Sean “Diddy” Combs, the well-known hip-hop mogul, has been arrested and indicted on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The arrest came after a months-long sex trafficking investigation and allegations from multiple women of sexual and other abuse. Combs' attorney has maintained his innocence, stating that he is innocent of the charges.
The indictment outlines disturbing details of Combs allegedly assaulting several women since 2008, including verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. It also mentions Combs orchestrating sexual encounters between his victims and male sex workers known as “Freak Offs,” which involved elaborate and produced sex performances that Combs directed and recorded. Authorities found supplies for these encounters, including drugs and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, during raids on Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami.
According to the indictment, Combs and his associates were part of a criminal organization engaging in various illegal activities, including sex trafficking, forced labor, and narcotics offenses. The indictment also accuses Combs of using his victims’ desires to build careers in the music industry to take advantage of them.
Law enforcement officials found guns and ammunition, including AR-15s with defaced serial numbers, during the raids on Combs’ homes. The indictment also details acts of violence and intimidation carried out by Combs and his associates, including kidnapping and arson.
Prosecutors have interviewed over 50 victims and witnesses of Combs' abuse and expect more to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and prosecutors are seeking to have Combs detained while he awaits trial. Williams, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, stated that he cannot rule out charges for Combs' associates or employees, as the investigation is active and ongoing.