New York prosecutors have charged Sean “Diddy” Combs with three counts. The famous rapper allegedly used his fame to force women to engage in degrading sexual acts, according to documents released Tuesday. Investigators emphasize that he created a “criminal enterprise.”
On Monday evening, 54-year-old rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in Manhattan, New York. According to information released Tuesday, prosecutors have charged him with three counts – criminal conspiracy, sex trafficking and transporting people for the purpose of prostitution, for which he faces a sentence of many years in prison. The rapper's attorney, Marc Agnifilo, announced that Combs has pleaded not guilty. “He is a music icon, a self-made entrepreneur, a family man and a philanthropist (…). He is not a perfect person, but he is not a criminal,” Agnifilo said on Monday. Combs is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
Sean “Diddy” Combs Faces Charges
Meanwhile, according to the 14-page indictment, Combs allegedly turned his business empire into a “criminal enterprise,” according to Reuters. It said that Combs, starting around 2009, forced women to participate in sexual activities with other men in arranged performances. He did this in a variety of ways. Investigators say he lured some under the pretense of a romantic relationship, while others were given drugs, money or career help. He then used secret recordings of the sex acts as “collateral” to ensure the victims would remain silent. In some cases, he also threatened the victims with a gun, the indictment said. “They felt they couldn't say no to Combs without risking their safety,” New York District Attorney Damian Williams said at a news conference.
According to Reuters, the indictment does not allege that the rapper directly engaged in sexual contact with women, although he is accused of assaulting women, such as hitting them with his fists or throwing objects at them.
Combs is a rapper and producer whose career peaked in the late 90s and early 00s. He was also known by the pseudonyms P. Diddy and Puff Daddy. In November of last year, his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura accused him of physical abuse, sexual slavery, and rape during their long-term relationship. The rapper denied the allegations, and she agreed to a settlement.
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Main image source: PAP/Newscom