Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs latest: Rapper denied bail in sex trafficking, racketeering case
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s attorney spoke to the media outside the courtroom, describing his client as "a fighter" who is "unafraid of the accusations" he faces.
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Sean "Diddy" Combs has been refused bail after entering a not guilty plea to allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking, following statements made by his accusers.
On Tuesday, the rapper showed up in a New York courtroom facing allegations of operating a long-standing "criminal operation" that allegedly coerced women into engaging in sexual activities.
Attorneys contended that Combs should continue serving his sentence under house arrest. However, the judge decided that the rapper would be held at the infamous Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until his trial.
Combs is scheduled to return to court today as his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, is challenging the recent ruling.
In the meantime, those who accused him have come forward after his arrest. Natania Reuben alleges that Combs was responsible for shooting her in the face during the well-known nightclub incident in 1999. Upon hearing about his arrest on Monday, she shared with The Daily Beast that it was “one of the best days ever.”
Combs was found not guilty, but Reuben argues that he slipped through the cracks of the law.
In an indictment made public on Tuesday morning, federal prosecutors claim that Combs intimidated and harmed women to satisfy his sexual needs by coercing them into participating in filmed sexual acts.
Agnifilio stated that Combs was “a man of integrity who has nothing to conceal.”
50 Cent Mocks Combs Over Seized Lube Shipment
The rapper reacted to information made public by the FBI, which revealed that searches of Combs's residences in Miami and Los Angeles resulted in the confiscation of over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
In an Instagram post, 50 Cent shared a picture of himself from his recent visit to Drew Barrymore's talk show, writing: “Look at me enjoying great company with @thedrewbarrymoreshow and I promise, I don’t have a thousand bottles of lube at home.”
Kevin E G Perry provides an update.
Rhian Lubin September 18, 2024, at 11:33 AM
Inside The Notorious Prison Housing Combs
Combs is presently in the Special Housing Unit at the Metropolitan Detention Center located in Brooklyn.
The infamous jail has also been home to notable figures like Ghislaine Maxwell, R. Kelly, and Billy McFarland, among others.
Reports indicate that it has struggled with instances of violence, poor sanitary conditions, and a persistent shortage of staff.
Sources indicate that the rapper is currently isolated from the rest of the inmate population.
Rhian Lubin, September 18, 2024, at 11:07 AM.
WATCH: Diddy’s Lawyer Declares He’s A Fighter
Sure! Here’s a rewritten version of that section in more casual language: Rachel Sharp, September 18, 2024, at 10:30 AM
"Aubrey O'Day Celebrates Diddy's Arrest: A Win For Women"
Aubrey O'Day has expressed her support for Sean "Diddy" Combs' arrest on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, calling it "a victory for women everywhere."
O'Day, formerly part of Diddy's girl group Danity Kane, is among a rising number of individuals who have brought civil lawsuits against the music industry mogul.
In a message on X, O’Day expressed that she felt a sense of "validation" after his arrest.
“The role of Justice is to bring closure and give us the opportunity to start fresh,” she stated.
“Women often have to struggle to be recognized. I feel a sense of affirmation. This is a victory for women everywhere, not just for myself. It’s a sign that progress is being made.”
Rachel Sharp, September 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Named Leader Of Criminal Enterprise
Over thirty years since Sean Combs established his label, Bad Boy Records, he has been taken into custody on federal charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking. The allegations against him include a range of serious offenses, such as arson and kidnapping.
As officials reveal the disturbing actions that are said to have taken place under Combs' orders by his "criminal organization," Sheila Flynn tracks the significant decline of the star’s reputation.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Named Leader Of Criminal Enterprise
Over thirty years since Sean Combs established his label Bad Boy Records, he has now been taken into custody on serious federal charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking. He faces a range of accusations, including arson and kidnapping. As officials detail the disturbing actions that are said to have taken place under Combs' orders through his “criminal enterprise,” Sheila Flynn traces the dramatic decline of the once-celebrated star.
Rachel Sharp, September 18, 2024, 9:30 AM
Combs Returns To Court For Bail Hearing
Sean 'Diddy' Combs is set to return to court today for a bail hearing. A judge previously turned down his bail application, deciding that he should stay in jail until his trial takes place.
Outside the courthouse, Combs' lawyer, Marc Angifilo, stated that they plan to challenge the judge's ruling.
"Mr. Combs is determined to stand his ground. He will continue to battle this situation until the very end, as he maintains his innocence," Angifilo stated on Tuesday.
The bail hearing is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Ariana Baio, September 18, 2024, 9:00 AM
Indictment Against Combs: Key Highlights
Sean "Diddy" Combs, the well-known rapper and music entrepreneur, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday night in New York on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking involving force, fraud, or coercion. He has entered a plea of not guilty to these accusations.
Federal prosecutors have charged Combs with utilizing the "staff, assets, and power of the extensive business empire that he managed and directed" to try to participate in activities such as sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and interfering with justice.
Ariana Baio, September 18, 2024, at 8:00 AM.
Police Seal Off Diddy’s LA Home After Arrest
Ariana Baio, September 18, 2024, at 7:00 AM.
U.S. Attorney Calls For Public Assistance
While Combs is the only individual listed in the indictment, prosecutors assert that he was not the sole person involved in the abusive actions.
Combs' organization, which includes personal aides, security personnel, household staff, and senior managers, is said to have attracted women to the music mogul and played a role in enabling his abusive behavior.
"If you have experienced the supposed abuse by Combs or have any information about his alleged offenses, we strongly encourage you to step forward. This inquiry is still ongoing," stated Williams.
Prosecutors claim that these individuals helped supply items for "Freak Offs" held in hotels, including baby oil, lubricants, drugs, lighting equipment, sheets, and other materials.
Last year, federal agents found over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricants during a raid at Combs' Miami residence. They also uncovered three AR-15 rifles with altered serial numbers, along with electronic devices that had images and videos related to “Freak Offs.”
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that the investigation is still in progress and suggested that additional individuals might face charges, or that more charges could be filed against Combs.
Ariana Baio, September 18, 2024 at 5:00 AM
The Dramatic Rise And Fall Of Sean 'Diddy' Combs
From Harlem to Hollywood — Sheila Flynn delves into Diddy’s tumultuous and legally complicated journey to stardom, covering everything from the 1990s rap feud between the East and West Coasts to recent sexual harassment lawsuits and Sean Combs' transformation into “Love.”
The Rise And Fall Of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Sheila Flynn examines Diddy's tumultuous and legally complicated journey to stardom, covering everything from the transition from Harlem to Hollywood and the 1990s rap feud between the East and West Coasts, to the recent sexual harassment lawsuits and his rebranding from Sean Combs to “Love.”
Ariana Baio | September 18, 2024 | 3:00 AM