Federal prosecutors have added two new charges to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ indictment, expanding allegations that the jailed hip-hop mogul engaged in sex trafficking as recently as 2024.
The replacing indictment, filed on 4 April 2025 in Manhattan federal court, brings the total number of charges against Combs to five, up from the original three counts filed when he was arrested in September 2024.
New Charges Extend Timeline of Alleged Crimes
The new indictment accuses Combs of using “force, fraud, or coercion” to compel a woman, identified only as Victim 2, to engage in commercial sex acts from at least 2021 through 2024.
Advertisements
Prosecutors also allege Combs was involved in transporting Victim 2 and other individuals, including commercial sex workers, across state lines “with the intent that the individuals engage in prostitution” during the same time frame.
These fresh allegations significantly extend the timeline of Combs’ alleged criminal behaviour, as the original sex trafficking and prostitution charges filed in 2024 related to accusations from 2009 to 2018 involving a different victim.
Existing Charges and Allegations
Prior to these new charges, Combs was already facing three counts: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, reported BBC.
The indictment centres around alleged “freak offs”, which prosecutors describe as “elaborate and produced sex performances” that Combs allegedly coerced others to participate in.
Prosecutors claim Combs and his associates would lure people under the pretence of romantic relationships before using “force, threats of force and coercion” to get them to participate in these sexual performances.
Many of the most serious claims against the rapper are linked to the racketeering conspiracy charge, which encompasses allegations of kidnapping, drugging, and pressuring women into sexual acts, sometimes involving firearms or threats of violence.
This charge also references a police raid on Combs’ Los Angeles residence, where authorities discovered items purportedly meant for these “freak offs”, including drugs and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil.
Combs’ Response to Allegations
The 55-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has consistently denied all claims against him.
Advertisements
In response to the new charges, Combs’ legal team issued a statement asserting, “These are not new claims or new complainants. These are the same individuals, former long-term partners, who engaged in consensual relationships. This was their personal sex life, characterised by mutual agreement, not coercion”.
Combs’ attorneys have previously argued that the case should not have been initiated, contending that the government “has fabricated a criminal case largely based on claims that Mr Combs and two of his long-term girlfriends occasionally included a third party—a male escort—in their sexual relationship”.
Legal Proceedings and Timeline
Combs remains in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center as he awaits his trial, which is scheduled to begin on 5 May 2025.
Jury selection is set to commence in late April, with opening arguments anticipated on 12 May.
If convicted, Combs faces a potentially decades-long prison sentence.
Advertisements
Civil Lawsuits
Beyond the federal criminal charges, Combs is also facing dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct.
On the civil front, Combs has seen some recent legal victories.
Just this week, a judge dismissed one case after a Jane Doe chose to remain anonymous, and in another case last week, five charges were thrown out, though four still stand.
Background on Combs’ Career
Combs has been recognised as one of the most successful rappers and music moguls in the United States, renowned for elevating various artists to stardom.
His label, Bad Boy Records, emerged as one of the most influential in the rap genre, signing artists like Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, 112, Mariah Carey, and Jennifer Lopez.
Advertisements
These five GRCs could see the tightest battle in GE2025; here’s why:
Read Also:
- Singapore Police Warn Lady Gaga Fans After Scalpers List VIP Tickets for S$38,888
- The Cathay to Reopen in April after 2-Year Renovation
- Food Delivery Rider Fined S$5,000 for Smashing Car Mirror after Near-Collision in Serangoon
- Progress Singapore Party Elects New Central Executive Committee with Six Fresh Faces
- Father-Son Relationship Shattered over $400,000 HDB Flat Ownership Dispute in Yishun
- Two Men Arrested, Eight Others Under Investigation For SIM Card Fraud
