Sean "Diddy" Combs is expected to appear before a federal judge Tuesday after being charged with abusing, threatening and coercing women and others around him to “fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct,” according to court documents.
The mogul was arrested by federal authorities on Monday night in Manhattan.
Unsealed legal documents describe Combs frequently initiating “elaborate and produced sex performances," which he "arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded.” He referred to these acts as "Freak Offs."
The documents also say Combs distributed different controlled substances to his victims, seeking "in part" to keep them "obedient and complaint." Combs is accused of providing victims with IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and constant drug use. The indictment also accuses Combs of transporting commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally. Law enforcement seized more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant in relation to these events.
Multiple women have come forward with allegations against the rapper. The alleged assaults committed by Combs were detailed as being so brutal that the resulting injuries took weeks to heal. Court documents say Combs hit, kicked, threw objects at and dragged victims, at times by their hair. Afterward, he would allegedly monitor their medical records and dictate the victims’ appearance to conceal wounds.
Combs’s charges relating to sex trafficking and prostitution are projected to have taken place for more than a decade, with witnesses ranging from employees to victims. The indictment alleges members and associates of Combs enabled his control over victims by suppressing victims' career opportunities and acquiring the controlled substances Combs used to keep victims compliant.
After Combs was detained, his lawyer Marc Agnifilo released a statement claiming his client's innocence and testifying to Combs’s character.
“We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Agnifilo wrote. “Sean “Diddy” Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community.”
Agnifilo says Combs has cooperated with investigators.
“He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal. To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges,” he added. “Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
Combs could face at least 20 years in prison for charges that range from a racketeering conspiracy; transportation to engage in prostitution; and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. The racketeering count carries a 20 year maximum sentence in addition to a $25,000 fine. The second charge has a 10 year maximum sentence, and the sex trafficking charge could require Combs to face up to 15 years in prison.
Combs is not only being charged as an individual but also in connection to others within his company “Combs Global” for racketeering charges. As a defendant, Combs will have to surrender any funds, property or contractual rights in association with his alleged criminal enterprise. If any items cannot be located or are not relinquished, the federal government will seek forfeiture. Court documents say they are not limited to money in United States currency.
