Sean “Diddy” Combs, the hip-hop mogul, has been denied bail following his arraignment on charges related to a sex-trafficking case. A New York federal judge ruled that Combs, 54, poses a significant flight risk, leading to his detention.
Combs, who was arrested on Monday, faces serious allegations including racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors allege that he operated a criminal enterprise since at least 2008, using drugs and violence to coerce women into sexual acts, described as “Freak Offs.”
During Tuesday’s court appearance in Manhattan, Combs pleaded “not guilty” while wearing a black T-shirt and grey sweatpants. The indictment claims that Combs exploited his status to lure victims and used controlled substances to maintain their compliance.
Prosecutor Damian Williams revealed that raids on Combs’s properties in Miami and Los Angeles uncovered firearms, ammunition, and over 1,000 bottles of lubricant, as well as three semi-automatic rifles with defaced serial numbers. Additional charges could be forthcoming.
Combs’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, announced that the defense team has appealed the bail decision and a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. Agnifilo expressed confidence in Combs’s innocence, stating, “We believe in him wholeheartedly.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs has strongly denied the charges against him, asserting through his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, that he did not commit the alleged crimes and labeling the prosecution as unjust. Agnifilo claimed that Combs was not intimidated by the charges and asserted that there was no coercion involved.
Federal prosecutors accuse Combs of running a criminal enterprise that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, and bribery. They allege that he abused, threatened, and coerced women and others to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his actions. The indictment details instances of physical assault, including striking, punching, and kicking, though it does not specify the number of victims or suggest that Combs personally engaged in unwanted sexual acts.
Combs, known for his influential role in the music industry, has previously faced similar allegations. Last November, his ex-girlfriend Casandra Elizabeth Ventura filed a civil lawsuit with detailed accusations of abuse. Although Combs denied the claims, he settled the case shortly after it was filed. In May, video footage appeared to show Combs physically assaulting Ventura, leading him to issue a public apology. The new indictment includes similar violence allegations.
In recent months, Combs has faced significant repercussions. He returned a ceremonial “Key to the City of New York” and Howard University revoked his honorary degree following the resurfacing of these allegations. Combs is recognized for his impact on the music industry, having helped launch the careers of numerous artists such as Usher, Mary J. Blige, and Notorious B.I.G.
