Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail and is in police custody after he was charged with sex trafficking in the U.S. this week.
Investigators have accused Combs of using his “business empire” to cover up decades of abuse against women “to fulfil his sexual desires” and “protect his reputation”.
The 54-year-old was arrested in New York on Monday and has been denied bail by a federal court judge.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Diddy
Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Puffy, and Diddy, is a rapper and producer.
He founded Bad Boy Records in 1993. The music label has represented some of the world’s most famous rappers, including the Notorious B.I.G.
The 54-year-old has been investigated over several allegations – including sexual abuse, assault, trafficking and domestic violence – which he denies.
Arrest
Combs was arrested in New York this week following a months-long police investigation.
It comes after authorities raided his homes in LA and Miami in March, where they allegedly seized evidence of illicit activities.
The charges against him are linked to alleged sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
Combs has been accused of running a sex ring through his business, ‘Combs Enterprise’.
Allegations
Authorities allege the rapper used “the pretence of a romantic relationship,” to “intimidate, threaten, and lure female victims” into his “orbit”.
Combs would eventually force victims to “engage in extended” and “elaborate” sex acts “with male commercial sex workers,” according to investigators.
He’s also been accused of using his staff to coordinate and conceal these incidents, which were often recorded.
U.S. Department of Justice Attorney Damian Williams said his office was “determined” to hold anyone who engages in sex trafficking to account, “no matter how powerful or wealthy or famous,” they are.
The federal prosecutor said the charges against Combs were brought, in part, with the assistance of alleged victims and witnesses.
Williams thanked those who “used their voices and helped bring this criminal conduct to light.”
Defence
Speaking outside a New York court, Combs’ lawyer Marc Agnifilo said his client is innocent, and will “fight this until the end.”
Agnifilo said Combs has “been looking forward to clearing his name”.
The rapper was refused bail and is expected to remain in police custody until his next court appearance.
Agnifilo has filed an appeal against the court’s bail decision. He argued Combs flew to New York to hand himself in, but was intercepted by authorities before he had a chance to do so.
Other allegations
Combs’ former partner Casandra Ventura accused the rapper of sexual assault in 2023.
Her lawyers described Combs as a “vicious, cruel, and controlling man”.
The rapper denied the allegations and the matter was settled out of court.
In May, U.S. news outlet CNN published footage that appeared to show Combs kicking and dragging Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016.
In a video posted to Instagram, Combs apologised for his “inexcusable” behaviour.
However, he did not name Ventura in the statement.
Other allegations surfaced earlier this year when music producer Rodney Jones (“Lil Rod”) filed a lawsuit against Combs.
Jones alleged that Combs spiked the drinks of minors and sex workers at his homes in California, New York, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Combs denies all the allegations.
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