Trigger Warning: This article discusses alleged sexual assault and sex trafficking.
In one of three motions filed by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs legal representation this week, the disgraced rapper has requested access to details surrounding the claimants in his upcoming trial.
Combs’ legal submission includes a requested gag order, additional claims relating to the alleged “leaking” of the security footage that showed Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, and the release the prosecution’s list of victim names and claim details.
In response, prosecutors have issued a lengthy denial of all three requests, but hit back particularly hard against the defense’s request to have the potential witness list released ahead of the legally obligated timeline.
According to Combs’ legal submission, his team are claiming the right to access the victims’ names through a “bill of particulars”, or written itemisation of lawsuit claims. In short, the rapper’s legal team are inferring that they will not be allowed an adequate amount of time to prepare under the current disclosure agreement.
Refuting their claims, the prosecutors state: “”The defendant, backed by four prominent law firms with veteran trial lawyers and support staff, cannot credibly claim that he does not have the resources to review these materials within the time he chose to mount a defense.” the prosecutor’s document reads.
Additionally, the prosecution was quick to point out, that if it’s time the Combs’ team supposedly requires, then the correct avenue for relief is a request for extension “not to obtain a bill of particulars.”
The Government’s response also voices concerns for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ victims, and calls for the the bill of particulars to be seen for what it is – “a thinly veiled attempt to restrict the Government’s proof at this early state of the case and to hijack the criminal proceedings.”
Continuing to argue for the rejection of such a request, “especially in light of the risk it poses to witness safety,” the prosecution refers to the nature of alleged crimes leading to a greater danger of witness tampering and intimidation practices, should details be revealed at this stage.
“Those concerns are particularly relevant in a case like this one, with serious, well-supported allegations of prior attempts to obstruct and tamper with witnesses.”
At the time of writing, the request is awaiting response from U.S District Judge Arun Subramanian.
Texas Attorney Begins Filing 120 Promised Lawsuits
Texas attorney, Tony Buzbee, begin official legal proceedings in mid October, for 120 new lawsuits being filed by alleged Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs victims.
Of the promised 120 reportedly in the works, several have been officially committed to New York’s federal court under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act.
The first six plaintiffs filing claims against Sean Combs are made up of four ‘John Does’ and two ‘Jane Does’, and include allegations from a (then) 16-year-old male, and 19-year-old female.
So far, the filed suits have revealed a similar pattern of manipulation and coercion, whereby Combs would allegedly offer the victims professional advancement or career promises, in exchange for their silence. Additionally, claims of drugging and assault at the hands of Combs and members of his entourage during Combs’ infamous white parties or “freak offs” feature throughout.
This pattern of behaviour has been regularly brought up as a key argument in the case against Combs – both throughout the civil suits, and as part of the federal indictment.
One of the incidents outlined allegedly involved Combs sexually assaulting a Macy’s employee in store, as a form of gross punishment for working under a rival clothing company to his own apparel brand – Sean Jean. The alleged assault occurred in 2008, directly before the rapper began handing out Sean Jean merchandise to fans on the shop floor.
In a statement shared with Deadline, Buzbee reiterated his intention to follow through with the rest of the 120 claims on behalf of Sean Diddy Combs’ victims.
“We will let the allegations in the filed complaints speak for themselves, and will work to see that justice is done,” Buzbee told Deadline.
“We expect to be filing many more cases over the next several weeks naming Mr. Combs and others as defendants as we continue to gather evidence and prepare the filings.”
Sean Combs’ Legal Team Reacts
Combs’ legal team was quick to respond to the latest filings, denying all accusations and maintaining Combs’ innocence as well as seeking to discredit Buzbee’s intentions.
“The press conference and 1-800 number that preceded today’s barrage of filings were clear attempts to garner publicity,” Combs legal team shared with Deadline, before continuing:
“Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts, their legal defenses, and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone—adult or minor, man or woman.”
Sean Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn since pleading not guilty to federal charges on September 17. Despite multiple attempts to appeal the judge’s refusal of bail, Combs will remain behind bars until his federal trial begins on May 5, 2025.
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This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
