Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing new legal trouble after a Florida man filed a federal lawsuit accusing the music mogul of human trafficking and sexual assault stemming from an alleged 2015 incident at a party in Miami. The plaintiff, identified as Joseph Manzaro, claims he was drugged, transported to Star Island, and subjected to a series of non-consensual acts at an event he describes as a "freak-off" hosted during the birthday celebration for Diddy's son, Christian Combs.
The suit alleges that numerous high-profile celebrities, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, LeBron James, and Gloria Estefan, witnessed portions of the alleged abuse. However, none of the celebrities named in the complaint are defendants in the case.
According to Manzaro, the ordeal began when he was allegedly brought to the rear entrance of Emilio and Gloria Estefan's property while in a "drug-induced stupor." Gloria Estefan reportedly demanded medical help for the man, but her husband allegedly silenced her and redirected attention to the party. Later, Manzaro says he encountered LeBron James, who allegedly commented, "Y'all better do something about that."
A representative for James called the claim "demonstrably false," citing that LeBron was playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the entire month and never visited Miami. Gloria and Emilio Estefan also denied the accusations, stating they hadn't used the Star Island residence for events between 2012 and 2019 and were prepared to provide documentation.
Manzaro's lawsuit claims he was led through a secret tunnel to Diddy's mansion by former adult film actress Adria English, where he allegedly regained partial consciousness and noticed Beyoncé and Jay-Z among the guests. He claims Beyoncé asked, "What's this? What's this all about? Why is this half-naked white man with a c**k mask standing here in front of me?" An unnamed member of Diddy's entourage allegedly responded, "Diddy wants him to see what we do to snitches. This is part of his punishment."
Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro, categorically denied the rapper's involvement, stating, "Mr. Carter wasn't in Florida at that time to witness this incident-he was engaged in easily findable public activities that prove he was not at this event."
Manzaro alleges that he was publicly humiliated as Diddy shouted, "He's gonna find out what we do to snitches tonight. Get him undressed!" The suit describes how he was forcibly outfitted in a thong, black leather mask, and a "locking sex device" that protruded from his mouth. He claims he was subjected to degrading treatment and non-consensual acts throughout the evening.
Celebrity jeweler Jacob Arabo, also named as a witness, allegedly encountered Manzaro during the event and reacted with concern, asking, "What's this? What's going on with this guy? Why is he standing here staring at me with a penis strapped to his face?" Arabo is not named as a defendant and has not publicly responded.
Brendan Paul, an alleged associate of Combs described in the suit as his "drug mule," is also named as a defendant. His attorney, Brian Bieber, dismissed the allegations outright, stating Paul was still in high school in Ohio at the time and had never been to West Palm Beach.
Diddy's legal team released a statement rejecting the lawsuit as "depraved" and "a pursuit of a payday," adding, "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."
