Tony Buzbee has hit a minor roadblock.
The Texas-based attorney, who is representing more than 100 alleged victims in sexual assault lawsuits against Sean “Diddy” Combs, was recently denied admission to practice in the Southern District of New York.
Buzbee can still seek “pro hac vice” admission, however, within the Southern District. This means he could be granted permission to practice on a case-by-case basis — but would need to attach the denial from the Committee on Grievances to every one of his requests moving forward.
According to the SDNY order, obtained by Page Six, Buzbee allegedly “appeared in cases in this [SDNY] Court without seeking admission.”
Buzbee took to social media over the weekend to address recent inquiries about whether he had been “barred” from practicing in the state of New York.
The attorney shared a photo of his New York license via Instagram, writing in part, “Let me be clear. I’m licensed to practice law in New York.”
“I’m in good standing with the state bar and have always been. Although I prefer Texas, I’m proud of the legal work we are doing in New York,” he continued. “Don’t believe the click bait or dramatic headlines. Most of what’s reported nowadays is pure bunk by those with an agenda.”
Notably, those who have passed the bar in New York must apply separately for admission to practice in the US District Courts in the Eastern and Southern Districts.
Buzbee has yet to respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
In October 2024, the attorney announced during a press conference that he was representing 120 individuals, including 25 minors, in cases against Combs.
One of the lawsuits included an unnamed woman accusing Combs of raping her in 2000 when she was 13 — and this was later amended to name Jay-Z as well.
The “Empire State of Mind” rapper, born Shawn Carter, vehemently denied this allegation in December 2024 and called it a “heinous … blackmail attempt.”
The Grammy winner filed to dismiss the lawsuit and accused Buzbee of “encouraging” women to lie.
When Buzbee voluntarily dropped the legal action earlier this month, Jay-Z declared “victory” over the alleged “frivolous, fictitious, and appalling” claims.
He went on to reference wife Beyoncé and their three kids — Blue Ivy, 13, and twins Sir and Rumi, 7 — writing, “The trauma that my wife, my children, loved ones and I have endured can never be dismissed.”
As for Combs, he is behind bars in Brooklyn after his September 2024 arrest for sex trafficking, prostitution and racketeering charges.
He has pleaded not guilty and has continuously denied any wrongdoing.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
