The victory Sean “Diddy” Combs scored today over federal prosecutors in gaining access to a laptop while behind bars in Brooklyn surely has to seem a Pyrrhic win after a trio of new rape and sexual assault lawsuits were filed this morning against the one-time music mogul.
In tales chillingly similar in scope and action, three John Does have separately sued Combs in New York State court alleging he piled them with booze and drugged them in hotel room so he could attack them. Detailing the assaults taking place between 2019 and 2022, the civil actions, with the trio all individually represented by attorney Thomas Giuffra, are seeking a wide range of damages and jury trials.
Perhaps most revealing is how the specifics in these three cases are to literally dozens of others accusations and suits against Combs, who was arrested by the NYPD and others on racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges on September 16 Having come up short three times on trying to get out of the hardcore Metropolitan Detention Centre on a $50 million bail package, the 55-year-old ‘All About the Benjamins’ rapper is set to go to trial on May 5 next year and could face the rest of his life locked up if found guilty.
Almost certain to see allegations from teh quickly multi-million dollar settled lawsuit from ex-long time girlfriend Cassie Ventura be a big part of the case from outgoing U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, Combs has entered a not guilty plea in the sex trafficking matter.
In these particular cases filed Thursday, one of which includes a past employee of Combs, attorneys for the incarcerated performer were even more emphatic than usual proclaiming their client’s innocence. “These complaints are full of lies,” the Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos-led defense team told Deadline today. “We will prove them false and seek sanctions against every unethical lawyer who filed fictional claims against him.”
Buried in accusations in a mountain of civil suits mainly brought by high profile Houston-based lawyer Tony Buzbee and some including alleged sexual assault of minors, Combs will now be allowed to use a laptop for his defense prep in the sex trafficking case while in the MDC. “The purpose of the Discovery Laptop is to review discovery, not to take or store notes,” wrote Judge Arun Subramanian in an order posted to docket early Thursday. “It is the Court’s understanding that the laptop has been pre-loaded with discovery materials but does not allow any functionality beyond reviewing those materials,” the judge added, allowing Combs use of the unconnected device in specified areas of the facility from 8 am – 3 pm “seven days a week.”
“If Defendant wishes for broader access to the Discovery Laptop, his counsel should discussthe issue with the Government, which should consider any reasonable proposals in good faith and work with BOP counsel and MDC staff to effectuate them,” the judge additionally stated. “If there are further disputes, the Court will consider adjustments to this order.”
In another bruise for the feds, Judge Subramanian also ordered officials at the MDC “not to turn over Defendant’s attorney-visitation forms to theGovernment.” While Combs’ lawyers had nothing to say about this or the laptop order today, there must be some satisfaction after their vigorous battles for the now allowed access in various hearings as recently as December 5.