is preparing legal action against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs on behalf of over 100 alleged victims. The accusations, dating back to the 1990s, involve claims of sexual assault, with over 25 plaintiffs alleging they were minors at the time of the incidents.
Busby, known for representing multiple women accusing football star Deshawn Watson of sexual assault, emphasized the seriousness of the claims against Combs. He stated that over 3,000 individuals had contacted his office with stories about Combs.
Tony Busby addresses the media about the allegations against Sean Combs
Busby assured the public of the legitimacy of the claims, citing corroborating evidence and witnesses. He added that a former detective from the Houston Police Department had joined his firm to assist in vetting the accounts. Busby affirmed that some alleged victims had already spoken with the FBI in connection with their ongoing investigation into Combs.
The allegations against Combs are diverse, ranging from sexual assault and rape to false imprisonment and prostitution. Of the 120 individuals Busby plans to represent, 25 were minors at the time of the alleged assaults. The victims are diverse in gender, race, and geographical location.
Busby described a pattern of behavior, stating that most incidents occurred at parties, often after-parties, album releases, or holiday celebrations, including events referred to as “puppy parties” and “Allah parties.” He alleged that young individuals, often aspiring artists, were coerced into sexual acts with the promise of career advancement.
Sean "Diddy" Combs departs Manhattan Criminal Court
Trial attorney Christa Ramey, experienced in working with child victims of sexual abuse, commented on the timing of the allegations, suggesting that the publicity surrounding Combs’ recent indictment and arrest on unrelated charges might have provided a sense of safety and encouragement for the alleged victims to come forward.
Ramey acknowledged that defense attorneys might try to use the timing of the allegations to discredit the alleged victims, but argued that such tactics would likely be unsuccessful, particularly in light of rape shield laws protecting victims from having their past sexual history used against them in court.
Addressing the absence of federal charges related to minors in Combs’ current indictment, Ramey noted that investigations might still be ongoing and that a grand jury could issue superseding indictments if new evidence emerges. She emphasized the difference in the burden of proof between criminal and civil cases, stating that while a criminal case requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, a civil case only requires a preponderance of the evidence, making it easier for alleged victims to prevail in civil court.
Ramey also acknowledged the complexities of cases involving minors, particularly the fallibility of memory, especially when drugs might have been involved. She emphasized the importance of corroborating evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and witness testimonies, to support the alleged victims’ accounts.
Busby claimed that many of the alleged victims reported the assaults to police or hospital staff but were not believed, highlighting a systemic issue of disbelief towards victims, particularly when accusing powerful individuals. Ramey echoed this sentiment, stating that protecting celebrities is a common phenomenon and that many powerful individuals have used their influence to silence victims and evade accountability.
The lawyer further revealed that toxicology reports from hospitals confirmed the presence of unusual substances in the alleged victims’ systems, including cocaine and a horse tranquilizer known as ketamine. He alleged that victims were often pressured to consume drinks at parties, facing the threat of expulsion if they refused.
Sean Combs' attorney, Stacey Richman, outside Manhattan Criminal Court
Busby’s allegations extend beyond Combs, hinting at a wider network of enablers and participants. He alluded to individuals and entities, including corporations, banks, and hotel chains, that might have been aware of or complicit in the alleged misconduct.
In response to the allegations, Combs’ attorney, Erica Wolf, issued a statement vehemently denying all accusations, stating that Combs “emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors.” The statement maintained that Combs looks forward to proving his innocence in court, where the truth will be determined based on evidence, not speculation.
However, Busby countered that the evidence gathered so far, including corroborating witness testimonies, supports the alleged victims’ claims. He asserted that the names of other alleged perpetrators, including high-profile individuals, would be revealed when the respective lawsuits are filed.
The potential ramifications of these lawsuits extend beyond Combs, potentially implicating a network of powerful individuals and institutions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public awaits further revelations and the potential impact on the entertainment industry.
