Sean “Diddy” Combs was taken into custody Tuesday, Sept. 17, following his indictment on federal sex trafficking charges. As he entered jail, two of his sons exited the Manhattan courtroom.
The 54-year-old music mogul, arrested on Monday, Sept. 16, pleaded not guilty to the charges, which accuse him of leading a decade-long criminal enterprise involving sexual crimes, blackmail, and violence.
His attorney expressed confidence in Combs’ innocence. “Mr. Combs is a fighter. He’s going to fight this to the end. He came to New York to establish his innocence. He’s not afraid of the charges,” the lawyer stated. “Nothing in the government’s presentation today changes anyone’s mind about anything.”
The indictment alleges that Combs was at the helm of a criminal operation engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, and various other crimes, including drug offenses and obstruction of justice. He is accused of using physical force against women and employing personal assistants and security staff to conceal his actions. Prosecutors claim he attempted to bribe and intimidate witnesses to silence them.
During searches of Combs’ residences earlier this year, law enforcement officials seized narcotics, videos, and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. They also recovered firearms, including three AR-15 rifles with defaced serial numbers from his Miami bedroom closet. Combs’ lawyer contended that he does not own the firearms, noting he hires a security firm.
Court documents reveal that prosecutors have interviewed more than 50 witnesses and expect that number to rise. They allege that Combs and an unidentified co-conspirator kidnapped an individual at gunpoint in December 2011 to facilitate a break-in, and two weeks later, set fire to a vehicle using a Molotov cocktail.
The indictment describes how Combs allegedly coerced women into participating in “Freak Offs,” which were elaborate sex performances he orchestrated and recorded. It claims he ensured their participation through drugs, career control, and intimidation, using explicit recordings as “collateral” to maintain their silence and compliance.
This alleged behavior occurred alongside his global music, lifestyle, and clothing business.
In November, Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of years of abuse, including beating and raping her. Though the suit was settled quickly, subsequent hotel security footage showed Combs assaulting Ventura, prompting him to apologize publicly for his actions.
The current indictment lists allegations dating back to 2008. Combs’ attorney acknowledged his client’s history with drugs and “toxic relationships” but emphasized that he is currently undergoing therapy. Combs and his legal team have denied similar allegations from other lawsuits.
