Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has entered a not guilty plea in response to a newly amended federal indictment that includes serious new accusations, including claims of forced labour and coercion. The superseding indictment alleges Combs compelled employees to work under threat of harm and forced at least one individual to participate in sexual acts.
New Allegations Expand Federal Case
The updated charges, part of an existing racketeering and sex trafficking case, mark an escalation in the legal battles surrounding Combs. Federal prosecutors allege that he used his power and status to manipulate employees and exploit individuals sexually and professionally.
Claims of Forced Labour and Sexual Coercion
The indictment paints a picture of an abusive power structure, accusing Combs of maintaining control through threats both physical and reputational. One employee was allegedly compelled to engage in sexual activity against their will, an accusation his legal team strongly denies.
“He looks forward to his day in court when it will become clear that he has never forced anyone to engage in sexual acts against their will,” said Marc Agnifilo, Combs’s attorney.
Legal Strategy and Ongoing Denials
Combs’s legal team continues to maintain that the relationships referenced in the federal case and in numerous civil lawsuits were entirely consensual. His attorneys have dismissed the legal actions as “publicity-seeking maneuvers” and have repeatedly called the allegations “baseless.”
A Wave of Civil Suits
In addition to the federal case, Combs faces dozens of civil lawsuits filed in recent months. These suits include allegations of rape, assault, and emotional abuse. His representatives argue these cases are opportunistic and designed to attract media attention, rather than serve justice.
Court Appearance Draws Family Support
On Friday, Combs appeared in New York’s Southern District federal courtroom wearing a greenish-tan prison jumpsuit. His physical appearance grey beard, overgrown hair contrasted with the polished persona fans associate with the music mogul. Still, he appeared upbeat, waving, smiling, and blowing kisses to his family members seated behind him.
- His son Christian and daughter Chance were present
- His mother, Janice Combs, wore oversized sunglasses
- Publicist Marvet Britto and two other family friends also attended
Combs chose to stand as he entered his plea. When the judge asked if he had reviewed the indictment, he answered clearly: “Yes, I have, sir.”
Video Evidence Sparks Dispute
A key point of contention in court was a 2016 surveillance video released by CNN in 2024. The footage, which allegedly shows Combs assaulting former girlfriend Cassandra Ventura in a hotel hallway, is expected to be presented by the prosecution as key evidence.
Defense Challenges Video Authenticity
Combs’s attorneys argue that the video is misleading. According to them, an independent expert concluded that the footage had been manipulated sped up, shown out of order, and covered with obstructed timestamps. Prosecutors, however, called the footage “critical” and “direct evidence” of Combs’s abusive conduct.
The judge encouraged both sides to find middle ground regarding the video’s admissibility, signaling that it would play a role in the upcoming trial.
Combs’s Past Admission and Trial Timeline
After the video’s public release, Combs issued an apology, stating: “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.”
Despite the apology, his legal team maintains that the case centers around past consensual relationships, not criminal conduct.
Trial Dates Set
The presiding judge confirmed that jury selection is scheduled to begin on May 5, with opening arguments to follow on May 12. The trial is expected to be closely watched due to Combs’s celebrity status and the severity of the allegations.
As one of the most prominent figures in American entertainment faces federal charges of forced labour, racketeering, and sexual exploitation, the legal drama around Sean “Diddy” Combs continues to unfold. While his defense maintains his innocence and questions the motives of his accusers, prosecutors are building a case based on years of alleged misconduct and power abuse.
Whether the upcoming trial will vindicate Combs or substantiate the growing list of allegations remains to be seen but one thing is certain: the courtroom will be the stage for a high-profile reckoning.