The Importance of Esteemed Legal Representation for Your High-Profile Case  

Our firm offers empathetic, professional, and individualized representation on our client’s behalf, as we believe every case requires diligence and sufficient resources invested. 

In December 2024, ABC News reported Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was accused of sexually assaulting three men in new lawsuits “filed by anonymous accusers, (which) alleged a similar pattern of conduct by Combs between 2019 and 2022. The assaults are alleged to have happened at New York City hotels and in East Hampton.” Plaintiffs’ attorney Thomas Giuffra stated, “I was contacted by in excess of 60 people. I only chose to file these three so far because I vetted them out. They’re very consistent with the pattern that Sean Combs followed.”  

In the article, Giuffra also said that he plans to request the court’s permission for his clients to move forward with the case anonymously. He explained that his clients fear public exposure could make them vulnerable to retaliation, as they believe efforts are being made to intimidate and silence survivors through fear. 

How Our Experience in High-Profile Cases Can Help You 

Many of our clients are able to remain anonymous as their civil cases are settled out of court. We prioritize our client’s privacy and confidentiality at every stage. However, if a case moves forward to trial, there may be circumstances where the survivor’s identity could become part of the public record. We approach this with sensitivity and ensure our clients are fully informed and supported throughout the process.  

Trust Attorney Thomas Giuffra‘s extensive experience in high-profile sex abuse cases. As noted, he has also represented survivors in the Harvey Weinstein sex abuse cases as well as Dr. Robert Hadden, both of which involved powerful men who used their positions to abuse unsuspecting men and women. If you are seeking legal representation, Thomas Giuffra has the experience, expertise, and personal skills to handle your trauma in a confidential, caring manner. 

Sexual Abuse in the Entertainment Industry 

Sexual abuse cases involving well-known celebrities or industry executives encompass a broad range of misconduct, all rooted in the abuse of power and the violation of personal boundaries, including: 

• Sexual Harassment – Unwelcome sexual advances, remarks, gestures, or jokes that create a hostile or intimidating environment. 
• Grooming – The calculated process of manipulating a vulnerable individual to normalize inappropriate behavior and diminish their ability to recognize or resist abuse. 
• Molestation – Any form of non-consensual physical contact, particularly of a sexual nature. 
• Coercion – Pressuring, blackmailing, or manipulating someone into sexual activity against their will. 
• Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking – Forcing or coercing individuals into commercial sex acts, often through manipulation, threats, or abuse of authority. 
• Exhibitionism and Voyeurism – Exposing one’s genitals to others or secretly observing others engaged in private acts without their knowledge or consent. 
• Digital and Online Sexual Abuse – Including sextortion, online grooming, and the non-consensual distribution of explicit images or videos. 
• Rape and Sexual Assault – Any non-consensual sexual penetration, including instances where the victim is incapacitated and unable to provide consent. 

The common thread in all forms of sexual abuse is a dynamic of control, manipulation, and exploitation. This is particularly pronounced in the entertainment industry, where celebrities often use their influence to silence victims.  

Survivors may feel intimidated by the wealth, status, and reach of their abusers, making it even more difficult to come forward and seek justice. 

Filing a Civil Lawsuit and Determining Liable Parties 

Filing a civil lawsuit against a perpetrator of sexual abuse—particularly in cases involving influential individuals in the entertainment industry—begins with a confidential consultation. During this initial stage, we evaluate the facts, determine the strength of the case, and identify all potential defendants, which may include not only the abuser but also employers, agencies, or corporations that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse.  

Once the case is deemed viable, our legal team conducts a thorough investigation and gathers evidence such as witness statements, communications, medical records, and internal documents. This stage is critical for building a strong foundation and uncovering patterns of negligence or cover-up. A key part of the process is identifying all parties that may be held civilly liable—not just the perpetrator but also institutions or individuals who knew or should have known about the misconduct and failed to act.  

Understanding the Difference Between Criminal Charges and Civil Lawsuits  

While the trauma of sexual abuse may never fade completely, our team helps survivors of Hollywood sex abuse seek justice in civil courts. While these are not criminal proceedings, a civil lawsuit will hold abusers–and potentially the institutions that enabled it–monetarily responsible. In a civil trial, the standard of proof is the preponderance of the evidence, an easier standard to meet than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard in criminal trials.  

Schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation Today 

Contact New York sexual abuse lawyer Thomas Giuffra to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation today. Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP offers direct representation for clients in New York and serves as co-counsel for cases in California.