Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay-Z are shifting gears in their legal battle, now taking aim at the attorney who represented the woman who accused them of sexual assault. The case, which alleged that both rap moguls raped a 13-year-old girl after the 2000 MTV VMAs, was dismissed on February 14, 2025. But rather than celebrating the victory, Combs and Jay-Z are setting their sights on the accuser’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, in a bold new legal maneuver.
Buzbee, a high-profile attorney known for representing numerous alleged victims in sexual assault cases—including multiple claims against Combs—is now facing legal action himself. The hip-hop legends have filed separate lawsuits against him, one in federal court in New York and another in state court in California, accusing him of unauthorized practice of law and malicious intent in handling the case. As the courtroom drama intensifies, Buzbee finds himself in the hot seat, with a key hearing scheduled for later this month.
A Shaky Extortion Claim in Court
Jay-Z’s legal team wasted no time in challenging Buzbee, filing an extortion claim against him that landed in front of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark H. Epstein. However, in an anti-SLAPP hearing on Tuesday, Epstein ruled that the case raises critical questions about whether Buzbee acted with actual malice—an essential component in defamation lawsuits involving public figures.
Epstein’s ruling suggests that while Buzbee’s actions may have been aggressive, the court needs more evidence to determine if he crossed the line into malicious defamation. The judge also noted that Buzbee’s activity on social media—particularly his engagement with posts implying Jay-Z was the unnamed “Celebrity A” in the lawsuit—could indicate a level of intent to harm the rapper’s reputation.
This detail could be crucial in upcoming hearings, particularly as attorneys like Camille Vasquez, best known for defending Johnny Depp in his high-profile defamation trial, are set to argue their case on February 25. With heavy-hitters on both sides, the legal battle is shaping up to be one of the most intense celebrity courtroom showdowns of the year.
The Lawsuit That Started It All
The original lawsuit, filed on October 20, 2024, sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. It named Sean Diddy Combs as a defendant in an alleged rape that occurred in 2000 and included references to “Celebrity A” and “Celebrity B”—two unnamed figures tied to the case. The suit further described “Celebrity A” as a well-known public figure residing in Los Angeles, adding to the speculation about their identity.
Then, on December 8, Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee refiled the lawsuit with an explicit claim that “Celebrity A” was none other than Jay-Z. This shift changed the legal landscape entirely, as Jay-Z was forced to respond publicly to deny any involvement in the allegations. His outright denial ultimately led to the dismissal of the case, but it also set the stage for his current legal pursuit against Buzbee.
Combs and Jay-Z argue that Buzbee’s refiling was not just a legal move but a calculated attempt to drag them through the mud without sufficient evidence. Now, with the case dismissed, they are looking to hold him accountable for what they claim was reckless and damaging legal action.
A Legal Storm Brewing
While the initial lawsuit may be over, the courtroom battles are far from finished. Judge Epstein has scheduled the next major hearing for late March, where both sides will present further arguments. Buzbee, who has built a reputation for taking on high-profile cases, now faces the challenge of defending himself against two of the biggest names in hip-hop.
The outcome of these cases could set a significant precedent in how celebrity defamation and legal ethics are handled in high-stakes lawsuits. If Combs and Jay-Z succeed, it may serve as a warning to attorneys who pursue high-profile cases without ironclad evidence. On the other hand, if Buzbee can prove that his actions were within legal boundaries, it could protect lawyers who take on powerful figures in controversial cases.
With the next court battle on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether Buzbee can withstand the pressure or if Combs and Jay-Z will emerge victorious once again. One thing is clear—this legal saga is far from over.