Embattled music producer and hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges after his arrest earlier this week. A federal judge in New York had initially detained Combs, citing him as a “serious flight risk,” but he is now out on bail after a subsequent hearing.
Prosecutors allege that the 54-year-old musician has been running a criminal sex trafficking operation since at least 2008. He was arrested on Monday evening, following an investigation that led to a 14-count indictment. The charges accuse Combs of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting women and girls for prostitution, using drugs and violence to force submission.
If found guilty on all charges, the rapper and record producer could face a prison sentence ranging from 15 years to life.
During his court appearance in Manhattan on Tuesday, Combs, dressed in a black T-shirt and grey sweatpants, firmly responded with “Not guilty” when asked how he pleaded by US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky.
Details of the Indictment and Allegations
According to court documents, federal prosecutors accuse Combs of using his celebrity status to “entice female victims into prolonged sexual acts” in events referred to as “Freak Offs.” It is further alleged that three semi-automatic rifles with defaced serial numbers and a drum magazine were recovered during the investigation.
US prosecutor Damian Williams revealed that authorities discovered firearms, ammunition, and over 1,000 bottles of lubricant during raids on Combs’ Miami and Los Angeles homes six months ago.
The indictment accuses Combs of forming a criminal enterprise where members, acting on his orders, engaged in activities including sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson, and bribery. The charges also allege that Combs “frequently” assaulted women, physically abusing them by “hitting, punching, dragging, throwing objects at, and kicking them.”
Although the indictment does not specify the number of victims or accuse Combs of personally committing unwanted sexual acts, it alleges that controlled substances were provided to the victims to ensure their obedience and compliance.
Defence and Next Steps
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has filed an appeal against the judge’s bail ruling, and a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
The defence argues that there is insufficient evidence to justify keeping Combs detained, despite the serious allegations against him.
More charges could be forthcoming as the investigation continues, though no additional details have been provided at this time.
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