Diddy Lawsuits: Tony Buzbee Steps Down as Attorney
Prominent attorney Tony Buzbee has withdrawn from representing plaintiffs in 15 federal lawsuits filed against Sean “Diddy” Combs in the Southern District of New York (SDNY). This decision follows a court order highlighting that Buzbee was not admitted to practice law in that specific federal jurisdiction.
Background:
Court Order: A U.S. District Judge mandated that Buzbee explain his failure to disclose his lack of admission to the SDNY bar. In response, Buzbee acknowledged his oversight and described it as an “error in judgment.”
Admission Status: While Buzbee is licensed to practice in New York State, Texas, and the Eastern District of New York, he had not secured admission to the SDNY. He expressed intentions to rectify this administrative issue promptly.
Impact on Ongoing Cases:
Representation Continuity: Despite Buzbee’s withdrawal, the plaintiffs will continue to be represented by other law firms based in New York. Buzbee emphasized that his withdrawal should not hinder the pursuit of justice for the plaintiffs.
Scope of Representation: Buzbee had been representing over 120 individuals alleging victimization by Combs. His withdrawal pertains specifically to the federal cases in the SDNY; he remains involved in related cases in New York state courts and plans to file additional lawsuits in Nevada and California.
Recent Developments:
Dismissal of a Notable Lawsuit: In February 2025, a lawsuit accusing Combs and Jay-Z of raping a 13-year-old girl over two decades ago was dismissed with prejudice. The plaintiff’s attorney, Buzbee, filed the notice of dismissal, preventing the case from being refiled. Both artists’ legal teams had denounced the allegations as baseless.
This development underscores the importance of attorneys ensuring proper licensure in the jurisdictions where they practice, as such oversights can impact legal proceedings and client representation.