Diddy files $50 million lawsuit against accuser, NewsNation more

Sean “Diddy” combs has filed a defamation lawsuit against one of his accusers, their attorney and NewsNation.

According to court documents obtained by Us WeeklyDiddy, 55, filed a lawsuit in New York against Courtney Burgess and his lawyer Ariel Mitchell on Wednesday, January 22. Burgess previously testified before a federal grand jury against Diddy, claiming he had evidence of the alleged “breakout” parties.

Nexstar Media Inc., which operates NewsNation, was also named in the filing. Both Burgess and Mitchell appeared on the network's Banfield program in November 2024 to discuss the allegations against Diddy. (The music mogul has been behind bars since September 2024 in substance accused about sex trafficking and racketeering.)

The documents alleged that Burgess and Mitchell fabricated “outrageous lies” against Diddy so they could “gain social media fame, enrich themselves and deprive Mr. Combs of his reputation, livelihood and right to a fair trial.”

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Appearing on NewsNation, Burgess claimed to own 11 flash drives that allegedly contained videos of eight celebrities, six men and two women. Burgess claimed that “two to three” of the individuals were minors. In a January filing, Diddy accused Burgess of lying and claimed no such tape existed.

Diddy – who, like him, is currently in prison awaiting his trial May 5 – Seeks at least $50 million in damages, including punitive damages, for damages caused by “false and defamatory statements.”

In the documents, Diddy claimed that “malicious lies” by Burgess, Mitchell and NewsNation caused him “significant reputational and economic damage.” In addition to the negativity on social media, Diddy claimed that “deliberately false and defamatory statements have also poisoned the minds of potential jurors” in Diddy's upcoming trial this year.

“Sean 'Diddy' Combs is taking a stand against malicious lies that have been fabricated and amplified by individuals seeking to profit at his expense,” Diddy's attorney said. Eric Wolf the statement said. “These defendants have knowingly fabricated and propagated outrageous lies in reckless disregard for the truth. Their lies have poisoned public perception and contaminated the jury pool. This complaint should serve as a warning that such willful falsehoods, which undermine Mr. Combs' right to a fair trial, will not be tolerated again.

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Diddy's legal troubles began last year when he was indicted by a grand jury in September 2024. He was subsequently arrested on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. The 14-page indictment alleged that Diddy “raped, threatened and coerced women and others around him” for decades at his infamous parties, nicknamed the “Freak-Offs.”

Diddy has repeatedly denied the allegations and pleaded guilty to the charges. He remains incarcerated at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center after being denied bail on four separate appeals.