HOUSTON — Prominent Texas attorney Tony Buzbee is no stranger to high-profile legal disputes. His latest endeavor involves a lawsuit against rapper Jay-Z, along with Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging that they sexually assaulted a minor during an after-party following an awards show in 2000.
This action against Jay-Z is part of a broader set of civil cases that Buzbee has initiated against Combs, who is currently incarcerated in New York while facing federal charges related to the coercion and abuse of women over several years.
Throughout his career, Buzbee has represented a diverse clientele. He played a crucial role in acquitting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton during his impeachment trial in the Texas Senate last year. Additionally, he has advocated for numerous women who accused Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct and assault. Buzbee has also pursued political ambitions, including unsuccessful attempts to become the mayor of Houston.
While some regard him as a brash and flamboyant attorney, Jay-Z has characterized Buzbee’s lawsuit as an attempt at extortion. Buzbee’s firm has stated that he strives to elevate the voices of the marginalized and seeks justice against powerful individuals.
“We live in a society that often does not support the accuser, placing blame on the victim and, by extension, on their legal representatives,” Buzbee noted during a press conference in March 2021.
### Who is Tony Buzbee?
Tony Buzbee has established himself as a recognizable figure in Texas law, amassing billions of dollars in settlements for his clients. Growing up in northeast Texas to a father who was a butcher and a mother who worked in a high school cafeteria, Buzbee later graduated from Texas A&M University. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before attending law school and eventually founding his own legal practice.
His approach is described as assertive, distinguished by aggressive legal strategies, a talent for capturing media attention, and transforming intricate legal issues into compelling narratives that resonate with juries and the public, as stated on his law firm’s website.
### Buzbee’s Role in the Case Against Combs
Buzbee has indicated that his firm is representing over 150 individuals—both male and female—who allege they were sexually abused and exploited by Combs. His firm has set up a dedicated hotline for those coming forward with accusations and has filed multiple lawsuits against the hip-hop figure. Allegations claim that many of Buzbee’s clients experienced abuse at gatherings in New York, California, and Florida, where drinks were reportedly tampered with.
Combs’ legal team has dismissed these lawsuits as “shameless publicity stunts,” asserting they are aimed at extracting money from celebrities who fear false claims being circulated about them, much like those that have been alleged against Mr. Combs.
Recently, Jay-Z released a statement accusing Buzbee of attempting to blackmail him into settling claims concerning the rape of a girl when she was just 13 years old. Jay-Z’s statement expressed disbelief at Buzbee’s character, questioning his valor as a former Marine.
In response, Buzbee affirmed on social media that he will not be intimidated or coerced, asserting, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and I am quite certain the sun is coming.”
### Other Notable Cases by Buzbee
In 2009, Buzbee’s firm secured a $100 million settlement for ten workers who were affected by a chemical spill at a refinery in suburban Houston. He has also worked with politicians, including Paxton and former Texas Governor Rick Perry during an abuse-of-power case.
In 2013, he achieved settlements for ten teenagers who accused Stanley Marsh 3, a peculiar Texas millionaire, of soliciting them for sexual acts. Furthermore, he successfully settled lawsuits on behalf of 25 women who alleged Watson, then with the Houston Texans, had engaged in inappropriate conduct during massage appointments.
“I’ve managed some of the largest cases in this state,” Buzbee asserted during his 2021 press conference, reaffirming his reputation in legal circles.