Sean 'Diddy' Combs has accused 120 people of sexual misconduct, lawyers say

A lawyer claims he is representing 120 people who have come forward with sexual assault allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee said Tuesday that he expects the lawsuits to be filed in New York and Los Angeles within the next month.

He said the victims included 60 men and 60 women, and 25 were minors at the time of the alleged misconduct. He added that one man claimed he was only nine years old at the time of the attack.

“This type of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation should never happen in the United States or anywhere else,” Buzbee said at a news conference. “It should not have been allowed to go on for so long. This behavior has created many individuals who are hurt, scared and scarred.

After the announcement in Texas, one of Combs' lawyers, Erica Wolff, said the performer “can't address every meritless complaint that has turned into a reckless media circus”.

“That said, Mr. Combs vehemently and categorically denies as false and defamatory that he sexually assaulted anyone, including minors,” Wolff added.

“He looks forward to proving his innocence and proving himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.”

Some cases have gone to the FBI

Buzby said more than 3,280 people have contacted his firm alleging that they were abused in various ways by Combs.

After verifying the allegations, Buzby explained that his firm decided to represent 120 people.

Other cases are still under review. He said some of his clients have spoken to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The individuals Buzbee's firm represents come from more than 25 states, most of them from California, New York, Georgia and Florida.

The alleged abuse mostly took place at parties held in New York, California and Florida where individuals were served drugged drinks, Buzby said.

Other instances have been uncovered at auditions where “many times – especially young people, who want to break into the industry – were coerced into this kind of behavior with the promise of stardom”, Buzby said.

'The wall of silence is now broken'

Last month, Combs, 54, was arrested at a New York City hotel after a grand jury indicted him on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The charges against him were initially sealed, but the 14-page indictment was finally released on September 17, when Combs pleaded not guilty in a federal court in New York City.

Combs is one of hip-hop's most celebrated music executives, producers and performers, having won three Grammys and worked with artists across the musical spectrum.

“The biggest secret in the entertainment industry, which hasn't really been a secret, has finally been revealed to the world,” Buzby said Tuesday. The wall of silence has now been broken.

Buzbee has represented women who have accused National Football League (NFL) quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual harassment and misconduct.

The lawyer said he planned to identify more suspects “besides Sean Combs.”

“The names we are going to name, assuming our investigators confirm and support what we have been told, will shock you,” he added.

“I'm not just talking about cowards here, but fellow viewers. That is, people we know have seen this behavior happen and done nothing.”