Rita Odafe
Diddy
The renowned American rapper Diddy has entered a plea of not guilty to charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering against him.
The 54-year-old hip-hop icon was taken into custody on Monday at the Park Hyatt Hotel located in Manhattan, New York.
He faces serious allegations including sex trafficking through coercion, arranging transport for prostitution, and being involved in a broader criminal conspiracy. The indictment, released on September 17, claims he operated an organization committing various crimes such as forced labor and kidnapping.
During his first court appearance before US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky on Tuesday, Diddy pleaded not guilty to three felony charges after being escorted into the courtroom by US marshals.
The indictment outlines claims that date back to 2008, accusing Combs of manipulating, threatening, and mistreating women over the years “to satisfy his sexual demands and maintain his public image.”
Combs allegedly lured both female victims and male sex workers into extended sexual encounters, referred to as “Freak Offs,” often involving drug use.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, stated outside the courthouse that Combs would contest the allegations vigorously and fight for his release from custody.
In a press briefing, US Attorney Damian Williams remarked that more charges could be forthcoming against Combs and those in his circle, declaring emphatically, “We are not finished.”
Williams accused Combs of using his business influence to carry out illegal activities, including sex trafficking and other severe offenses.
The indictment also suggests that Combs involved his employees—such as supervisors, personal assistants, and security— in enabling the “Freak Offs.” They reportedly arranged hotel accommodations, stocked supplies including drugs and other items, and facilitated the logistics for these events.
Combs allegedly filmed these encounters, using the recordings as leverage against the victims to maintain control over them.
The control was reportedly exerted through various means, including drug administration, financial manipulation, and intimidation regarding their circumstances and physical appearance.
The substances reportedly used, such as ketamine and ecstasy, were allegedly meant to make victims submissive, as stated by the attorney.
“When Combs faced resistance, he resorted to violence, subjecting victims to various forms of abuse to compel their participation in the Freak Offs,” Williams added.
“Victims felt they could not refuse Combs without endangering their safety or facing further harm,” he emphasized.
Diddy, known previously as Puff Daddy and P Diddy, has been regarded as a significant figure in the hip-hop world until November, when his former partner, R&B singer Cassie, initiated a lawsuit accusing him of years of abuse.
Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, claimed that Combs coerced her and others into unwanted sexual encounters in settings fueled by drugs.
The lawsuit was resolved shortly after filing, but soon afterward, footage emerged showing Combs attacking Cassie, which prompted him to issue an apology, expressing regret over his actions.
Diddy has faced numerous civil lawsuits from multiple individuals alleging sexual assault and misconduct.
