U.S. music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty on Monday to two additional charges added to the federal racketeering and sex trafficking case against him, which is expected to head to trial next month.
The updated indictment introduces new counts of sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution, tied to a second unnamed victim referred to by prosecutors as “Victim-2.”
Combs, 55, appeared in a New York federal courtroom to formally deny the latest allegations, which add further legal jeopardy to a case that could carry significant prison time if he is convicted.
According to prosecutors, Combs operated a sprawling criminal enterprise for over two decades, using his business empire’s resources to “abuse, threaten, and coerce women and others” to fulfill his sexual desires, maintain his reputation, and hide his actions.
The indictment alleges a range of serious offenses—including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice—all allegedly facilitated by employees and associates within Combs’ inner circle.
Prosecutors claim that Combs hosted drug-fueled sex parties and pressured victims through threats and violence, while also forcing staff into grueling work conditions and enforcing a strict code of silence.
Combs has denied all accusations, maintaining that all sexual encounters were consensual.
Jury selection is set to begin in May, though one of Combs’ attorneys, Marc Agnifilo, indicated on Monday that the defense may seek a two-week postponement to review newly submitted evidence. The judge has given the legal team two days to file a formal request.
Public scrutiny around Combs intensified in late 2023 when singer Cassie (Casandra Ventura) filed a lawsuit accusing him of more than a decade of abuse, including drugging, physical coercion, and a 2018 rape.
Beyond the federal charges, Combs is also facing a wave of civil lawsuits detailing allegations of systemic abuse, all reportedly enabled by a close-knit group of loyal staff.
The Grammy-winning artist has been in custody since September. During court appearances, observers have noted a visible transformation, with graying hair and a visibly aged demeanor.
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