Sean Combs, the prominent music mogul and founder of Bad Boy Entertainment, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, per rollingstone.com. The plea was entered during a two-hour hearing in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday.
Also known as Diddy, he has been indicted on multiple federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and interstate transportation to engage in prostitution. The charges were unsealed Tuesday by a federal grand jury in New York, revealing a sprawling RICO case that could potentially lead to a life sentence for the 54-year-old entrepreneur.
Appearing visibly distressed, the arrest took place earlier in the day at a Manhattan hotel where Combs had been staying. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with what he called an “unjust prosecution,” maintaining his client’s innocence.
Prosecutors painted a grim picture of Combs as a “serial abuser and serial obstructer,” urging the court to deny bail due to concerns about witness tampering and victim intimidation. Despite defence efforts to secure home detention with electronic monitoring and a substantial bond, Judge Robyn Tarnofsky sided with the prosecution, citing concerns about Combs’ substance abuse and anger issues.
The indictment alleges that Combs used his wealth and influence to operate a criminal enterprise focused on “his own sexual gratification” between 2008 and 2024. Prosecutors claim that Combs and his associates lured and coerced women into compromising situations, often under the guise of romantic relationships.
As the case unfolds, US Attorney Damian Williams has encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward as the investigation was ongoing. The music industry and Combs’ supporters are left reeling as the once-celebrated figure now faces a legal battle that could dramatically alter his legacy and freedom.
