Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in federal court on Wednesday, facing serious charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Prosecutors have confirmed that the investigation into Combs remains active. However, when questioned by Judge Arun Subramanian about the possibility of additional charges, they declined to provide further details. Combs is scheduled for a status hearing on March 17.
Dressed in a tan prison uniform, the music mogul entered the courtroom and briefly acknowledged his sons, Christian and Justin Combs, who were seated in the gallery. He mouthed a question to check on their well-being, to which they responded with thumbs-up gestures.
The charges stem from Combs’ September arrest, and he has pleaded not guilty to all accusations. Federal authorities allege that since at least 2008, Combs has operated a large criminal enterprise that exploited and trafficked women, utilizing his various business ventures. The indictment highlights events called “Freak Offs,” during which Combs allegedly brought in sex workers and coerced victims into prolonged sexual acts using threats, force, or intimidation. These encounters were reportedly filmed and sometimes lasted for days.
Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a facility known for its harsh conditions. He has been denied bail on three occasions and has since withdrawn an appeal for release.
In the most recent bail denial, Judge Subramanian cited Combs’ alleged history of violence and intimidation against victims and witnesses, as well as evidence suggesting he attempted to conceal communications with individuals he was prohibited from contacting.
The allegations of violence include a 2016 video purportedly showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, at a Los Angeles hotel. Combs’ request for a hearing to investigate claims that prosecutors leaked the video to tarnish his reputation was denied by Judge Subramanian, who found insufficient evidence to support the claim.
Prosecutors have also accused Combs of using other inmates’ phone accounts to bypass monitoring and communicate with witnesses while in custody. They allege he instructed his family and legal team to use three-way calls to complicate tracing efforts.
As the case unfolds, Combs faces mounting legal challenges and a grim battle to clear his name against these serious accusations.