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Combs entered a not guilty plea following his arraignment in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday. He was taken into custody on Monday by federal agents acting on a sealed indictment, as confirmed by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. The charges outlined in the unsealed indictment include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.
"Let me emphasize two key points. First, our office is resolute in its mission to investigate and prosecute anyone involved in sex trafficking, regardless of their power, wealth, or fame," stated US Attorney Damian Williams during a press conference on Tuesday. "Our commitment to this cause should not be questioned."
"Secondly, this investigation is far from over. We urge anyone with relevant information regarding this case to come forward promptly," he continued.
The US District Attorney's office has requested that the judge deny bail for Combs prior to his arraignment on Tuesday.
Officials allege that Combs operated a criminal enterprise through his various businesses, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises, and Combs Global, among others. The indictment, which was obtained by Fox News Digital, claims he employed "violence, the use of firearms, threats of violence, coercion, and various forms of abuse—verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual" to satisfy his sexual urges.
READ THE ENTIRE INDICTMENT:
Combs and his associates reportedly employed intimidation, threats, and manipulation to draw female victims into his sphere, often masquerading as romantic interests. Allegations suggest that Combs subsequently resorted to physical force, threats, and coercion to compel these victims into prolonged sexual encounters with male commercial sex workers, whom he referred to as "Freak Offs."
The artist known for "Finna Get Loose" is accused of transporting male sex workers across state and international borders to facilitate non-consensual sexual activities with his female victims.
According to court documents, Combs subjected his victims to "physical, emotional, and verbal abuse" to coerce their participation in the "freak offs." He allegedly provided drugs to both the sex workers and the female victims to enhance these sexual encounters.
Authorities indicated that "Freak Offs" were complex sexual performances that Combs orchestrated, directed, and often recorded electronically while engaging in the acts himself. Following these events, he reportedly administered IV fluids to his victims to aid their recovery from the physical demands and drug use involved.
Combs is said to have maintained dominance over his victims by offering or threatening to withdraw career opportunities, controlling their financial resources, and managing their living situations.
The indictment further claims that Combs utilized sensitive and compromising recordings made during the "Freak Offs" as leverage to ensure the victims' compliance and silence.
In March, during raids at Diddy's residence, authorities confiscated items associated with the "freak offs," including three AR-15 rifles with altered serial numbers. Additionally, they seized numerous containers of personal lubricants and baby oil, which reportedly exceeded 1,000 bottles, intended for use in hotel rooms during these events, as stated by Williams at a press conference.
Before the press conference held by the US Attorney, Combs' legal representative stated their intention to advocate for the rapper's release.
"His spirits are good. He's confident," Combs' attorney Marc Agnifilo said outside the courthouse Tuesday morning. "He is dealing with this head on, the way he's dealt with every challenge in his life. And he's not guilty. He's innocent of these charges. He's going to plead not guilty, obviously. He's going to fight this with all of his energy and all of his might and the full confidence of his lawyers. And I expect a long battle with a good result for Mr. Combs."
"I'm going to fight like hell to get him released, and he should be released," Agnifilo said. "With all that he's done and coming here voluntarily."