Sean "Diddy" Combs, one of hip-hop’s biggest names, pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday. Prosecutors accuse the 54-year-old music mogul of using his fame and business empire to coerce women into degrading sexual acts as part of a long-running sex trafficking and racketeering scheme.
Combs was charged with three felonies: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and could receive a life sentence.
According to the 14-page indictment, which was unsealed hours before his court appearance, Combs allegedly used his record label, Bad Boy Entertainment, to transport women and male sex workers across state lines for sexual performances, referred to as "Freak Offs." During these events, Combs would allegedly watch and masturbate. Prosecutors claim he enticed women with drugs such as ketamine and ecstasy, financial support, or promises of career advancement and romantic relationships. The indictment also alleges that Combs used secret recordings of the acts as "collateral" to silence the women, and sometimes brandished weapons to intimidate victims and witnesses.
While the indictment does not specify how many victims were involved, it accuses Combs of physically assaulting women by punching, kicking, and throwing objects at them. It further alleges that he and his associates resorted to violence, including arson and kidnapping, to cover up their actions.
Despite these accusations, Combs' defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, argued that the sexual activities described were consensual. "Not everyone is familiar with this kind of intimacy, but that doesn’t make it sex trafficking," Agnifilo said, denying the charges against his client.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky denied bail, agreeing with the prosecution’s request to keep Combs in custody before trial. As Combs stood in court wearing a black T-shirt and gray sweatpants, he firmly declared his plea: "Not guilty."
Defense attorney Agnifilo announced plans to appeal the detention ruling at a hearing scheduled for Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter, who will oversee the rest of the case.
Discussion0