Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Won’t Have Enough Assets for Civil Case Judgments, Former Prosecutor Says
Following months of mounting legal troubles and public scrutiny, hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs recently faced a significant legal turning point with a verdict that has only intensified the spotlight on his actions. While he was acquitted of several serious charges, Combs still finds himself entangled in a series of civil lawsuits alleging a pattern of abuse, misconduct, and coercion spanning decades. Here’s what a former prosecutor said about Combs’ depleting resources, as he still faces these civil suits.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs might run into a ‘collectibility issue’ with civil lawsuits, former felony prosecutor says
In the wake of the federal trial verdict that marked a pivotal moment in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal journey, the hip-hop mogul remains entangled in a web of civil lawsuits. The criminal proceedings brought national attention to longstanding allegations. However, multiple civil cases — filed by former associates, employees, and romantic partners — allege a pattern of abuse. According to USA Today, Combs has 80 pending physical and sexual assault lawsuits.
Eric Faddis, a former felony prosecutor and founding partner at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, spoke to The U.S. Sun about how Combs’ dwindling assets will be further affected by the civil lawsuits against him. Combs had already lost a substantial amount of money following the Homeland Security raids and his arrest in 2024.
“One thing that’s clear is that his resources have been depleted,” Faddis told the publication. “He still appears to have some wealth. But there’s going to be a collectability issue when it comes to these civil cases. If they all get judgments, he’s not going to have enough personal assets to make them whole.”
Faddis added that Combs likely can’t take back the $20 million that he previously paid Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Additionally, Faddis heard “murmurs” that Combs might go after people involved in his trial for defamation.
“Anything is possible, but I think he would be better off kind of letting sleeping dogs lie, moving on with his life, and undertaking this herculean effort of dealing with the other civil cases,” the former prosecutor added.
A principal attorney explained how Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs still faces numerous civil lawsuits
As Sean “Diddy” Combs awaits sentencing after the jury found him guilty of two counts, he faces more uphill battles with his civil lawsuits. Victor R. Balladeres, Principal Attorney at Offit Kurman, emailed Showbiz Cheat Sheet about how Combs’ not-guilty verdict on sex trafficking and racketeering doesn’t protect him from civil cases.
“Yes, public dockets show at least 70 separate civil complaints accusing Mr. Combs of sexual assault, trafficking, or related misconduct since November 2023,” Balladeres wrote. “Just last week, a new lawsuit in Louisiana alleged a 2017 rape involving Mr. Combs and his son. Parallel federal investigations also continue; prosecutors have said the current indictment ‘covers conduct from 2008 to the present,’ leaving room for superseding charges if new evidence surfaces.”
How much did the hip-hop mogul pay for his legal team?
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ top-notch legal team helped with his acquittal on the most serious charges. Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, Brian Steel, and Xavier Donaldson were among the lawyers on the defense. According to Neama Rahmani, founder of West Coast Trial Lawyers, Combs likely spent over $10 million on his lawyers.
“I expect Diddy to spend eight figures or more than $10 million on defense fees when it’s all said it done,” Rahmani told Vulture. “Top-tier criminal defense attorneys in complex federal cases charge retainers of $1 million or more. Diddy has a small army of lawyers working on his case. That’s expected when his net worth was reportedly $1 billion and his life is on the line.”
Rahmani noted that each day of trial could’ve cost Combs $100,000 for lawyers, paralegals, assistants, experts, and jury consultants.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
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