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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs can receive a not-guilty verdict in his federal trial and still face civil lawsuits afterward. Here’s what a principal attorney explained.
Jury deliberations are now underway in Manhattan’s federal court as hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. The 12-member jury hit an early snag when one juror indicated difficulty following the judge’s 61-page legal instructions, prompting judicial clarification. While the criminal trial moves forward, Combs is also contending with a wave of more than 70 civil lawsuits, filed by former partners, models, employees, and others, alleging sexual assault, trafficking, and even rape involving minors to adults. Even if acquitted in federal court, Combs could still face years of civil litigation and potentially substantial financial judgments.
Here’s what Victor R. Balladeres, Principal Attorney at Offit Kurman, explained about Combs’ lingering civil lawsuits even if acquitted.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs could still face lawsuits in the wake of a not-guilty verdict, a principal attorney says
Sean “Diddy” Combs still has a long road ahead of him after his federal trial. While he could possibly walk away from his current trial with a not-guilty verdict, he wouldn’t be out of the woods completely. Victor R. Balladeres, Principal Attorney at Offit Kurman, explained in an email to Showbiz Cheat Sheet that ongoing investigations could still lead to additional charges and lawsuits.
“Yes, public dockets show at least 70 separate civil complaints accusing Mr. Combs of sexual assault, trafficking, or related misconduct since November 2023,” Balladeres wrote. “Just last week, a new lawsuit in Louisiana alleged a 2017 rape involving Mr. Combs and his son. Parallel federal investigations also continue; prosecutors have said the current indictment ‘covers conduct from 2008 to the present,’ leaving room for superseding charges if new evidence surfaces.”
If Combs is found guilty, Balladeres noted that this could “certainly spur more civil filings, because plaintiffs need only prove their claims by a preponderance of the evidence, a lower bar than ‘beyond a reasonable doubt.’ Even without a conviction, the extensive trial record (including Cassie Ventura’s testimony and surveillance video) gives prospective plaintiffs a detailed roadmap.”
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
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