Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering

NEW YORK, USA – Sean “Diddy” Combs, the influential music mogul and entrepreneur, has been charged with federal sex trafficking and racketeering, according to a 14-page indictment unsealed Tuesday morning, September 17, 2024.

The indictment alleges that Combs orchestrated criminal activity for years, including “threatening and coercing women and others around him to satisfy his sexual desires.”

Combs, 54, was arrested late Monday night in New York and is expected to appear in federal court on Tuesday.

According to the indictment, Combs’ criminal activities date back 16 years. According to the indictment, he began extorting in 2008, followed by human trafficking and prostitution in 2009.

Federal prosecutors accuse Combs of creating a criminal enterprise that engaged in crimes including “sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.”

Central to the allegations are events known as “Freak Offs,” in which Combs allegedly forced victims to engage in prolonged sexual acts with male sex workers.

These acts, prosecutors allege, were often electronically recorded, and Combs allegedly orchestrated and controlled the encounters. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams testified at a press conference Tuesday that Combs “planned and controlled the sexual performances, which he referred to as ‘Freak Offs,’ and often electronically recorded them.”

Long-term “Freak Offs” involving drugs and exploitation

Williams indicated that these so-called “freak offs” sometimes lasted for days and involved multiple sex workers.

Combs is alleged to have distributed narcotics such as ketamine, ecstasy and GHB to ensure victims complied.

During raids on Combs’ properties in Miami and Los Angeles in March, police officers seized more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, narcotics, electronic devices with video footage of the events, and firearms, including AR-15 rifles.

Prosecutors say Combs did not act alone and used his companies and employees to facilitate the illegal activities.

Employees were reportedly involved in booking hotel rooms, arranging travel for victims and cleaning up after the confrontations.

“They arranged for victims and commercial sex workers to travel for the freaks, and they provided large amounts of money to Combs to pay the commercial sex workers,” Williams said.

Combs’ legal team condemns charges as ‘unjust’

Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, spoke in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday, saying his client plans to plead not guilty and will fight the charges with “all his energy.”

Agnifilo dismissed the charges as an “unjust prosecution” and urged the public to reserve judgment until more facts come to light.

“He (Combs) came to New York to fight the justice system, and he’s going to fight it with all his might,” Agnifilo said. “He’s an imperfect person, but he’s not a criminal.”

The indictment and arrest follow nearly six months of federal investigation, including raids and 10 civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse and misconduct.

Combs has denied all allegations against him, although he did settle a lawsuit in November of last year with his former girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, who had accused him of sexual and physical abuse.

Disturbing Legal History and Public Apologies

In another case, Combs was caught on camera physically assaulting Cassie in a hotel elevator in 2016.

The footage was released by CNN earlier this year, and Combs publicly apologized in May.

“My behavior in that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” he said at the time, adding that he subsequently sought professional help.

Combs’ recent legal troubles have intensified scrutiny of his personal life and business dealings. Tuesday’s court appearance marks the latest chapter in a saga that could have far-reaching implications for the mogul’s career and legacy.

What now?

District Attorney Damian Williams has indicated that Combs will remain in custody while the investigation continues.

Federal prosecutors plan to unveil more evidence as the case progresses, focusing on Combs’ alleged use of his vast business empire to facilitate illegal activities.

For now, Combs remains at the center of what could be one of the most significant celebrity criminal cases in recent history.