Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty to federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges on Tuesday. The indictment accuses him of a consistent pattern of mistreatment towards women and others. Combs was taken into custody late Monday in Manhattan following a sex trafficking probe that led to searches at his opulent properties in Los Angeles and Miami six months ago.
In recent times, Combs faced legal action from individuals alleging physical and sexual abuse. Many of these claims have been refuted by Combs, and his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, stated outside the courtroom on Tuesday that the 54-year-old music icon would plead not guilty and strive to secure his release from detention.
Combs entered a not guilty plea in a New York court on Tuesday, with his hands behind his back. According to an unsealed indictment, Combs is accused of presiding over a network of sexual crimes that involved coercion and abuse of women through blackmail and violent acts. A bail motion from Combs’ defense team proposes a $50 million bond, with his residence in Miami offered as collateral.
Prosecutors depicted Combs as engaging in violent behavior towards his employees and others, sharing a court filing stating he was involved in kidnapping and arson activities. The detention memo also claimed that Combs’s alleged violent acts were corroborated by various witnesses, police reports, and other evidence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams described Combs as the leader of a criminal scheme that conducted kidnapping, forced labor, and sex trafficking, among other illicit activities. During a press conference, Williams emphasized the need to detain Combs ahead of the trial, pointing out items found during searches of Combs’ residences, including firearms and explicit electronic content.
Combs’ former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who reached a settlement with him after filing a lawsuit concerning alleged abuse, declined to comment on the federal case. Combs’ attorney maintained his client’s innocence and pledged to vigorously fight for his release. Prosecutors contend that the injuries inflicted by Combs on victims often required weeks to heal, revealing a pattern of violent behavior orchestrated by the music mogul.
