Entertainment
Full list of accusations against hip-hop icon, P. Diddy
Sean Combs, widely recognized by his stage names P Diddy or Puff Daddy, has recently found himself embroiled in significant legal issues, overshadowing his illustrious career as a rapper and music mogul credited with launching several major stars.
On Monday, September 16, Combs was arrested by federal agents in New York following months of civil lawsuits accusing him of severe charges, including sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and rape.
Currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, Combs has been denied bail twice.
The federal indictment, recently made public, accuses Combs and his associates of coercing and exploiting women to satisfy his sexual desires.
The allegations also claim that some of the acts were recorded in what he reportedly referred to as “Freak Outs.”
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, maintains that his client is “an innocent man.”
“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 told The Independent via email.
According to Sky News, these charges are detailed in a legal indictment issued by the Southern District of New York, which includes allegations of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transporting individuals for prostitution.
The indictment paints a disturbing picture of Combs’ alleged conduct, dating back to at least 2008.
It claims that he manipulated and threatened women, employees, and associates to fulfill his sexual desires while protecting his reputation.
Prosecutors describe Combs as the head of a “criminal enterprise” that engaged in various criminal activities, including forced labor, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
One of the key accusations involves so-called “Freak Offs,” elaborate sexual performances reportedly orchestrated by Combs.
The legal documents claim these events, frequently recorded, involved female victims and male sex workers, who were allegedly coerced into participation and kept under the influence of drugs to remain compliant.
Victims are said to have endured physical, emotional, and verbal abuse, with some events lasting for days.
Federal prosecutors further allege that when individuals challenged Combs or his reputation, he responded with violence, threats, and acts of intimidation, including kidnapping and arson.
Multiple Allegations Surface
The first major lawsuit against Combs emerged on November 16, 2023, when singer and former partner Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, filed a complaint accusing him of subjecting her to years of abuse, trafficking, and rape.
Surveillance footage from 2016, obtained by CNN in 2024, appeared to support her claims, showing Combs chasing and assaulting her in a Los Angeles hotel. Although Ventura settled her lawsuit swiftly, the case set the stage for a wave of similar allegations.
Several other accusers have since come forward with their own lawsuits:
- Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith an inmate, claimed Combs drugged and assaulted him at a party three decades ago, leading to a $100 million default judgment after Combs failed to attend a hearing.
- Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, a former music producer for Combs, alleged in February 2024 that he faced sexual harassment and intimidation while working for the rapper.
- Joie Dickerson-Neal accused Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1991 while she was a college student.
- Crystal McKinney, a former model, filed a lawsuit in May 2024 after CCTV footage of Combs attacking Cassie reignited her memories of being sexually assaulted at his recording studio in 2003.
- April Lampros alleged multiple instances of sexual assault by Combs during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Dawn Richard, a former bandmate, sued Combs for years of physical and sexual abuse, accusing him of withholding payments, making lewd comments, and enabling the exploitation of underage girls.
“Diddy is an imperfect person but is not criminal,” Combs’ lawyer had said.
“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.
“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,” his lawyer added.
Combs has consistently denied all allegations and pled not guilty to the charges, maintaining his innocence as the legal proceedings unfold.