Sean “Diddy” Combs, the well-known music executive recognized for fostering the careers of major hip-hop and R&B artists, was denied bail and taken into custody on Tuesday. He faces a three-count federal indictment alleging he exploited his extensive business network to abuse, threaten, and traffic women to fulfill his sexual needs and safeguard his reputation.
The Southern District of New York alleges that Combs engaged in sex trafficking, racketeering, and facilitating prostitution, as detailed in the indictment released on Tuesday.
The indictment claims that Combs, along with members of his security team, household staff, personal assistants, and business associates, established a criminal organization involved in offenses such as sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstructing justice.
Combs is accused of orchestrating elaborate sex parties, termed “freak offs,” which reportedly involved drug distribution, the transportation of sex workers across state and international borders, and intimidation tactics against women coerced into participating.
During his arraignment in Manhattan, where he appeared somber, Combs pleaded not guilty. He was denied bail in front of his three adult sons and other supporters. Two charges against him carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Prosecutors requested that he remain jailed until trial, emphasizing in a memo that Combs’ propensity for violence cannot be mitigated through bail conditions and labeling him a flight risk who poses a significant danger to the community.
The U.S. Attorney, Damian Williams, noted that interviews with over 50 victims and witnesses revealed decades of alleged physical abuse by Combs. The indictment cites an instance from 2011 involving the kidnapping of an individual referred to as “Individual-1.”
Moreover, during a search of his Miami residence in March, agents seized three AR-15 rifles, with two partially disassembled and magazines loaded. The rifles had defaced serial numbers, according to Williams.
At the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson expressed concerns about Combs’ history of substance abuse as another reason for his detention awaiting trial. Following his arrest at a Manhattan hotel on Monday night, law enforcement officials discovered a pink powder believed to be a narcotic in his room.
Combs’ legal team proposed his release on a $50 million bond backed by the equity in his $48 million Miami property. They asserted in a letter to Judge Robyn Tarnofsky that Combs is not a flight risk, noting that his passport and those of family members were in the custody of his counsel. However, Tarnofsky denied the request, citing Combs’ substance abuse and anger issues.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of any property or funds connected to the alleged crimes committed by Combs, although it does not specify particular assets or amounts.
Reflecting on Combs’ drastic fall, Williams remarked, “A year ago Sean Combs stood in Times Square and was handed a key to New York City. Today he’s been indicted and will face justice in the Southern District of New York.”
Outside the courthouse, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, declared Combs’ innocence and his intention to contest the charges vigorously. Agnifilo indicated, “He’s going to fight this with all of his energy and all of his might, and the full confidence of his lawyers.”
Combs is the most prominent music figure to face sexual misconduct accusations since R&B artist R. Kelly was sentenced in 2022 to over 30 years in prison for sexual abuse, racketeering, and sex trafficking.
Combs’ reputation has suffered since a significant lawsuit was filed last November by his former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, who accused him of years of physical and sexual abuse. The lawsuit was settled within a day, with Combs denying any wrongdoing.
Many allegations in the current indictment closely align with those made by Ventura, including his coercion of women into sexual acts with male prostitutes and participation in drug-fueled gatherings referred to as “freak offs.”
The indictment details these events as “elaborate and produced sex performances” that Combs purportedly orchestrated, participated in, and often recorded. It states that these gatherings “occurred regularly, sometimes lasted multiple days, and often involved multiple commercial sex workers.” During a federal raid in March on Combs’ residences in Los Angeles and Miami, authorities reportedly uncovered various materials connected to these gatherings, including narcotics and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, as well as electronic devices containing images and videos of these events.
The indictment claims that Combs and his associates would lure women into their circle under the guise of romantic relationships and subsequently utilized force, intimidation, and drugs to ensure their compliance in the gatherings. Specific victims are not named in the indictment, but “Victim-1” is mentioned, with experiences akin to those Ventura described in her lawsuit.
It also outlines a 2016 assault on Ventura, captured on hotel surveillance and publicly shared by CNN earlier this year. Combs acknowledged his behavior after the video was released. According to the indictment, efforts were made to bribe hotel staff who intervened during the incident.
The indictment further alleges that when Combs’ image faced threats from negative publicity, particularly after Ventura’s lawsuit, he and his associates attempted to intimidate witnesses, pressuring them through bribery to remain silent.
Although Ventura’s attorney declined to comment on the indictment, U.S. Attorney Williams emphasized that Combs did not act alone and hinted that others could also face charges. He urged anyone with information regarding the case to come forward promptly.
“Combs has been charged with RICO conspiracy to use his business and employees to achieve his aims,” said Williams.
Since Ventura’s lawsuit, several others have come forward with their own accusations against Combs in separate legal actions, and Combs’ attorneys have firmly denied all allegations as they contest these claims.