Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested this week, joining a limited group of celebrities facing prosecution for sex crimes in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. Since the movement gained traction, numerous male celebrities have been accused of sexual misconduct, but only a few from the music and film sectors have been charged criminally.
Combs now finds himself among those prosecuted for serious allegations. He faces federal racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which carry potential prison sentences of at least 15 years if convicted. Prosecutors allege that he used his influence to entice female victims and male sex workers into drug-fueled sexual performances, reportedly employing violence and threats to silence any dissent.
In recent years, notable figures such as Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby have also faced serious legal repercussions. Weinstein was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 for raping and sexually assaulting a woman, while his New York conviction, which followed a 2020 trial, was overturned this year. He now faces a retrial scheduled for 2025.
Bill Cosby, the first celebrity tried in the #MeToo era, was convicted in 2018 for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, but his conviction was overturned in 2021 on procedural grounds. Cosby has faced allegations from over 60 women, denying all accusations of sexual crimes.
R. Kelly has received significant prison time for a range of sexual crimes, including child sex abuse materials and sex trafficking, leading to sentences totaling 50 years in New York and Chicago.
In other cases, actors like Kevin Spacey have achieved acquittals, while Cuba Gooding Jr. admitted guilt in a separate sexual misconduct case, agreeing to a plea deal that included a public apology for his actions.
Danny Masterson, known for his role in “That ’70s Show,” was convicted of raping two women and is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence following a retrial after an initial jury could not reach a verdict.
These cases highlight the ongoing legal challenges and cultural implications that have arisen in the wake of the #MeToo movement, as more individuals speak out and seek justice against alleged offenders.