Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs pleaded not guilty on Monday to two new federal charges of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution, in a criminal racketeering case set for trial next month.
The latest charges, detailed in a superseding indictment, involve a second alleged victim, identified in court documents as " Victim-2 ." Combs, 55, appeared in Manhattan federal court to enter his plea, as prosecutors expand the case to now include five criminal counts in total—sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related charges among them.
Prosecutors allege that over two decades, Combs "abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct." They further claim he used his business empire and staff to build a criminal enterprise engaged in sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
The Grammy-winning artist , long a prominent figure in the hip-hop world, is accused of organizing drug-fueled sex parties and using threats and violence to manipulate victims and silence employees. Combs has denied all charges, maintaining that “any sex acts were consensual.”
Judge Arun Subramanian, who is overseeing the case, said during Monday’s hearing, “We are a freight train moving toward trial.” However, Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo indicated the defense may request a brief delay, citing the need to review new evidence including emails not previously submitted by a key witness. The judge gave the defense until Wednesday, April 16, to file a written request.
The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on May 5, though the timeline may shift depending on the court’s decision regarding the delay.
Combs has been incarcerated since September 2024, and his legal troubles have deepened amid a growing wave of civil lawsuits and public allegations. The case gained national attention in late 2023 when singer Cassie Ventura accused him of a decade of abuse and rape.
Alongside the criminal charges, Combs continues to face a string of civil suits alleging abuse, coercion, and a pattern of misconduct with the assistance of his staff and close associates.
The latest charges, detailed in a superseding indictment, involve a second alleged victim, identified in court documents as " Victim-2 ." Combs, 55, appeared in Manhattan federal court to enter his plea, as prosecutors expand the case to now include five criminal counts in total—sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related charges among them.
Prosecutors allege that over two decades, Combs "abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct." They further claim he used his business empire and staff to build a criminal enterprise engaged in sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
The Grammy-winning artist , long a prominent figure in the hip-hop world, is accused of organizing drug-fueled sex parties and using threats and violence to manipulate victims and silence employees. Combs has denied all charges, maintaining that “any sex acts were consensual.”
Judge Arun Subramanian, who is overseeing the case, said during Monday’s hearing, “We are a freight train moving toward trial.” However, Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo indicated the defense may request a brief delay, citing the need to review new evidence including emails not previously submitted by a key witness. The judge gave the defense until Wednesday, April 16, to file a written request.
The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on May 5, though the timeline may shift depending on the court’s decision regarding the delay.
Combs has been incarcerated since September 2024, and his legal troubles have deepened amid a growing wave of civil lawsuits and public allegations. The case gained national attention in late 2023 when singer Cassie Ventura accused him of a decade of abuse and rape.
Alongside the criminal charges, Combs continues to face a string of civil suits alleging abuse, coercion, and a pattern of misconduct with the assistance of his staff and close associates.
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