September 18, New York — As part of a long-running system of sex trafficking and racketeering, Sean "Diddy" Combs leveraged his notoriety as one of hip-hop's biggest artists to force women into degrading sexual activities, according to prosecutors who filed three felony counts against him yesterday.
Hours after the 14-page indictment was made public, Combs, 54, entered a not-guilty plea in federal court in Manhattan. After Combs was arrested on Monday, US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky granted the prosecution's request for Combs to remain in custody until trial. Combs was denied bail.
The rapper and producer travelled across state borders with women and male prostitutes to participate in taped sex acts known as "Freak Offs," using his vast economic empire, which included the record label Bad Boy Entertainment. Prosecutors said that the music mogul would watch and masturbate.
Marc Agnifilo, Combs' attorney, portrayed the sexual behaviour alleged by the prosecutors as consensual, thus hinting at the defence's plan of action.
"Has anyone ever engaged in intimate relationships in this way? No. Is it trafficking in sex? No. Not if everyone wishes to be present, Agnifilo informed the magistrate.
Combs, if found guilty of the three felonies of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, may get a sentence of up to life in prison and a minimum of 15 years. According to the prosecution, Combs seduced women by offering them money, substances like ecstasy and ketamine, or assurances of a personal relationship or professional support. Then, Combs utilised the covert recordings of the sex acts as "collateral" to guarantee. Prosecutors claimed that the women would keep quiet and occasionally brandished weapons to frighten witnesses and victims of abuse.
The number of accused victims who were women was not specified in the indictment. Combs was accused of attacking women with punches, kicks, pulling, and object throws, but there was no clear accusation that he had unwelcome sexual contact with any of them. To try to hide his actions, Combs and his allies allegedly utilised kidnapping and arson in addition to bribes, according to the prosecution.
Wearing grey sweatpants and a black T-shirt, Combs stood up when Tarnofsky asked how he wanted to enter a plea. He then lifted a little microphone from the defence table and declared, "Not guilty." The US Marshals Service took Combs out of the courthouse when the judge denied bail, stating, "My concern is that this is a crime that happens behind closed doors."
At a hearing on Wednesday, defence attorney Marc Agnifilo said that he would appeal his client's extended incarceration before U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter, who would preside over the remainder of the case.
