Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has doubled down on his legal battle against allegations of defamation despite remaining in prison while he awaits sentencing. Having previously sued alleged sexual assault witness Courtney Burgess in a defamation suit, seeking $50 million, the embattled rapper has now revised his claims against the accuser, according to an August 11 complaint.
Through the amended defamation lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, Combs now seeks a staggering compensation of $100 million in damages, citing “severe reputational harm” and causing “media frenzy.” Defendants named in the suit include Burgess, his attorney Ariel Mitchell and US news broadcaster NewsNation’s parent company Nexstar, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY.
Diddy hits back at alleged sexual assault witness
The disgraced hip-hop mogul’s lawsuit calls Mitchell and Burgess “among the worst perpetrators in this offensive scenario” for pushing “all-you-can-eat buffet of wild lies and conspiracy theories.”
Burgess previously claimed that he had several videos allegedly indicated that the Grammy winner sexually assaulted underage victims, including celebrities, at his so-called ‘freak off’ parties. Back in October 2024, the supposed witness of Diddy’s misconduct and his attorney stepped out with the incendiary allegations during an interview aired by the network NewsNation.
His lawyer also came out for a separate interview in September. One of these interactions even saw Burgess presenting snaps for the alleged videos. Justin Bieber was purportedly caught on cam kiss an identified male.
Back when Combs’ lawsuit still sought $50 million in damages, he said the duo speaking out against him were potentially poisoning the minds of those who may end up serving on his trial’s jury. Diddy’s team has since maintained that their claims are nothing more than “false statements” that intend to drag his name through the mud. The pair also amplified accusations about another case that involved a woman suggesting that the Bad Boy Records boss sexually assaulted her in Northern California in 2018.
Beyond refuting their claims, Combs’ legal team even targeted Mitchell’s professional standing, citing various alleged ethics violations he faced as an attorney in Florida. Allegations of bribery and feeding the media with false claims also clouded his credibility.
Diddy hoping for a Trump pardon despite previous discord
These developments come at a time when Combs is being repeatedly linked to US President Donald Trump amid speculations about their former friendship. Legal victories seemed to have consumed the rapper after escaping charges of the most serious offenses he faced during his trial. In light of that affirmative aftermath, Combs is believed to be seeking a pardon from none other than the MAGA leader.
Merely days ago, his lawyer, Mark Geragos, told TMZ’s 2 Angry Men podcast hosts that Diddy, who had once badmouthed Trump during a presidential election campaign, would turn into a supporter of the 79-year-old politician. Rolling Stone had even indicated that the Revolt founder was looking to buy a pardon by reportedly offering mid-six figures to the Trump admin officials