The music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in pre-trial detention until the trial on three federal charges for conspiracy to commit extortion, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, Judge Robyn Tarnofsky ruled on Tuesday. The prosecution highlighted that the musician used his fame to coerce women into participating in degrading sexual acts; the defense argued that the acts described by the prosecutors were consensual.
According to prosecutors, Combs, 54, used the business empire he controlled, including his record label Bad Boy Entertainment, to transport women, as well as male sex workers, across state lines to participate in recorded sexual performances called Freak Offs, which the music mogul attended and during which he masturbated.
“Defendant Sean Combs physically and sexually abused his victims for decades,” prosecutor Emily Johnson told the judge, advocating for pre-trial detention. “He is extremely dangerous to the community,” she emphasized.
The rapper, who was arrested in Manhattan on Monday night, was brought to Judge Robyn Tarnofsky’s courtroom on Tuesday afternoon, where he pleaded not guilty. However, the judge decided that Combs should remain in custody until the trial, valuing the prosecution’s argument that a potential heavy sentence could incentivize Combs to flee. With the charges he faces, Combs could be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and could face life imprisonment if found guilty on all three counts.
The next hearing for the case is scheduled for September 24.
Crimes began at least 16 years ago
According to the indictment, Combs lured women by giving them drugs, such as ketamine and ecstasy, offering financial support or convincing them with promises of career support or a romantic relationship. Combs then used clandestine recordings of the sexual acts as “insurance” to ensure the women’s silence and sometimes displayed weapons to intimidate the victims of abuse and witnesses, according to prosecutors.
“The victims did not believe they could say no to Combs without risking their safety or facing further abuse,” Williams said at a press conference. “This office is determined to investigate and prosecute anyone involved in sex trafficking, regardless of their power, wealth, or fame.”
The indictment does not specify how many women may have been victims. There are also no allegations that Combs himself was directly involved in unwanted sexual contacts with the women, although he is accused of assaulting them with punches, kicks, dragging, and throwing objects.
A list of charges
Combs, 54, was arrested in Manhattan by federal agents on Monday night as legal actions against him accumulate, accusing him of physical and sexual abuse, but this is not the first time he has had problems with American justice. In 2001, he was charged with bribery and possession of weapons in a criminal case stemming from a shooting at a nightclub that left three people injured — the rapper was later acquitted.
“We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe to be an unjust accusation against Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” lamented Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lawyer to Reuters. The lawyer detailed that Combs voluntarily moved to New York, anticipating the charges. “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, a self-made entrepreneur, a loving family man, and a proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, loving his children, and working to uplift the Black community.”
Combs, who is also known as P. Diddy and Puff Daddy, was an important figure in hip-hop in the 1990s and 2000s. He founded the label Bad Boy Records and is credited with helping transform rappers and R&B singers like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G., and Usher into stars.
From domestic violence to work assaults
His reputation was called into question last November when former girlfriend Casandra Ventura, an R&B singer known as Cassie, accused him of serial physical abuse, sexual slavery, and rape during their decade-long relationship. However, she would later agree to an out-of-court settlement, and the rapper denies any allegations. Nevertheless, a video was released showing Sean Combs assaulting Cassie. The footage, from the hotel security system where the couple was staying, shows Diddy throwing the woman to the ground, kicking her, and then dragging her.
Legal pressures have intensified over the past year, and Combs faces several civil lawsuits filed by women and men who accuse him of sexual assault and other misconduct. His lawyers have been battling these lawsuits in court. Six months ago, federal agents carried out searches at his homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach, Florida.
Last week in New York, singer Dawn Richard filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of sexual assault, physical assault, sex trafficking, sexual discrimination, and fraud. Combs denies the allegations.
Also this month, Puff Daddy was ordered to pay one hundred million dollars (about 90 million euros) in another sexual assault lawsuit against Derrick Lee Smith, who accused the producer of drugging and sexually assaulting him at a party nearly 30 years ago. Combs’ lawyer assured that the rapper will seek to overturn the ruling.
Combs also rejected claims in a February sex trafficking lawsuit filed by Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, whom Combs employed as a producer on his 2023 release The Love Album: Off the Grid.
News updated with details on the charges against Combs (21:32) and judge’s ruling (22:20)