John Jefferson
Sean “Diddy” Combs, the rapper and music mogul, was charged with racketeering and sex trafficking on Monday evening after a federal grand jury in New York chose to bring an indictment against him.
Combs, who was arrested on Monday evening in connection to the charges, is accused of engaging in a criminal enterprise to engage in or attempt to engage in “sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.”
Prosecutors allege Combs and his associates “wielded the power and prestige” of Combs to intimidate and lure female victims into Combs’ orbit under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
Combs allegedly then forced victims to engage in sex acts with male commercial sex workers which were often recorded and later used for Combs’ pleasure – something he allegedly referred to as “Freak Offs”.
Federal prosecutors claim Combs subjected victims to physical, emotional and verbal abuse to cause them to engage in “Freak Offs” and tained control over them with promises of career opportunities or threats of withholding financial support.
Marc Agnifilio, a lawyer for Combs, called his client “an innocent man with nothing to hide.” He said the musician has been cooperating with federal authorities and voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of the arrest.
“We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Agnifilo said in a statement.
Combs has faced a series of civil lawsuits over the last year on allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct.
In November of 2023, R&B singer Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, filed a lawsuit alleging that she was trafficked, raped and beaten by Combs on many occasions over 10 years.
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