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Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking in court on Tuesday afternoon. According to CNN correspondent Kara Scannell, Combs responded with a clear “not guilty” when asked in court. No cameras were permitted inside the courtroom.

The indictment, issued by the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, includes three counts against Combs: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution purposes.

                                                                 

Combs Appears in Court

Sean “Diddy” Combs arrived in court dressed in a black T-shirt and gray workout pants with a black stripe. He appeared visibly stunned as he walked into the room, his hands clasped behind his back but not restrained. Combs entered through a side door and took a seat between his attorneys. Two US marshals were stationed behind him as the courtroom awaited the judge’s arrival.


                                                               


                                                                   


What We’re Covering:

The Charges: Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty in federal court today to charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. According to the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Combs is accused of “abusing, threatening, and coercing victims” from at least 2008 to the present.

About the Indictment: The indictment alleges that Combs established and operated a “criminal enterprise” through his business empire, involving crimes such as sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice. For details, you can read the full indictment [here].

Monday Night Arrest: Combs was arrested on Monday night at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan. He was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations, according to a source familiar with the matter.


                                                                    

Defense Seeks Bail

Combs' legal team is advocating for his release on bail while the case unfolds. They presented a letter to the judge arguing that Combs is not a flight risk nor a danger to the community. This counters federal prosecutors’ claims that Combs poses a flight risk due to his resources. His attorneys highlighted his cooperation, noting that he voluntarily traveled to New York to surrender when charges were anticipated. They proposed home detention with a $50 million bond secured by his Miami residence, though prosecutors have deemed this insufficient.

Details of the Indictment

The federal indictment against Combs outlines serious allegations. It charges him with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. According to the indictment:

  • Leadership of a Criminal Enterprise: Combs is accused of leading a criminal enterprise known as the “Combs Enterprise,” which includes his record label Bad Boy Entertainment and various employees and associates.
  • Alleged Activities: The indictment alleges that members of this enterprise engaged in various criminal activities, including sex trafficking, forced labor, transportation for prostitution, coercion, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.