Legal experts believe that any potential nondisclosure agreements between Sean “Diddy” Combs and his accusers do not prevent them from speaking with federal investigators in a sex-trafficking investigation involving the hip-hop mogul. Nondisclosure agreements do not cover illegal activities, so individuals are free to speak out. The civil lawsuits against Combs allege sex assault, trafficking, and physical abuse, with search warrants being served on his mansions as part of the investigation. Witnesses, regardless of any NDAs, can speak with investigators.
Allegations from a settled lawsuit filed by ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, known as R&B singer Cassie, could be a focus for investigators. The lawsuit, although settled out of court, contains explosive allegations that could provide leads for authorities to follow. Combs cannot use an NDA to prevent someone from reporting a crime or testifying pursuant to a subpoena. And a law passed last year makes it illegal to enforce an NDA to prevent a sexual harassment or assault victim from speaking out in court, further complicating Combs’ situation.
Witnesses to Combs’ alleged crimes, including his own staffers and Bad Boy employees, as well as other accusers who have come forward, could be crucial in the investigation. NDAs would be irrelevant in federal court if individuals have information on illegal activities. Flight logs and witnesses could provide evidence in the case, with potentially more accusers emerging. Despite the federal investigation, Combs has not been charged with a crime and has denied all accusations of wrongdoing, stating that the lawsuit with Ventura was settled on good terms.
Experts believe that the federal investigation is unlikely to end without further action. Investigators are expected to thoroughly explore all leads and evidence in the case, even if individuals have signed NDAs and received payments to remain silent. Court rulings are likely to deem NDAs invalid if they entail information on illegal activities. Bad Boy executives and other figures involved in the alleged trafficking scheme may face scrutiny as authorities dig deeper into the allegations. The extensive nature of the federal investigation suggests that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly examined.
The involvement of federal investigators makes it challenging for Combs to halt the progression of the case and silence accusers. Any attempts to enforce NDAs in an effort to prevent victims from speaking out or testifying are likely to be deemed invalid in court. The severity of the accusations, including rape, physical abuse, and trafficking, necessitates a thorough investigation that leaves no stone unturned. As more witnesses, accusers, and potential evidence come forward, the depth of the case against Combs continues to grow, raising questions about his potential legal liability and the outcome of the investigation.
