Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused of sexual misconduct by 120 people, lawyer says | Crime News

A lawyer has claimed he represents 120 people who have made sexual assault allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Houston attorney Tony Buzbee said Tuesday he expects lawsuits to be filed in New York and Los Angeles within the next month.

He said the victims were 60 men and 60 women and that 25 were minors at the time of the alleged misconduct. He added that one of the people claimed he was only nine years old at the time of his attack.

“This type of sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation should not be happening in the United States or anywhere else,” Buzbee said at a news conference. “This should never have gone on for so long. This behavior has left scores of people hurt, frightened and scarred.”

After the announcement in Texas, a lawyer for Combs, Erica Wolff, said the performer “cannot address every unfounded accusation in what has become a ruthless media circus.”

“Nevertheless, Mr. Combs strongly and categorically denies as false and defamatory any allegation that he sexually abused anyone, including minors,” Wolff added.

“He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be determined based on evidence and not speculation.”

Some cases were referred to the FBI

Buzbee said more than 3,280 people have contacted his company claiming they were targeted by Combs in various ways.

After reviewing the allegations, Buzbee said his firm had decided to represent 120 people.

Other cases are still being examined. He said some of his customers have spoken to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The individuals represented by Buzbee's firm come from more than 25 states, most of them California, New York, Georgia and Florida.

The alleged abuse occurred primarily at parties in New York, California and Florida, where individuals were given drug-laced drinks, Buzbee said.

Other incidents reportedly occurred at auditions where “often – especially young people, people who wanted to get into the industry – they were forced into this type of behavior with the promise of becoming a star,” Buzbee said.

“The wall of silence is now broken”

Last month, Combs, 54, was arrested at a New York City hotel after a grand jury indicted him on sex trafficking, racketeering and solicitation for prostitution.

The charges against him were initially kept secret, but the 14-page indictment was finally made public on September 17, when Combs pleaded not guilty in federal court in New York City.

Combs is one of hip-hop's most well-known music managers, producers and performers, having won three Grammys and collaborated with artists across the musical spectrum.

“The entertainment industry's biggest secret, which wasn't really a secret at all, has finally been revealed to the world,” Buzbee said Tuesday. “The wall of silence has now been broken.”

Buzbee has also represented women who have accused National Football League (NFL) quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and misconduct.

The attorney said he plans to identify additional suspects “other than Sean Combs.”

“The names we will name, assuming our investigators confirm and substantiate what we have been told, are names that will shock you,” he added.

“I'm not just talking about the cowardly spectators, but also about the complicit spectators. That means the people we know observed this behavior and did nothing.”