Diddy accused by dozens of children in new sexual assault trial

More than 100 people, including dozens of children, who say they were victims of rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation at the hands of Sean “Diddy” Combs will sue the American rap star, a lawyer announced Tuesday .

The latest legal action will increase pressure on a man who once dominated American pop culture but who has long been dogged by accusations of violence against women and is now in prison on criminal charges.

“The entertainment industry’s biggest secret, which wasn’t really a secret, has finally been revealed to the world,” Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee said in announcing the 120-person project, including 25 minors, to become civil parties. action.

“The wall of silence is now broken and the victims are coming forward. »

Combs was indicted last month on three counts that he sexually abused women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties, using threats and violence.

Allegations have mounted against the Grammy Award winner since last year, when singer Cassie, real name Casandra Ventura, alleged that Combs subjected her to more than a decade of forceful coercion physical and drug abuse, as well as a rape in 2018.

A series of equally lurid lawsuits have since painted a portrait of Combs as a violent man who used his celebrity status to prey on women.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges. He was imprisoned while awaiting trial.

– Pattern of abuse –

At a news conference in Houston, Buzbee said more than 3,000 people have come forward with allegations against Combs and he called on anyone else who may have been a victim to come forward.

He said much of the abuse Combs and members of his entourage allegedly committed followed a pattern.

“I would say that in 90 percent of cases these individuals were on drugs,” he told reporters.

“One person who was 22 at the time she was attacked said that… when you were offered a drink – and now we know the drink is laced with something – if you refused to drink it you were kicked out of the party. .”

Buzbee described cases of repeated rapes of teenagers, allegedly committed by Combs and his associates.

He said the alleged abuse of minors often took place against the backdrop of a promise of fame and fortune in the music industry.

– Fears of reprisals –

One boy, who was only nine years old at the time, was taken to New York to audition for Combs’ Bad Boy Records label.

“This individual was sexually assaulted, allegedly by Sean Combs and several others at the studio, in a promise to his parents and himself to get a recording contract,” Buzbee said.

“In another incident, an individual aged 15 at the time, flown to New York to attend a party, was drugged and then taken to a private room, allegedly in the presence of Mr. Combs, where this woman, a minor was raped, then other individuals took turns raping her.

Buzbee praised the courage of those who came forward despite fears of retaliation or backlash from their own communities.

“I expect that through this process, many powerful people and many dirty secrets will be revealed.

“We know what we’re potentially up against and, as is always the case in situations like this, when a celebrity is involved, people can be downright mean and nasty.” Diddy accused by 120 alleged victims in new sexual assault trial.