Sean “Diddy” Combs, 54, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to racketeering and sex trafficking charges during a court appearance in Manhattan. Combs was arrested by federal agents in New York on Monday and is accused of sexually abusing women and coercing them into drug-fueled sex parties through threats and violence.
In the courtroom, where he was supported by family members, Combs’ attorney requested bail. However, Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky denied bail due to concerns about potential witness tampering, flight risk, and a “power imbalance” in the case. She also expressed worries about Combs’ alleged anger issues, violence, and substance abuse.
Combs faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting victims across state lines for prostitution. The indictment accuses Combs of running a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, and details a pattern of abuse and coercion over several years.
US Attorney Damian Williams noted that although Combs is currently the sole person indicted, the investigation is ongoing. The indictment alleges that Combs engaged in verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and orchestrated “Freak Offs,” where victims were forced into extended sexual performances with narcotics.
The case follows a series of lawsuits against Combs, including a high-profile suit by singer Cassie Ventura, which was settled out of court. This lawsuit, along with others, claims Combs used his celebrity to exploit women. The rapper’s properties in Miami and Los Angeles were raided by agents in March.