US Music Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs Pleads Not Guilty to Additional Charges in Ongoing Federal Case
Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty on Monday to two new charges added to the ongoing criminal racketeering and sex trafficking case against him. The high-profile case is set to go to trial next month.
The updated indictment includes new allegations—one count of sex trafficking and another of transporting a person for prostitution—linked to a woman prosecutors refer to as “Victim-2.”
Combs, 55, appeared in federal court in New York to deny the latest accusations. If convicted, the charges could lead to increased prison time for the music mogul.
According to prosecutors, the new claims allege that over the span of two decades, Combs “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.”
Justin Combs (R bottom) and Christian Combs (R, 2nd row), sons of rapper and music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs, leave federal court after their father’s bail hearing in New York on September 18, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
Prosecutors allege that Sean “Diddy” Combs used the employees and resources of his vast business empire to run a criminal enterprise involved in serious offenses including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
The hip-hop mogul is accused of sexually abusing individuals and coercing them into drug-fueled sex parties through threats and violence. Prosecutors also claim he forced staff to work excessively long hours while demanding their silence.
Combs has denied all charges to date, maintaining that any sexual encounters were consensual. The trial is currently scheduled to begin in May with jury selection. However, U.S. media reported that his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, indicated on Monday that the defense may request a two-week delay to review newly presented evidence.
The judge has given the defense two days to submit their request in writing.
Public allegations have mounted since late 2023, when singer Cassie (born Casandra Ventura) accused Combs of subjecting her to more than a decade of abuse involving physical force, drugs, and a rape in 2018.
In addition to the federal criminal case, Combs is facing multiple civil lawsuits that describe disturbing claims of abuse, allegedly carried out with help from loyal employees and associates.
The Grammy-winning artist has been behind bars since September, and recent appearances suggest a visible transformation, as he now sports a noticeably aged look with salt-and-pepper hair.
