Sean “Diddy” Combs has been charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution, as reported by The New York Times.
“He’s going to fight this with all of his energy and all of his might, and the full confidence of his lawyers,” said Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo on Tuesday (via the Times). “And I expect a long battle with a good result for Mr. Combs.”
Combs was arrested Monday night after a federal probe and is set to face arraignment today in New York City. Update (5:05 pm ET): Combs pleaded “not guilty” and will remain in custody until his trial since bail was denied.
The 14-page indictment describes that Combs “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct. To do so, Combs relied on the employees, resources, and influence of the multi-faceted business empire that he led and controlled — creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.” You can read it here.
This arrest follows lawsuits from several women over the past year. Last November, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura accused him of rape and physical abuse. The case was settled quickly but Combs’ lawyer stated that settling did not mean admitting guilt.
A few days later, Joi Dickerson-Neal accused Combs of drugging her and making revenge porn. Combs’ spokesperson called these claims false and said they were just an attempt to get money.
Another woman known as Jane Doe alleged that Combs and Aaron Hall raped her in the ’90s. Yet another Jane Doe claimed she was given drugs and alcohol by Combs and others before being gang-raped in 2003 when she was just 17. These accusations are serious.
He added: “Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
Fans sometimes feel overwhelmed by these stories.
Because of these allegations, Hulu canceled a reality show about Combs’ family. Known for producing TV shows like The Four on Fox and Making the Band, he also co-founded Revolt cable network.
