The rapper and businessman Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been formally charged with the crimes of sexual trafficking and extortion.
‘Diddy’ was arrested Monday night by U.S. authorities, but the reasons for the arrest were only revealed early this afternoon, morning in New York. In March, the musician’s mansions in Los Angeles and Miami were searched by federal agents, and two of ‘Diddy’s’ children were then arrested and charged with sexual trafficking.
His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, expressed being “disappointed” with the arrest, adding that ‘Diddy’ is being “unjustly accused.” “He is not a perfect person, but he is also not a criminal,” he stated.
After the charges were made public, Agnifilo told reporters gathered outside the federal court in Manhattan, where the case will be tried, that ‘Diddy’ intends to plead not guilty. “He will fight with all his strength, and with complete trust in his lawyers,” he asserted.
Over the past few months, several women, including Cassie, his ex-girlfriend, have accused him of rape and sexual harassment. In May, a video was also released showing ‘Diddy’ brutally attacking Cassie in a hotel in 2016. “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I feel disgusted,” he had said then.