On Monday, November 18, 2024, USA Today reported that attorney Tony Buzbee, known for representing numerous accusers in high-profile sexual assault cases against Sean “Diddy” Combs, is now facing allegations of extortion. The claims were made by an unnamed celebrity, referred to as “John Doe,” who has filed a civil lawsuit against Buzbee and his law firm.
According to court documents obtained by USA Today, the lawsuit alleges that Buzbee attempted to extort significant sums of money from Doe by threatening to make damaging accusations public. The lawsuit contends that Buzbee’s actions were motivated by a desire to profit from unsubstantiated allegations of sexual assault against Doe, who is described as a friend of Combs.
The lawsuit details that Buzbee sent a letter to Doe, stating that he would identify additional victims to support claims against the celebrity unless Doe agreed to enter into confidential mediation. This mediation proposal was framed as a means to resolve the legal disputes without resorting to public litigation. Doe’s legal representatives characterized Buzbee’s actions as a “textbook” case of extortion, claiming he was coerced into paying exorbitant amounts to prevent the release of false allegations.
In response to these allegations, Buzbee has firmly denied any wrongdoing, labeling the lawsuit as “frivolous” and an attempt to intimidate him and his clients. He explained that the communication sent to Doe was a standard demand letter, typical in legal disputes, and did not include any monetary demands or threats. Buzbee emphasized that his firm was simply seeking to negotiate a resolution in a manner that is common practice among attorneys.
Buzbee has been actively involved in legal actions against Combs, representing over 100 alleged victims who accuse the music mogul of various forms of sexual abuse, including serious allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking. His efforts to bring these cases to light have garnered significant media attention, particularly as they involve claims from both male and female victims spanning several decades.
The lawsuit against Buzbee arrives amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Combs, who was arrested in September on charges related to racketeering, sex trafficking transportation to engage in prostitution. Buzbee’s firm has been at the forefront of these cases, with allegations dating back to incidents as far as 1991. Of the numerous accusers, many were minors at the time of their alleged assaults, raising the stakes in the legal battles surrounding Combs.
Doe’s attorneys have argued that the allegations against Buzbee are part of a broader “campaign of widespread extortion” targeting individuals connected to Combs. They claim that Buzbee’s legal strategies exploit the courage of genuine victims to pursue financial gain from prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
In a statement, Buzbee reiterated his commitment to representing survivors of sexual assault, asserting that he would not be intimidated by powerful individuals or their legal teams. He expressed confidence in the legitimacy of the claims brought forth by his clients and vowed to continue advocating for their rights.
Source: USA Today
