Sean 'Diddy' Combs lawsuits show how sexual assault survivors can leverage public opinion

Recent lawsuits against Sean "Diddy" Combs and other well-known public figures epitomize a recurring narrative in sexual assault cases involving celebrities: The survivor brave enough to come forward faces public criticism, the accused celebrity receives some measure of public support, and then the accused celebrity opts for a rapid settlement to safeguard their public image.

This pattern, witnessed repeatedly in my legal practice representing sexual assault survivors, underscores the potency of public opinion as a strategic complement to legal action, particularly against powerful and affluent abusers.

The #MeToo movement catalyzed a paradigm shift for survivors, imbuing them with a sense of empowerment and encouraging vocal resistance against the culture of silence and fear. This shift manifested in significant legislative advancements, such as New York’s Adult Survivors Act, a milestone in advocacy that offered survivors a window to seek justice through litigation.

Our civil justice system offers a vital path for survivors to seek justice, allowing them to present their narratives, uncover critical evidence and gain a hearing before a jury. Yet, the legal process can be painstakingly slow and burdensome. Survivors who publicly confront their abusers in high-profile cases can reclaim some control.

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Lawsuit against Combs fits pattern in entertainment industry

The first lawsuit against Combs, filed on behalf of the singer Cassie, reflects typical sexual assault allegations in the entertainment industry, a sector plagued by recurring scandals and predominantly male leadership.

However, this case diverged notably when Kid Cudi, a respected industry figure, corroborated Cassie's claims. His support not only influenced public sentiment but also fortified the legal case by providing corroborating evidence from an outside source. The case was settled in November.

By coming forward publicly with their story, a survivor can also strengthen their legal case by attracting witnesses, garnering additional evidence and motivating other victims to come forward. This collective validation and amplified awareness about an abuser’s misconduct are unlikely if a survivor settles or agrees to a nondisclosure agreement before initiating a lawsuit.

In cases where celebrities seek to preempt public controversy, their transgressions often remain hidden. Conversely, trials that unfold in the media spotlight leave none unscathed.

The decision to file a lawsuit demands immense courage. The choice to do so publicly, revealing one's identity, necessitates even greater fortitude, especially when the abuser is a celebrated and influential figure. The backlash in such scenarios is often more acute, with victims facing harsher judgment and skepticism.

Nonetheless, for survivors willing to endure these challenges, the combination of legal action and public advocacy can be a powerful catalyst for justice.

Public can have large influence in sexual assault cases

This narrative not only reveals the complexities inherent in cases of sexual assault involving high-profile individuals but also highlights the evolving landscape of survivor advocacy in the era of #MeToo.

It underscores the intricate interplay between the legal system and public opinion in shaping outcomes and influencing societal attitudes toward sexual misconduct, particularly in industries where power imbalances are stark.

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This is not to say legal cases should be litigated in the media or by the public at large. A cornerstone of our civil justice system is the space for the unbiased facts of a case to be litigated between parties. Our democracy relies on our civil justice system, and there are good reasons for how it operates. Cases must be, first and foremost, tried in courtrooms and determined by a judge or a jury.

Public opinion can never replace our courts of law that bear the responsibility of upholding justice in our country, but educating the public on the issues and using their voices in a public arena can be one of few ways survivors can shift a power imbalance, reclaim what has happened to them, gather important pieces of corroborating evidence through public requests for information (much like law enforcement do in criminal investigations) and inspire others to come forward.

The lawsuits against Sean Combs and the ensuing public discourse illustrate the multifaceted nature of seeking justice in sexual assault cases. They underscore the importance of both legal recourse and public advocacy in confronting and dismantling systems that have long enabled and concealed abuse.

For survivors, navigating this landscape requires not only immense personal courage but also a strategic understanding of how to leverage both the court of law and the court of public opinion to affect change and seek redress.

Michelle Simpson Tuegel is an advocate for sexual abuse survivors and an attorney who has represented survivors in cases such as the Larry Nassar litigation against Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee; sexual assault survivors at the University of Southern California and University of Michigan; female students in Title IX lawsuits around the country; and clergy abuse survivors nationwide.