Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was taken into custody on Tuesday, awaiting trial on federal charges of s*x trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, according to the GuardianSean ‘Diddy’. Combs is accused of running a criminal enterprise involving s*xual crimes, blackmail, and violence, with allegations dating back to 2008.
According to the indictment, Combs allegedly coerced female victims and male s*x workers into drug-fueled s*xual performances known as “Freak Offs.” The indictment also refers to an attack on his former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, which was captured on video, told NBC News.
In court, Combs pleaded “not guilty” after listening expressionlessly to the charges. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky denied him bail, prompting Combs to take a long drink of water before being led out in handcuffs, glancing toward his family in the courtroom.
“Mr. Combs is a fighter. He’s going to fight this to the end. He’s innocent,” Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, told reporters, vowing to appeal the bail decision.
Prosecutors allege that Combs s*xually abused women and used physical violence, with his staff helping him cover up the crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson said, “Simply put, he is a serial abuser and a serial obstructor.”
Agnifilo defended Combs, acknowledging that the music icon had struggled with drugs and “toxic relationships” but insisted the case stemmed from a consensual relationship, hinting at Combs’ past with Cassie without naming her. “Is it s*x trafficking? Not if everybody wants to be there,” Agnifilo argued, accusing authorities of intruding into Combs’ private life.
The indictment claims Combs orchestrated elaborate “Freak Offs,” arranging and recording the s*xual encounters. Prosecutors say they have video evidence and interviewed more than 50 victims and witnesses, with that number expected to grow.
Combs was arrested Monday, roughly six months after federal authorities raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami. If convicted, Combs faces at least 15 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence.
Combs has faced legal trouble before, including a 2001 acquittal for a Manhattan nightclub shooting, but this case paints a darker picture of the former hip-hop titan’s life behind the scenes. As his lawyer said, “His spirits are good. He’s confident,” but Combs now faces a series of serious charges that could alter the course of his life and career.