Hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering after being arrested in New York. The 54-year-old rapper was taken into custody at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan on Monday, September 16, and appeared in court the following day.
According to the indictment, Combs is accused of running a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, and other illegal activities dating back to 2008. The charges also claim that he abused, threatened, and coerced women to fulfill his desires and protect his reputation.
During his initial court appearance, Combs, who faces three felony counts, denied the allegations. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, vowed to "fight like hell" to secure his client's release, maintaining Combs’ innocence.
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated what were referred to as "Freak Offs," involving female victims and male sex workers in drug-fueled sexual performances. These events, detailed in the indictment, were allegedly arranged with the help of his employees, who booked hotel rooms, provided drugs, and even assisted in cleaning up after these activities.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams suggested that more charges could follow as investigations continue. He emphasized that Combs used his business empire to facilitate criminal activities, including the involvement of his staff in arranging travel for the events and handling large sums of cash for the sex workers.
Prosecutors also claim that Combs recorded the performances and used the footage as leverage to control his victims. The drugs allegedly used to keep the victims compliant included ketamine, ecstasy, and GHB.
Combs’ legal troubles have been ongoing, with several lawsuits and allegations of sexual misconduct, including a high-profile case involving his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura. Cassie accused him of years of abuse and coercion in a lawsuit that was settled quickly. However, hotel surveillance footage later aired showing Combs physically assaulting her.
Combs, who once dominated the hip-hop scene as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, has faced numerous accusations over the years. His legal team insists on his innocence, urging the public to withhold judgment until all the facts are revealed.
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