The music mogul's legal team argues that the overwhelming volume of allegations and the anonymity of the accusers necessitate disclosure to ensure a fair trial.
Combs, 54, faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The indictment alleges a pattern of abuse spanning decades, with Combs allegedly using his wealth and influence to coerce individuals into sexual acts.
Lawyers for Sean "Diddy" Combs are asking the judge in his criminal case to "direct the government to identify its alleged victims so that Mr. Combs can prepare for trial."
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) October 15, 2024
New motion filed today: pic.twitter.com/FbWcUIV5pE
His attorneys argue that the extensive media coverage surrounding the case has led to a "torrent of allegations," some of which they deem "outright absurd." They cite recent civil suits filed by six anonymous plaintiffs and claims from Attorney Tony Buzbee of representing 120 accusers as contributing to what they describe as a "hysterical media circus."
The defense asserts that without knowing the identities of the accusers, Combs cannot adequately prepare for his May 5th trial. They emphasize the need to differentiate between consensual relationships and alleged coercion, particularly given the expected volume of evidence related to Combs' sexual history.
Federal prosecutors oppose disclosing the accusers' names at this stage. The Manhattan U.S. attorney's office declined to comment.
New Lawsuit Adds to Mounting Allegations
In a separate development, a new lawsuit filed in California accuses Combs of sexual assault, battery, abuse, false imprisonment, and kidnapping. The plaintiff, Ashley Parham, alleges that Combs and his accomplices raped her in 2018 after she made a comment about Combs' alleged involvement in Tupac Shakur's death. Parham's lawsuit also names Kristina Khorram, a former associate of both Combs and Kanye West, as a co-defendant.The lawsuit contains graphic details, including allegations that Combs used a remote control to sexually assault Parham during the attack. According to the filing, Parham was coerced into a room and then physically restrained while Combs and his associates assaulted her. Parham claims that Combs threatened her life during the ordeal, adding that she was too frightened to name him when she initially reported the incident to multiple police departments. She is now seeking $50 million in damages for the assault and the resulting emotional trauma.‼️‼️‼️‼️ BREAKING ‼️ ‼️ ‼️ ‼️ New Claim Filed by Diddy Accuser, Ashley Parham, says Diddy had something to do with Tupac Mu®der... The rest...is so FOUL that I can't type it. It's HORRIFIC‼️ pic.twitter.com/2XiqYB0DY8
— Unapologetic MagaMan (@unapologetic_47) October 16, 2024
Combs has consistently denied all allegations in both the criminal and civil cases against him. His legal team has not yet issued a public statement regarding the latest lawsuit. These allegations, along with the new lawsuit, could have profound implications for his career and legacy as one of hip-hop's most influential figures, especially if he is convicted and faces a lengthy prison sentence.