Texas attorney Tony Buzbee, who has made headlines for his legal challenges against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, is stepping back from representing alleged victims in multiple lawsuits filed in New York federal court.
The lawsuits, which accuse Diddy of sex trafficking, will continue, but Buzbee will no longer serve as the attorney for the cases in the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
In court documents obtained by TMZ, Buzbee filed to withdraw from representing clients in 15 sex trafficking cases.
His decision stems from his failure to secure the proper admission to practice law in the Southern District of New York, a requirement that has become a point of controversy in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Buzbee acknowledged his “error in judgment” in failing to inform the court that he was not authorized to practice law in SDNY.
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In a statement addressed to U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams, the attorney admitted that his status had become a distraction, taking the focus away from the victims involved in the cases.
Although Buzbee is stepping aside in New York, the lawsuits will go on. Victims will now be represented by law firms based in New York, while Buzbee’s firm remains involved in other lawsuits against Diddy in various states.
Buzbee also hinted that more lawsuits against the hip-hop mogul are on the horizon, with plans to file in Nevada and California.
Buzbee, a licensed attorney in New York’s Eastern District, explained that his delay in obtaining SDNY admission was caused by a grievance filed by rapper Jay-Z in an unrelated case.
While his withdrawal may present a temporary setback, the legal battle against Diddy is far from over.
