Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs faces new criminal charges related to an alleged 20-year scheme of sexual abuse and sex trafficking, according to a three-count indictment filed Thursday by prosecutors.
The indictment expands the scope of the previous charges, now identifying at least three women trafficked by Combs across state lines and internationally for commercial sex.
Combs, 55, pleaded not guilty to the original charges filed last September, which involved one victim. His trial is set for May 5 in Manhattan federal court, with prosecutors seeking a new arraignment. Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, reaffirmed his client’s commitment to fighting the charges, stating that Combs is focused on winning at trial.
The latest indictment accuses Combs of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals to engage in prostitution.
Authorities allege that Combs used his business empire, including his record label Bad Boy Entertainment, to exploit women, coercing them into taking part in “freak offs” — recorded sexual performances involving male sex workers, sometimes transported across state lines.
Prosecutors also allege Combs subjected his employees and others to abuse and violence, enticing women with drugs such as ketamine, ecstasy, and methamphetamines, as well as financial support and promises of career advancement or romantic relationships.
One of the identified victims is former girlfriend and R&B singer Cassie Ventura, who accused Combs in a civil lawsuit of physical abuse and sexual slavery, though she settled the case shortly after filing.
In a 2016 incident that mirrored Ventura’s allegations, prosecutors said Combs was captured on hotel security footage striking and dragging a woman trying to leave a “freak off.”
Combs, also known as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, founded Bad Boy Records and played a key role in launching the careers of artists such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and The Notorious B.I.G. However, his career has faced setbacks since federal agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach in early 2024, finding drugs and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant linked to the alleged abuse.
Combs remains incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his September arrest. He continues to deny all allegations of wrongdoing and faces multiple civil lawsuits for sexual assault and misconduct.
