From music mogul to legal trouble: What's going on with rapper P Diddy? | World News

The legal document alleges that beginning in 2008, Combs “abused, threatened and coerced women and others” to fulfill his sexual desires and protect his reputation. Prosecutors allege Combs created a “criminal enterprise” using his employees, industry influence and resources and engaged in a variety of criminal activities, including forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.

Combs allegedly organized drug-induced sexual performances known as “Freak Offs,” described as elaborate events in which he exerted control over victims. Prosecutors allege that in these incidents, some of which lasted for days, victims were given controlled substances to ensure compliance. The indictment also states that following these events, Combs and his victims received intravenous fluids due to exhaustion from drug use and physical exertion. Nearly 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricants were seized from his homes in raids in Miami and Los Angeles.

The document further alleges that Combs used violence, threats and intimidation, including kidnapping and arson, to control witnesses and prevent them from speaking out against him.

Combs' response and legal defense

Sean Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with the prosecutor's decision to continue the case, saying the prosecution was unfair. “Diddy is an imperfect human being, but not a criminal,” Agnifilo said, urging the public to withhold judgment until all the facts come to light. Combs' legal team emphasized his cooperation in the investigation, noting that he voluntarily moved to New York in anticipation of charges.

Despite the confidence of his defense team, Combs remains behind bars, and his attorney stated, “We are going to get Combs out of prison.”

Bail Denied: Why was Combs denied bail?

The rapper's legal team proposed a $50 million bail and offered house arrest, GPS monitoring and strict visitation restrictions in exchange for his release. However, prosecutor Emily Johnson argued against granting bail, citing Combs' history of intimidating prosecutors and witnesses.

Johnson highlighted text messages from women involved in the “Freak Offs” who claimed Combs threatened to release explicit videos of them if they spoke out. She also accused Combs' defense of downplaying the seriousness of his violent behavior.

Ultimately, U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter denied bail, saying prosecutors had presented “clear and convincing evidence” that no conditions could ensure the safety of the community or prevent Combs from tampering with witnesses.

A History of Allegations: Previous allegations against Diddy

These allegations are not the first time that Sean Combs has faced serious allegations. Since November 2023 he has been fighting civil lawsuits for rape, sexual assault and forced drug taking.

The first major allegation came from Combs' ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie, who filed a lawsuit alleging that she was trafficked, raped, drugged and physically abused by Combs over a 10-year period. Although Combs denied these allegations, the case was privately settled just a day after it was filed.

Other allegations have surfaced over the years, including a 1991 lawsuit from Joie Dickerson-Neal, who accused Combs of drugging and sexually abusing her while she was a student at Syracuse University. A former model also accused him of sexual assault in 2003, and another allegation in May involved a fashion student who claimed Combs assaulted her two decades ago.

Combs was also embroiled in a legal battle involving his son, in which a woman accused him of creating an environment that led to her sexual assault aboard a yacht. Both father and son denied these claims.

In a separate lawsuit, singer Dawn Richard described years of psychological and physical abuse and accused Combs of fumbling and exploiting her in the early stages of her career.

New allegations after Diddy's arrest

Since Diddy's arrest, two other women have filed lawsuits against Combs. Thalia Graves, one of the accusers, claims she was raped by Combs and his head of security in his studio, with the attack captured on video. Another woman, identified as Jane Doe, has alleged that she was repeatedly raped and drugged in Combs' apartments and later suffered a miscarriage after Combs' associates allegedly pressured her to have an abortion.

In response to the new allegations, Combs' legal team maintains his innocence. His attorney issued a statement saying, “No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it will not change the fact that Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone.”

What happens next?

Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center while the legal process progresses. A trial date has not yet been set, but prosecutors have said their investigation is ongoing. They have already interviewed over 50 victims and witnesses and expect more to come forward with information.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized during a news conference that the investigation remains “very active and ongoing” and suggested that Combs' associates could also be charged.

Combs' denial and defense

Despite the numerous allegations, Combs continues to deny any wrongdoing. In December, he called the claims “disgusting” and accused accusers of seeking a “quick payday.” He remains steadfast in his fight to clear his name, declaring, “I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”

As the case unfolds, all eyes will now be on the courtroom where Sean Combs faces the fight of his life.