Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee, a central figure in the legal battle against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, is stepping back from multiple sex trafficking lawsuits filed in a New York federal court. According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Buzbee has officially filed to withdraw as counsel in 15 cases within the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
Buzbee’s Withdrawal Comes After Legal Pushback from Diddy
Buzbee’s unexpected decision follows resistance from Diddy’s legal team, which argued that the attorney was not authorized to practice law in the SDNY. The music mogul’s defense challenged Buzbee’s involvement on procedural grounds, claiming he lacked the necessary legal standing to file lawsuits in the district.
In his court filing, Buzbee admitted to an “error in judgment” for failing to disclose his lack of admission to practice law in SDNY. He explained that this procedural misstep had become a distraction from the primary focus of the cases—the alleged victims. “I made an error in judgment by failing to inform you that I was not admitted to the Southern District,” Buzbee stated. He further clarified that the controversy surrounding his admission status was diverting attention away from the survivors seeking justice against Diddy, leading him to step aside.
Lawsuits Against Diddy Will Proceed Without Buzbee
Despite Buzbee’s withdrawal, the lawsuits are still moving forward. The plaintiffs remain represented by multiple New York law firms that are actively pursuing legal action against the Bad Boy Records founder. Diddy’s legal team had previously challenged Buzbee’s attempt to gain admission in one specific case, the lawsuit brought by Candice McCrary. This opposition played a key role in his decision to withdraw from all SDNY federal cases.
Buzbee Remains Involved in State-Level Cases and Future Lawsuits
While Buzbee is pulling back from federal lawsuits, he is not walking away from litigation against Diddy altogether. He remains actively involved in related cases filed in New York state courts. Additionally, he has plans to initiate new lawsuits against the hip-hop mogul in both Nevada and California.
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Speaking exclusively to TMZ, Buzbee clarified that while he personally withdrew from the federal cases, his law firm remains involved. “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 explained.
Jay-Z’s Grievance May Have Complicated Buzbee’s Admission
Adding another twist to the saga, Buzbee revealed that his application for SDNY admission had been delayed due to a grievance reportedly filed by Jay-Z in an unrelated legal matter. However, he emphasized that he is still a “licensed New York lawyer in good standing” and intends to resolve the issue.
What’s Next in the Diddy Legal Battle?
With Buzbee’s withdrawal, the legal fight against Diddy enters a new phase. The music mogul continues to face multiple lawsuits and mounting allegations, while his defense team aggressively challenges legal filings and procedural errors.
As these high-profile cases unfold, Buzbee’s exit from the federal lawsuits raises questions about potential delays and shifts in legal strategy. However, with New York firms still representing the plaintiffs, the pursuit of justice against Diddy is far from over.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and more celebrity legal news!
