Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a new lawsuit in Florida. This latest legal challenge adds to the mounting legal troubles for the music industry veteran, who has faced numerous lawsuits in recent months.
The 55-year-old rapper is in jail awaiting trial on charges including sex trafficking, and now a plaintiff named Joseph Manzaro is alleging he was raped, sexually assaulted and forced to wear a mask at a party hosted by the music mogul in April 2015. Federal investigations into these allegations have already involved searches of multiple properties owned by the rapper.
According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Joseph claims Combs, 55, “facilitated and engaged in the trafficking” of him and “directly perpetrated acts of sexual violence.” The lawsuit details disturbing allegations that have shocked the entertainment industry and added new dimensions to the ongoing legal saga.
His lawsuit also names Emilio Estefan, Eric Mejias, Brendan Paul and Adria English as defendants. This expansion of named parties has widened the scope of the case significantly, drawing in several prominent entertainment industry figures.
Joseph alleges several high-profile individuals, including Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, 54, Beyoncé Knowles–Carter, 42, LeBron James, 40, and Emilio and Gloria Estefan, both 66, were present at the event and witnessed the assault. The inclusion of these celebrity names has amplified media attention on the case, which has already received extensive coverage.
But only Combs and Emilio are named as defendants in the lawsuit. Legal experts note that this distinction is significant, as it focuses the legal action on specific alleged perpetrators rather than witnesses.
Representatives for Jay-Z and Beyoncé did not respond to requests for comment to Page Six. Their silence has been interpreted in various ways by media commentators following the case closely.
A spokesperson for the Estefans was quoted by the outlet denying the allegations, stating: “The property in question was never a home where Gloria and Emilio resided, but rather a house they owned for family use.” Property records confirm the Estefans did own real estate in the area at the time of the alleged incident.
A representative for James said: “This is demonstrably false and doesn’t even merit a report or response. A basic Internet search shows what LeBron was doing all of April 2015. He was playing basketball for the Cleveland Cavaliers and never in Miami.” Sports journalists have confirmed LeBron’s game schedule during this period aligns with this statement.
Combs’ legal team dismissed the allegations, stating: “This complaint demonstrates the depraved lengths plaintiffs will travel to garner headlines in pursuit of a payday. No sane person reading this complaint could credit this story. Mr. Combs looks forward to having his day in court where these lies — and the perverse motives of those who told them — will be revealed.” This strong denial follows a pattern of responses from Combs’ legal representatives to the numerous allegations against him.
The lawsuit states Joseph returned to his home in West Palm Beach after the alleged assault by Combs and felt “a greasy substance resembling Vaseline” on his hand before losing consciousness. Medical experts consulted by media outlets have noted that such details could potentially be relevant to forensic investigations.
He claims he later woke up in a vehicle being transported to a residence on Star Island Drive, Miami, owned by the Estefans. Star Island is known to be an exclusive neighborhood housing numerous celebrity residences, with properties valued in the millions of dollars.
The documents allege upon arrival, Gloria panicked at his condition and requested an ambulance, but Emilio intervened and prevented it. Legal analysts point out that such allegations, if proven, could constitute additional criminal offenses beyond the original assault claims.
Combs is denying all charges against him. The case represents one of the most high-profile celebrity legal battles in recent years, with significant implications for all parties involved.
