Sean 'Diddy' Combs Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy and Sex Trafficking
Sean "Diddy" Combs, the prominent hip-hop artist who has faced various accusations and lawsuits over the last year alleging sexual misconduct and abuse, is facing serious legal charges after a federal grand jury indicted him on counts of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The indictment follows Combs’ arrest by federal authorities in New York on Monday night. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) had been leading the inquiry, which reportedly involved raids on Combs’ residences in Los Angeles and Miami earlier in the year. The arrest and indictment mark a critical phase in the investigation into the various allegations that have surfaced against Combs in recent months.
According to a press release held by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, "Combs abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct."
Combs is accused of organizing a network of commercial sex activities, and allegedly "manipulated women to participate in highly orchestrated performances of sexual activity with male commercial sex workers." According to the indictment, he is accused of transporting these individuals across state lines to engage in sexual performances he called “Freak Offs.” During these performances, Combs is accused of using drugs and physical violence to maintain control and intimidate the victims. The indictment further alleges that Combs continued to threaten his victims by using the video recordings of the Freak Offs “as collateral,” threatening to cut off financial support, and keeping track of their whereabouts.
The press release also describes how Combs utilized his business, employees, security, and “other close associates” to successfully carry out the “Freak Offs.” They are accused of reserving hotel rooms, equipping them with drugs and other supplies, and transporting substantial amounts of cash to compensate the sex workers.
The charges also reference a well-publicized 2016 incident in which security footage captured Combs attacking the singer Cassie, his former partner, in a Los Angeles hotel. Following the release of the footage in May, Combs apologized, stating that his behavior was "inexcusable" and that he took "full responsibility" for the incident. Although Combs apologized for his conduct in that incident, the indictment reveals that he allegedly tried to bribe a hotel employee who had intervened during the incident to remain silent about the assault.
Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has expressed dissatisfaction with the charges, stating, "We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney's Office." Agnifilo also emphasized that Combs had been cooperative throughout the investigation and had voluntarily relocated to New York in anticipation of the charges. He further described his client as "a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist," while urging the public to "reserve your judgment until you have all the facts."
