September 17, 2024
The indictment alleges that Combs abused and exploited women, and other people, for years in a variety of ways.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, on charging entertainer and entrepreneur Sean Combs with multiple crimes, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs denies the charges.
Why It Matters: Federal prosecutors allege Combs “threatened and coerced” victims from 2008 to the present day through his status, drugs, and abuse — which included violence, kidnapping, forced labor, obstruction of justice and arson. The current indictment includes RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) conspiracy charges — allegations that Combs used his business empire to “carry out criminal activity” — which prosecutors say involved sex workers and narcotics for multi-day “highly orchestrated performances of sexual activity” known as “Freak Offs.” Lawyers say victims endured verbal, emotional and physical abuse, and believed that speaking out would risk their personal security, future opportunity, and result in further abuse. Combs will appear in court on Tuesday; prosecutors are seeking pre-trial detention. *Update*: Combs pled “not guilty” and has been held in detention without bail after being charged on Tuesday in a New York federal courtroom.
Questions from the press that went unanswered in both the indictment and the press conference held by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York include: The number of victims, the identities of the victims, and the number of others potentially involved or to be charged related to these allegations (U.S. Attorney Williams mentioned that “close associates” and “employees” were involved, but did not name them).
The lawyer representing Combs, Marc Agnifilo, spoke to the press outside a Manhattan courtroom: “He’s going to plead not guilty, obviously. He’s going to fight this with all of his energy and all of his might, and the full confidence of his lawyers. And I expect a long battle with a good result for Mr. Combs.”
Context: Combs has fought multiple cases alleging abuse from women since his former girlfriend and singer, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit against Combs in November, citing multiple allegations not unlike the one filed by federal prosecutors; the lawsuit was privately settled.
WATCH the full press conference from the U.S. Attorney.
The New York Times: “Sean Combs Indicted on Charges of Sex Trafficking and Racketeering“
The Associated Press: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges
by Jenna Lee, Founder of SmartHER News
