Music Mogul Sean Combs Indicted on Racketeering and Sex Trafficking Charges

Embattled music mogul Sean Combs, widely known as P. Diddy, has been indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transporting for prostitution, according to online court records. The 54-year-old was arrested and taken into custody from a New York hotel where he had been staying. Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with what he called an “unjust prosecution,” asserting that Combs is an innocent man with nothing to hide.

Combs’ first appearance in court was scheduled for Tuesday morning, where his sons Quincy, Christian, and Justin were seen arriving in support of their father. Outside the courthouse, a few supporters expressed their allegiance, with one man wearing a Combs sweatshirt and shouting expletives, while others drove by playing Combs’ hit song “I’ll Be Missing You” and honking their horns.

The Department of Justice indictment alleges that Combs, over the course of several decades, abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct. The indictment refers to Combs’ multi-faceted business empire, known as the “Combs Enterprise,” which encompasses various media, entertainment, and lifestyle ventures such as Bad Boy, Ciroc, and RevoltTV.

According to the indictment, Combs and other members and associates of the Combs Enterprise used their power to intimidate, threaten, and lure female victims into Combs’ circle, often under the guise of romantic relationships. It is alleged that Combs arranged and directed elaborate and produced sex performances, referred to as “Freak Offs,” involving male commercial sex workers. These acts were often filmed, and Combs is said to have participated by masturbating during these encounters.

Furthermore, the indictment accuses Combs of transporting commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally, as well as distributing controlled substances to victims to maintain their obedience and compliance. Other individuals within the Combs Enterprise allegedly facilitated these activities by booking hotel rooms, arranging travel, and obtaining supplies, including drugs.

Prosecutors claim that when faced with the possibility of negative publicity or legal action, Combs and his associates resorted to pressuring witnesses and victims. The indictment alleges attempted bribery and the dissemination of false narratives to conceal Combs’ crimes. Recordings of at least two of these calls were reportedly obtained.

The indictment also details various methods through which Combs allegedly exerted control over his victims, including physical violence, promises of career opportunities, financial support, monitoring their whereabouts, dictating their appearance, controlling their housing, and supplying them with controlled substances. Additionally, Combs is said to have used sensitive recordings made during the “Freak Offs” as leverage to ensure the victims’ continued silence.

Arson is mentioned in the indictment, although no specific incident is described. This could potentially relate to a claim made by one of the alleged victims, who stated that Combs threatened to blow up a car belonging to a musician she had a brief relationship with in 2011. The musician later confirmed that his car exploded.

Combs’ arrest comes after Homeland Security agents conducted raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Miami earlier this year. His ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, filed a sex trafficking and sexual abuse lawsuit against him in November, which was followed by additional lawsuits from eight more women and one man, alleging various forms of sexual misconduct.

If convicted on the most serious charge of racketeering, Combs could face decades in prison. As legal pressure mounted, he stepped down from his position as chairman of Revolt TV and sold his stake in the company. Several companies also distanced themselves from his e-commerce platform. Combs’ net worth, once estimated at billions, has now been reported to be around $400 million.

Combs’ 10-bedroom estate in Los Angeles, located near the Playboy Mansion, was recently listed for sale with an asking price of $61.5 million.