American music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been indicted on federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, following his arrest in Manhattan by federal agents on Monday night.
The indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, marked the latest development in a series of legal challenges for Combs, whose career has recently been marred by multiple lawsuits accusing him of physical and sexual abuse.
According to the 14-page indictment, Combs, 54, allegedly transformed his business empire into a criminal enterprise involved in sex trafficking, forced labour, and other illicit activities.
The indictment outlined claims that Combs coerced and threatened women to “fulfill his sexual desires” and, in some instances dating back to 2009, physically assaulted them by “striking, punching, dragging, throwing objects at, and kicking” his victims.
Prosecutors accused Combs of supplying drugs and financial incentives to women in exchange for their participation in sexual activities with male sex workers.
These encounters were allegedly orchestrated as “highly choreographed performances.” One of the more serious incidents detailed in the indictment describes a 2016 altercation at a hotel, during which Combs allegedly threw a vase at a woman who was attempting to leave. When a security staff member intervened, Combs reportedly attempted to bribe him.
Combs was expected to appear in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday to address the charges. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with the indictment, calling it an “unjust prosecution.”
In a statement, Agnifilo defended his client’s character, stating, “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community. He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal.”
Agnifilo also noted that Combs had voluntarily relocated to New York ahead of the charges, signaling his readiness to face the legal battle.
The indictment is the culmination of a year in which Combs has faced mounting legal pressures. In November 2023, his former girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, sued him for physical abuse, sexual slavery, and rape during their decade-long relationship.
While Combs denied the allegations, the case was settled for an undisclosed amount just one day after the lawsuit was filed.
Combs’ legal troubles have only intensified, with additional civil lawsuits being filed by both women and men alleging sexual assault and other misconduct.
Singer Dawn Richard, formerly of Danity Kane, filed a lawsuit last week accusing Combs of sexual assault, battery, sex trafficking, and gender discrimination.
Additionally, earlier this month, a Michigan judge ordered Combs to pay $100 million to Derrick Lee Smith, who claimed Combs drugged and sexually assaulted him at a party nearly 30 years ago.
Combs did not appear in court to contest the allegations, and his legal team is reportedly seeking to overturn the judgment.
The indictment also followed a February 2024 lawsuit filed by producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who worked on Combs’ 2023 album, ‘The Love Album: Off the Grid. Jones accused Combs of sex trafficking, a claim the mogul has strongly denied.
This is not Combs’ first encounter with legal troubles. In 2001, he was acquitted of bribery and weapons charges related to a nightclub shooting in New York, which left three people injured.
As Combs faced these latest accusations, his legal team remains steadfast in his defense. “We intend to vigorously fight these charges and expose the truth,” Agnifilo concluded.
Combs, who built his career as a dominant figure in the 1990s and 2000s hip-hop scene, founded Bad Boy Records and was instrumental in launching the careers of stars like Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., and Usher.
Despite his continued denial of these allegations, the growing number of legal battles poses a significant threat to his legacy.