Sean Combs has asked a federal court to grant a default judgment in his defamation lawsuit against Courtney Burgess, arguing that the defendant failed to respond to claims involving alleged sex tapes, according to filings submitted April 22.
The motion, if granted, could hand Combs a procedural victory without a trial, even as the music mogul continues to serve a federal prison sentence and pursue an appeal of his conviction. The case centers on Burgess' public allegations that he possessed explicit recordings involving Combs and several unnamed celebrities.
Combs' attorneys told the court that Burgess had been properly served and was "competent to respond" but did not file any defense, prompting the request for a default ruling. Such a judgment would effectively resolve the defamation claim in Combs' favor without adjudicating the underlying factual dispute.
The lawsuit was filed before Combs' 2025 conviction on prostitution-related charges. In the complaint, his legal team accused Burgess of "fabricating outlandish claims and stirring up baseless speculation," rejecting assertions that any such recordings exist.
Burgess' allegations gained traction following a November 2024 appearance on NewsNation, where he claimed to possess videos depicting Combs in sexual encounters with "eight celebrities," including two individuals he alleged were minors at the time. Those claims have not been substantiated in court filings, and Combs has consistently denied their existence.
In his public response, Burgess maintained his position, stating he was "standing by his word" and adding that Combs "had a lot of nerve to want to sue somebody when he's going to rot in jail for all of the things he's done." The exchange reflects a broader pattern of competing narratives that have fueled public attention around the case.
Combs' filing also emphasizes reputational harm, arguing that the allegations led to widespread online commentary branding him a "debauched 'monster' and a paedophile." His legal team contends that such claims circulated across social media platforms viewed by millions, amplifying damage beyond traditional media channels.
The legal maneuver comes as Combs continues to serve a 50-month sentence at a federal facility in Fort Dix, New Jersey, following his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, his projected release date is April 15, 2028.
At the same time, his attorneys are challenging the conviction itself. During an April 9 appeal hearing, they argued that the conduct cited by prosecutors-referred to in court as "freak offs"-was not material under the Mann Act, which governs interstate transportation for illicit purposes.
