Sean “Diddy” Combs has been ordered to jail without bail as he awaits trial for federal sex trafficking charges.
On Tuesday, September 17, the music mogul pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, accused of coercing female victims and male sex workers into drugged, multi-day sexual performances known as “Freak Offs.”
The indictment also references a violent incident involving his former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, captured on video.
During his arraignment, a federal judge in New York rejected a bail proposal from Combs’ attorneys, who had suggested a $50 million package including a $50,000 bond. Instead, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky agreed with prosecutors’ request to detain Combs.
Prosecutors alleged that drugs were found in the hotel room where Combs was arrested on Monday, September 16. He appeared in court wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and gray sweatpants, standing to plead not guilty as he listened to the allegations with his hands folded in his lap.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson described Combs as a “serial abuser” who has exploited his company’s resources to facilitate and cover up his crimes. She highlighted his “extensive and exhaustive history of obstruction of justice,” including allegations of bribery and witness intimidation.
In his defense, Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, acknowledged his client is “not a perfect person,” citing issues such as drug use and toxic relationships. Agnifilo argued that the evidence against Combs is “extremely problematic” and suggested that the case originated from a long-term, consensual relationship that deteriorated due to infidelity, referencing Combs’ decade-long involvement with Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura. He contended that the “Freak Offs” were an extension of that relationship, not coercive.
After pleading not guilty, the 54-year-old rapper was led out of court without being handcuffed.
