Sean Combs, known as P Diddy or Puff Daddy, has been arrested and denied bail twice after facing months of civil lawsuits alleging sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and rape. The rapper and music mogul, credited with launching the careers of major stars, is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Federal prosecutors have accused Combs and his associates of coercing and abusing women to fulfill his sexual desires, including forcing victims into recorded sexual activities, which he allegedly called "Freak Outs." Combs' lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, has denied the allegations, calling the rapper "an innocent man."
The charges against Combs relate to sex trafficking, drug possession, and firearms offenses. The three major charges outlined by the Southern District of New York in a legal indictment are racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The indictment alleges that Combs has "abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct" dating back to at least 2008. He is accused of leveraging his employees, resources, and industry influence to establish a "criminal enterprise" that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
Combs is also accused of coercing female victims and male sex workers into participating in drug-fueled sexual acts, referred to as "Freak Offs," which he allegedly orchestrated, directed, and recorded. Prosecutors claim that victims were administered controlled substances during events that sometimes lasted for days, keeping them "obedient and compliant." Combs allegedly subjected them to physical, emotional, and verbal abuse to compel their participation.
The indictment further alleges that Combs and his business associates engaged in acts of violence, threats of harm, both physical and reputational, and verbal abuse. These acts reportedly included kidnapping and arson when individuals who witnessed the alleged abuse challenged his authority or reputation.
Several lawsuits have been filed against Combs, including one by singer and dancer Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, who alleged years of abuse. Other accusers include Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, who alleged Combs drugged and sexually assaulted him at a party three decades ago, and Joie Dickerson-Neal, who accused Combs of dr
