Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is pressing prosecutors to disclose the names of the accusers in his high-profile sex trafficking case, arguing that the lack of transparency is hindering their ability to prepare for trial. The defense filed a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, accusing the government of forcing Combs to “play a guessing game,” as they have yet to provide any names despite claiming there are multiple victims.
This request follows a surge of civil lawsuits against Combs that emerged after his arrest and indictment last month on charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs, 53, pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges and is currently being held in federal custody in Brooklyn as he awaits trial, which is scheduled for May 2025.
In the letter, Combs’ lawyers argued that the complexity of identifying the individuals central to the case is exacerbated by a growing number of what they described as “baseless allegations” from “desperate and opportunistic” plaintiffs. They claim the accusations have escalated in number, making it harder for the defense to distinguish between credible claims and what they believe are frivolous lawsuits aimed at capitalizing on the music mogul’s legal troubles.
Since his arrest, at least eight additional civil lawsuits have been filed, accusing Combs of sexual assault and related offenses. According to legal experts, these new civil suits could play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation. Attorney Jennie Wang VonCannon, a former federal prosecutor, explained that the lawsuits might provide a “roadmap” for prosecutors who are continuing their investigation and looking to potentially bring more charges. “The sheer number of accusers increases the chances that there is conduct the government didn’t know about or hasn’t charged yet,” said Wang VonCannon.
Prosecutors have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and there is a possibility of a superseding indictment that could add more charges or even additional defendants. Federal agents have reportedly met with new accusers and witnesses since Combs’ arrest, and U.S. Attorney Damian Williams encouraged other victims to come forward.
Despite the mounting allegations, Combs has maintained his innocence. His legal team continues to deny the accusations and has criticized the handling of evidence, including a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs dragging and kicking his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. While the footage has sparked public outrage, Combs’ defense is attempting to block its use in the trial, accusing the government of leaking the video to the media.
The lawsuits against Combs date back as far as 1995 and involve both male and female accusers. One of the new lawsuits, filed by a male accuser, alleges that he was 16 years old when he was sexually assaulted at one of Combs’ famous “White Parties” in the Hamptons in 1998. Another accuser claims she was drugged, sexually assaulted, and impregnated in 2024, just months before Combs’ arrest.
As the trial approaches, the defense is expected to continue its efforts to discredit the claims and challenge the prosecution’s handling of the case. However, with the possibility of more accusers coming forward and the investigation expanding, the legal battle is far from over.
The next hearing in Combs’ case is scheduled for early 2025, where further developments in the ongoing investigation may come to light.
