When Sean "Diddy" Combs was taken into custody, it marked the end of a big federal probe into his activities.
Suddenly, Combs’ glamorous life shifted to a jail cell’s stark reality, facing a potential 15-year sentence if found guilty. Even with good behavior, he’d be locked up until his late 60s.
The spotlight is now on his criminal case, but what about the numerous civil suits against him? Combs faces at least eight accusations of direct sexual assault and two more alleging his involvement in abuse by others.
Fans might wonder how these civil cases will unfold as Combs battles for his freedom.
After his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed a detailed sex-trafficking complaint last November, more lawsuits quickly followed. Though he settled with Ventura within a day, her complaint opened the floodgates for others to come forward.
Combs, like other high-profile men facing similar charges, might try to delay his civil cases. One tactic could be seeking "stays" to avoid depositions by using his Fifth Amendment rights. Alternatively, he could push for documents and testimony from his accusers.
Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, and Danny Masterson have all sought to postpone their civil litigations while dealing with criminal charges. Legal experts believe Combs will likely follow this strategy.
The plaintiffs need plans, too. Delays can be risky. “Memories can fade, documents can be lost or destroyed, and witnesses can die,†says lawyer Joseph Camarata, who represented Cosby’s accusers. A full stay can be very harmful for plaintiffs.
A common middle ground is a limited stay, allowing both sides to gather records and testimony from third parties. If Combs is convicted, it would favor the plaintiffs. “You want a convicted felon sitting at the defense table across from you,†says Camarata.
David Ring, who represented a key witness against Weinstein, expects delay motions in Combs’ civil cases soon. Sometimes, plaintiffs agree to pauses for strategic reasons. A civil case can provide the defendant with valuable information not available in a criminal trial.
There are advantages for plaintiffs in waiting, too. Michelle Simpson Tuegel, who represented gymnasts abused by Larry Nassar, notes that criminal investigations can uncover evidence useful for civil cases. Federal investigators often get more cooperation from witnesses.
With Combs’ criminal case under intense scrutiny, here are the pending civil cases to watch:
Jane Doe, filed November 21, 2023
Jane Doe sued Harve Pierre, alleging he exploited and assaulted her while she worked as his assistant from 2016 to 2017. She also sued some of Combs’ companies for failing to protect her.
Pierre and Combs’ teams want the case dismissed and for Jane Doe to use her real name.
Joi Dickerson-Neal, filed November 23, 2023
Dickerson-Neal accused Combs of drugging, raping, and recording her in 1991. She filed just before the deadline under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. Combs’ lawyers argue some claims are time-barred.
Liza Gardner, filed November 23, 2023
Gardner claims Combs and Aaron Hall raped her in 1990. She was 16 then. Gardner moved her lawsuit to New Jersey after discovering the assaults occurred there, making her eligible to file under state law.
Jane Doe, filed December 6, 2023
A Michigan woman alleges Combs and Pierre gang-raped her in 2003. She filed under New York City’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law. Combs’ team seeks dismissal, claiming the law is preempted.
Rodney Jones, filed February 26, 2024
Jones, a music producer, claims Combs sexually harassed and groped him while working on The Love Album: Off the Grid. He also alleges involvement in a sex trafficking and racketeering enterprise.
Grace O’Marcaigh, filed April 4, 2024
O’Marcaigh claims Christian Combs sexually assaulted her during a family vacation in 2022. She’s suing Sean Combs for aiding his son and being responsible as the yacht leaseholder.
Crystal McKinney, filed May 21, 2024
Model McKinney alleges Combs drugged and assaulted her in 2003. She claims he pressured her to take drugs, then forced her into a bathroom to perform oral sex. Combs’ team seeks dismissal, arguing her claim is time-barred.
April Lampros, filed May 24, 2024
Lampros says Combs sexually assaulted her during their relationship in the 90s and recorded a sex tape without her consent. Her lawsuit focuses on a violation of the Gender Motivated Violence Protection Act.
Adria English, filed July 3, 2024
English, a former dancer, claims Combs trafficked her for sex at his White Party events from 2004 to 2009. She’s suing under the Gender Motivated Violence Protection Act.
Dawn Richard, filed September 10, 2024
Richard, a former Danity Kane member, claims Combs sexually harassed and assaulted her, coercing her into commercial sex acts. Combs’ attorneys have yet to respond.
Thalia Graves, filed September 24, 2024
Graves alleges Combs and an associate raped her in 2001 and recorded the assault. She claims they sold the video as pornography. Combs’ reps haven’t responded to requests for comment.
