Man Claims He Was Sexually Assaulted at Diddy’s Star Island Party: Legal Questions Mount

Shocking Allegations Surface at Celebrity-Filled Party

A Florida man, Joseph Manzaro, has come forward with explosive claims that he was drugged, paraded in a humiliating state, and sexually assaulted during a 2015 birthday party thrown for Christian “King” Combs, son of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The lawsuit, filed in Miami, describes a disturbing scene allegedly set inside the Star Island mansion of Gloria and Emilio Estefan—an estate long associated with high-profile gatherings. Manzaro says he was escorted into the property by individuals he did not recognize and quickly fell into a state of disorientation after being drugged. What happened next, according to the complaint, borders on surreal.

Manzaro Describes Bizarre Encounters With Celebrities

While under the influence, Manzaro claims he was fitted with a black leather mask that had a rubber dam zipped tightly over his face—through which a sex toy was protruding. He was reportedly walked through various rooms of the home, where he unexpectedly encountered Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

According to Manzaro, Beyoncé was visibly confused by what she saw, asking aloud why a “half-naked white man with a c--k mask” was standing before her. Someone responded that it was “punishment” for snitching, and that “Diddy wants him to see what we do to snitches.”

The suit goes on to allege that basketball superstar LeBron James was also present at the party. Manzaro claims that James, dressed in a towel, passed by in a hallway and said, “Y’all better do something about that,” before walking away.

Gloria Estefan Allegedly Tried to Intervene

Manzaro asserts that Gloria Estefan, upon seeing his condition, urged others to call an ambulance. However, he claims Emilio Estefan stepped in, quieted her, and redirected her attention. The lawsuit states this happened more than once throughout the night.

Jacob “The Jeweler” Arabo was also allegedly approached by Manzaro later in the evening. The jeweler is said to have asked what was happening, to which one of the escorts reportedly replied, “Oh, he’s just a snitch. We’re teaching him a little lesson.”

The Aftermath: Abuse, Beating, and Abandonment

Following what the lawsuit calls a night of “degradation and non-consensual acts,” Manzaro alleges he was removed from the mansion and taken to a so-called "gang house," where he was beaten and left for dead.

He eventually made it back to his apartment and later decided to take legal action, not only against Combs but also against several other individuals named in the complaint.

Celebrity Denials and Legal Pushback

Sean Combs’ legal team was quick to condemn the lawsuit, labeling the claims “false, vile, and entirely fabricated.” They insisted that the accusations were a “cash grab” and that Combs looks forward to disproving them in court.

Jay-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro, issued a separate statement, saying his client wasn’t even in Florida at the time of the alleged event, adding that “public records clearly show Mr. Carter was engaged in activities elsewhere.”

A representative for LeBron James also dismissed the claim as “demonstrably false,” noting that James was actively playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the entire month of April 2015.

The Estefans denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the property in question was a family home and not used for parties during the 2012–2019 period.

Broader Investigation into Combs and Federal Charges

This isn’t the only legal storm brewing around Combs. He is currently facing a series of lawsuits tied to alleged sexual misconduct and trafficking. In September, a federal indictment charged him with sex trafficking, racketeering, and coercion. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

If convicted, Combs could face a minimum of 15 years in prison—with the possibility of a life sentence.

Legal Spotlight: Examining the Themes at Play

1. Statute of Limitations and Survivor Access to Justice

One of the most pressing legal hurdles in sexual assault cases is time. Traditionally, statutes of limitations prevent old claims from being filed. However, new legislation like New York’s Adult Survivors Act has opened pathways for victims to file cases years—even decades—later. This law, which expired in late 2023, was a direct response to growing awareness around delayed reporting by survivors.

“Statutes of limitations were never designed to accommodate the trauma-informed realities of sexual violence,” said Professor Marci Hamilton, CEO of Child USA. “It takes years, sometimes lifetimes, for victims to speak out.”

2. Anonymity in Sexual Assault Cases

In a related Combs case, a lawsuit filed under the pseudonym “Jane Doe” was dismissed after the plaintiff declined to reveal her identity. The judge upheld the defendant’s right to confront their accuser. Critics argue that such rulings discourage victims from coming forward.

Attorney Tony Buzbee, who filed the suit, commented, “No victim should be forced to choose between public humiliation and justice.”

3. Media Influence and Due Process

High-profile defendants bring media glare, and with that comes public judgment before trials even begin. Legal experts like Alan Dershowitz have long warned against media-led trials, saying, “When the public makes its decision in the court of opinion, the courtroom becomes secondary.”

Careless headlines and viral social media posts can sway jury pools and damage reputations beyond repair.

4. Legal Options for Victims of Powerful Individuals

Survivors of abuse by powerful people often feel trapped. But legal remedies do exist. They can pursue civil claims for damages—emotional distress, reputational harm, loss of income—as well as support criminal investigations.

Attorney Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco, an expert on trafficking litigation, notes, “Civil suits allow survivors to regain a sense of power. Even if the criminal system fails them, they can still be heard.”

5. Broader Cultural Implications

These cases force the public and the legal system to reckon with the intersection of power, fame, and accountability. While some survivors find courage through solidarity, others may be further silenced by disbelief and backlash.

Legal scholar Michele Dauber summarized it plainly: “This is not just about one man or one night. It’s about whether our system truly protects the most vulnerable—or the most powerful.”

People Also Ask

Q: Is Diddy facing criminal charges as well?
Yes. Combs is under federal indictment for sex trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty.

Q: Why were Beyoncé and Jay-Z named in the lawsuit?
They were mentioned as present during the alleged incident but are not named as defendants.

Q: How does the Adult Survivors Act work?
The act allowed victims to file lawsuits previously barred by the statute of limitations, giving them a one-year window to act.

Q: Is media coverage a legal problem in celebrity cases?
It can be. Publicity often influences jury selection, framing narratives before evidence is presented in court.

Q: What happens next in the Manzaro lawsuit?
The case is expected to move forward in Florida’s civil courts. Combs and other named defendants are preparing to respond.

Final Word: Speak Up, Stay Informed

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or coercion, confidential help is available. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org.

No matter who the perpetrator is—your story matters. Justice starts with your voice.

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