Meet Damian Williams, the Brooklyn-bred Jamaican attorney who took down Diddy and R. Kelly

Damian Williams, a Brooklyn native with Jamaican roots, has cemented his place in history as the first Black U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, Williams wasted no time in tackling some of the nation’s most high-profile cases, including those against music moguls Diddy and R. Kelly.

Williams grew up in Brooklyn before earning degrees from Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, and Yale Law School. His impressive credentials paved the way for his rise through the ranks of SDNY, where he first made a name for himself as Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. When he assumed leadership of the office in 2021, he brought a sharp focus on accountability, regardless of wealth, power, or celebrity status.

In 2022, Williams and his team secured convictions against R. Kelly on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Kelly was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for crimes that included decades of abuse and exploitation. That sentence added to a prior 30-year term imposed in the Eastern District of New York, ensuring the R&B star will spend much of his life behind bars.

Williams then turned his attention to Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose reputation came under fire in late 2023 when singer Cassie filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and sex trafficking. The allegations led to federal raids on Diddy’s Los Angeles and Miami properties in March 2024. Though the investigation is ongoing, Williams’ involvement signaled his determination to hold powerful figures accountable in cases involving abuse and misconduct.

Beyond the music industry, Williams’ work extended to Wall Street and politics. He led indictments against FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and Archegos Capital Management founder Bill Hwang, both accused of massive financial fraud schemes. In a high-profile political case, his office helped bring bribery and fraud charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, adding to his reputation as a fearless prosecutor willing to take on anyone who broke the law.

While Williams has announced plans to step down before Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in January, his legacy is already firmly established. His departure comes amid speculation about what his next move will be, but his contributions to justice and his ability to dismantle power structures have left an indelible mark on the legal system.

Critics and supporters alike acknowledge the rigor with which Williams approached his cases. His tenure demonstrated that no individual—whether a billionaire CEO, a Grammy-winning artist, or an elected official—is above the law.