Two new sexual-assault suits surface 24 hours before sentencing as Combs begs the court to weigh his philanthropy, health and family in a heartfelt plea for mercy.
On the eve of his scheduled prison sentencing, music executive and artist Sean “Diddy” Combs has been hit with two fresh sexual-assault lawsuits, according to newly filed court documents.
The suits, brought separately by Lakeisha Ward and Dejoan Bledsoe and handled by attorney Tony Buzbee, allege that Combs sexually assaulted each plaintiff on different occasions years apart.
Ward’s complaint centers on a 2018 pool party at Combs’ Los Angeles residence. According to the filing, Ward signed a nondisclosure agreement before entering and soon began to feel unwell after just one or two drinks. The suit claims she was led to a bedroom as her drowsiness increased, where Combs allegedly became sexually aggressive and ultimately penetrated her.
She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, citing both physical and emotional harm.
Bledsoe’s allegations date back to 2009, when he was just 18 years old. His lawsuit states that he met Combs at a small party at the Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel, where the music mogul allegedly lured him with promises of a recording deal and access to the industry.
According to the complaint, Combs drugged him and sexually assaulted him repeatedly throughout the night while Bledsoe drifted in and out of consciousness. Like Ward, he is pursuing damages for the alleged assault.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, who has filed multiple suits against Combs in recent months, represents both plaintiffs. The timing of these filings—just one day before Combs’ sentencing on separate criminal charges—adds further legal and public-relations challenges to the high-profile case.
Adding to the complexity, a Variety report revealed that Diddy has asked the court for leniency ahead of sentencing. In documents submitted to the judge, Combs requested what he described as a “fair and just” punishment that would take into account his artistic contributions, philanthropic work, and prior criminal history.
His legal team argued that a harsh sentence would have an extraordinary impact on his life and career, potentially stifling his unfinished projects and community initiatives.
The filing also emphasized Combs’ health concerns, family responsibilities, and broader social commitments, painting him as someone deserving of an opportunity for rehabilitation and restoration.
According to Variety, this appeal is seen as a strategic attempt to balance his public image—acknowledging the seriousness of the charges while also underscoring the ways in which an extended sentence could diminish his positive contributions.
At the time of reporting, representatives for Combs had not responded to the new civil allegations. With his sentencing imminent and civil litigation mounting, the next few days may prove to be among the most decisive of his career and personal life.
