The music industry has seen its share of scandals, but the case against Sean "Diddy" Combs is becoming one of the most serious.
Prosecutors in New York have filed new charges against the hip-hop mogul, alleging that he trafficked at least three women as part of a decades-long pattern of sexual abuse.
The latest indictment does not introduce additional counts but expands on previous accusations, stating that Combs transported multiple women and sex workers across state and international borders for commercial purposes.
The initial case, filed in September last year, identified only one female victim.
A Pattern of Abuse and Exploitation
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
His trial is set for May 5 in Manhattan federal court. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, insists that Combs will fight the allegations and expects to be acquitted, according to Digi24.
According to prosecutors, Combs used his business empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to facilitate sexual exploitation.
Women were allegedly coerced into participating in recorded sexual encounters, sometimes involving male sex workers who were transported across state lines.
The indictment also claims that Combs abused employees and those who witnessed his violent acts.
Prosecutors say he lured women with drugs such as ketamine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and psychedelic mushrooms, as well as promises of financial support, career opportunities, and romantic relationships.
One of the victims is believed to be Cassie Ventura, a former R&B singer and longtime girlfriend of Combs.
She previously accused him of physical abuse, sexual slavery, and rape in a civil lawsuit but settled out of court a day after filing the case.
A key piece of evidence cited by prosecutors is a 2016 surveillance video from a hotel, allegedly showing Combs hitting and dragging a woman who tried to leave one of his gatherings.
This footage surfaced earlier this year when CNN aired it publicly. Combs later apologized but denied any involvement in human trafficking. His lawyer insists the relationship was toxic but consensual.
Once a dominant figure in the hip-hop industry, Combs built a music empire in the 1990s and 2000s, launching artists like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G., and Usher.
His career took a sharp downturn after federal agents raided his Los Angeles and Miami homes in early 2024, uncovering drugs and over 1,000 bottles of lubricants allegedly used for sex parties.
