18-9-2024 (NEW YORK) Sean “Diddy” Combs was remanded to jail on Tuesday as he faces trial on federal charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering. The iconic music mogul, once hailed as a driving force in the hip-hop world, is accused of orchestrating a web of sexual crimes, enforced through violence and blackmail.
The charges, which stretch back to 2008, accuse Combs of running a criminal enterprise that exploited women and male sex workers through drug-fuelled sexual performances known as “Freak Offs”. A key part of the indictment refers to an alleged assault on Combs’ former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, though she is not named explicitly in the court documents.
Standing before the court, Combs declared himself “not guilty” as he listened to the allegations with an impassive expression, his hands resting uncuffed in his lap. After US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky denied bail, Combs took a moment to drink from a water bottle before being escorted from the courtroom. As he left, he turned briefly to face his family seated in the gallery.
Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lawyer, expressed his client’s determination to fight the charges. “Mr Combs is a fighter. He’s going to see this through to the end because he is innocent,” Agnifilo told reporters after the hearing. He confirmed plans to appeal the decision to deny bail.
Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records, is accused of leveraging his influence to sexually abuse women, employing his staff to assist in covering up his actions. Prosecutors have accused him of intimidating witnesses and using bribery to suppress evidence.
“Sean Combs is a serial abuser and obstructer,” Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson asserted in court.
While acknowledging Combs’ flaws, Agnifilo argued his client is not the monster the prosecution claims. “He’s not perfect—he’s struggled with drugs and toxic relationships—but he’s seeking help. The evidence here is problematic,” he maintained.
The defence further argued that the allegations stemmed from a consensual relationship that soured due to infidelity, with Agnifilo implying the woman in question was Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura. The controversial “Freak Offs,” Agnifilo contended, were consensual and an extension of Combs’ long-term relationship.
“Is it really sex trafficking if everyone involved is a willing participant?” Agnifilo asked, suggesting the authorities were overreaching into Combs’ private life.
Prosecutors, however, argued that the case is much more sinister, stating they had gathered testimonies from over 50 victims and witnesses, with more expected to come forward. The government plans to present financial records, videos, and electronic evidence to back up the allegations.
Combs was arrested in Manhattan on Monday, just months after federal agents raided his luxury properties in Los Angeles and Miami. The indictment paints a grim picture of Combs’ alleged involvement in a variety of criminal activities, including sex trafficking, forced labour, drug offences, and kidnapping.
The “Freak Offs” were reportedly lavish, drug-fuelled events arranged by Combs, with his employees managing logistics such as travel and hotel bookings. The indictment even describes how events sometimes required intravenous fluids to recover from the days of excess. Prosecutors detailed how Combs kept hundreds of bottles of baby oil and lubricant, essential for these encounters, in his homes. They also discovered firearms, including AR-15 rifles, during the searches.
Agnifilo downplayed the firearms discovery, insisting they belonged to Combs’ hired security and not to the rapper himself.
According to the prosecution, Combs’ alleged crimes didn’t stop at sexual misconduct. They claim he frequently used violence, both physical and psychological, to maintain control over his victims, including instances of choking, hitting, and kicking. His employees, they said, helped track down victims who attempted to flee and ensured they stayed within Combs’ grip.
The indictment also accuses Combs of recording sexual encounters without the knowledge of those involved, using the footage to blackmail them into silence. Prosecutors argue that Combs manipulated victims through promises of career advancements, financial support, and threats.
