Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee has explained why he is withdrawing from multiple lawsuits against Sean “Diddy” Combs.
According to a TMZ report, Buzbee is stepping away from more than a dozen sex trafficking lawsuits filed against the rapper in New York federal court. Legal documents show he has also filed to withdraw as counsel in 15 cases within the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
His decision follows a recent argument from Diddy’s legal team, which claimed Buzbee lacked the authority to file lawsuits in SDNY since he is not admitted to practice law in that district.
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In his court filing, Buzbee acknowledged the issue, stating, “I made an error in judgment by failing to inform you that I was not admitted to the Southern District.”
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He added that his admission status had become a “distraction”—shifting focus away from Diddy’s alleged victims—prompting him to step aside.
Despite his withdrawal, the lawsuits will proceed, as the plaintiffs remain represented by New York law firms. Buzbee’s exit comes amid opposition from Diddy’s legal team, which challenged his attempt to gain admission in at least one case, specifically the lawsuit filed by Candice McCrary.
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While he is pulling back from the federal cases, Buzbee remains active in litigation against Diddy. He continues to represent plaintiffs in lawsuits filed in New York state courts and plans to bring additional cases against the rapper in Nevada and California.
Clarifying his position to TMZ, Buzbee stated, “I personally withdrew, not my firm, from the few federal court cases we have on file until such time as my admission is cleared up.” He further explained that his SDNY admission had been delayed due to a grievance filed by Jay-Z in a separate case but maintained that he remains a “licensed New York lawyer in good standing.”
Buzbee has played a central role in legal battles against Diddy, having filed the majority of lawsuits against the music mogul, leading some to label him the rapper’s legal archenemy.
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