The federal indictment against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs outlines serious and extensive allegations against him. It details that for decades, Sean Combs, also known as “Puff Daddy,” “P. Diddy,” “Diddy,” “PD,” and “Love,” has abused, threatened, and coerced women and others to satisfy his sexual desires, protect his image, and hide his conduct.
The indictment claims he used the resources and influence of his business empire to create a criminal enterprise. This enterprise allegedly engaged in crimes such as sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice. The charges from the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. If convicted, Combs faces a potential life sentence.
Combs, 54, pleaded not guilty in court. He was denied bail and will stay in federal detention. Judge Robyn Tarnofsky expressed concerns that the crimes occurred behind closed doors, making monitoring difficult. The indictment accuses Combs of leading a criminal enterprise with associates and employees, hosting drug-fuelled “Freak Offs” with victims and sex workers, and committing physical and sexual abuse. The investigation found evidence during March raids of his homes.
🚨 UPDATE: P. Diddy
“What we learned Could Bring the Entire MUSIC INDUSTRY DOWN!”
They’re going to throw the book at him and offer him a deal… Diddy is facing 30-Life in prison…
—— “I thinkThis guy will sing!” 🎶 🦜• if you didn’t go to Diddy’s “Freak Off” parties,… pic.twitter.com/tX9wBFEMXT
— Mr.Facts&Data (@oleru_victor) September 18, 2024
Key points from the indictment include the charge of racketeering conspiracy, aimed at organised criminal syndicates. The “Combs Enterprise” included Combs, his record label Bad Boy Entertainment, and various employees and associates. They allegedly engaged in sex trafficking, forced labour, interstate prostitution, coercion, narcotics offences, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
The indictment lists eight purposes for the Combs Enterprise. Legitimate businesses included media, entertainment, and lifestyle operations. Illegitimate purposes included maintaining Combs’ power through violence, exploiting women, committing sexual violence, and protecting the enterprise from law enforcement through intimidation and bribery.
Combs allegedly held “Freak Offs,” elaborate sex performances where he drugged and coerced victims into extended sex acts with male sex workers. These events were organised by his staff, who arranged travel, booked hotel rooms, provided drugs and other supplies, cleaned up, and paid the sex workers in cash.
The indictment states that Combs recorded these acts, sometimes without the victims’ knowledge, using the recordings to control them. He allegedly used these recordings as leverage to ensure victims’ obedience and silence.
The indictment also notes years of abuse, including surveillance video showing Diddy Combs beating his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel in March 2016. The indictment describes a pattern of verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse towards women and others.
One notable incident in March 2016 at a Los Angeles hotel was captured on video, showing Combs kicking and dragging a woman, and throwing a vase at her. When a hotel staff member intervened, Combs attempted to bribe them for their silence.
Cassie sued Combs in November 2023, accusing him of rape and years of abuse. Combs denied the allegations, and they settled the lawsuit a day later. Surveillance footage contradicted Combs’ denials, and he later apologised on Instagram.
Law enforcement seized guns, ammunition, drugs, and a substantial collection of baby oil and lubricant from Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles in March. The indictment lists various items, including over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
Combs’ associates allegedly carried firearms, and Combs is accused of brandishing them to intimidate others. Law enforcement found firearms with defaced serial numbers during their searches.
The indictment details offences against multiple victims, including women and commercial sex workers, but does not specify the exact number. Prosecutors have received information from dozens of victims and witnesses, with over 50 interviews conducted so far.
US Attorney Damian Williams, when questioned about the number of victims, stated “multiple” victims are involved. The sex trafficking charge is based on allegations from a single, unnamed victim from 2009 to 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What are the charges against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs?
Racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
What are ‘Freak Offs’ as mentioned in the indictment?
Elaborate sex performances where victims were drugged and coerced into extended sex acts with male sex workers.
What evidence was found during the raids of Diddy Combs’ homes?
Guns, ammo, drugs, and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
Did Sean Combs plead guilty to the charges?
No, he pleaded not guilty.
Why was Sean Diddy Combs denied bail?
The judge found no conditions to assure he would appear in court, citing the nature of the crimes.