Diddy Enters Plea in Widened Sex Trafficking Investigation as Trial Approaches

Just three weeks ahead of his scheduled trial, Sean "Diddy" Combs appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on Monday (April 14) to face new charges stemming from a superseding indictment filed earlier this month. The latest filing adds to the ongoing sex trafficking case against the Bad Boy Records founder, who has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors have accused Combs of using force, fraud, or coercion to compel a woman—identified in court documents as "Victim-2"—to engage in commercial sex acts between 2021 and 2024. The indictment further alleges that Combs transported her and others across state lines to participate in prostitution.

In response, his legal team dismissed the new charges as a rehash of old claims, stating: “These are not new allegations or new accusers. These are the same individuals, former long-term girlfriends, who were involved in consensual relationships. This was their private sex life, defined by consent, not coercion.”

Prosecutors expect four women to testify at the trial, which is set to begin on May 12. Among them is R&B singer Cassie, identified as "Victim-1," who has reportedly agreed to testify publicly under her real name. Cassie was the first to file a lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, accusing him of sexual assault and sex trafficking. Although the suit was settled the next day for an undisclosed amount, her allegations formed the backbone of the initial federal indictment.

Combs has consistently denied the accusations. In a recent recorded phone call with Kanye West, he expressed his determination to fight the charges.

“This shit is fucking sad, n****. I’m Puff Daddy in jail. This shit is fucking sad as a muthafucka, b. The devil is a liar,” he told West. “When I get out and get that fucking freedom, whew! I am not caring about nothing but muthafuckin’ being happy and I want you to feel that […] I’m gonna beat this shit and get next to you and we gon’ raise our families and become the kings that we supposed to be.”

Source: Hiphopdx
Image: Sean Combs Cannes 2012 by Nikeush is licensed under CC-Share Alike BY 4.0