Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail on sex-trafficking charges

Hip-hop magnate Sean "Diddy" Combs has had his bail request rejected following his plea of not guilty in a sex-trafficking case.

A federal judge in New York ordered that the musician be held in custody after prosecutors claimed he poses a significant risk of fleeing.

Mr. Combs, aged 54, was taken into custody on Monday night. Prosecutors allege that he operated a criminal operation since at least 2008, using drugs and intimidation to coerce women into meeting his sexual needs.

A 14-page legal document accuses him of engaging in organized crime, forcibly trafficking individuals for sexual purposes, and facilitating their transport for prostitution.

If found guilty on all three charges, the rapper and record producer could face a prison term ranging from 15 years to life.

He showed up in a black T-shirt and gray sweatpants for his court appearance in Manhattan on Tuesday.

When US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky inquired about his plea, Mr. Combs stood and responded, "I plead not guilty."

Court records reveal that Mr. Combs used his influential status to entice women into participating in prolonged sexual activities referred to as "Freak Offs."

According to the indictment, Combs supplied different controlled drugs to his victims as a way to maintain their obedience and compliance during the Freak Offs.

During a press conference, US prosecutor Damian Williams stated that authorities discovered guns, ammunition, and over 1,000 bottles of lubricant while conducting searches at Mr. Combs's residences in Miami and Los Angeles approximately six months ago.

Mr. Williams reported that federal agents discovered three semi-automatic rifles that had had their serial numbers removed, along with a drum magazine.

He mentioned to reporters that additional charges might be filed, although he did not provide any specific information.

Mr. Combs's attorney, Marc Agnifilo, stated that the defense team has initiated an appeal regarding the judge's decision on bail, and a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

"We have complete faith in him," Mr. Agnifilo stated to the press outside the Manhattan courthouse.

"He didn't commit those acts. There's no force involved and no illegal activity. He isn't worried about the accusations."

Mr. Agnifilo stated that Mr. Combs was the subject of "a wrongful prosecution."

In legal filings, federal prosecutors alleged that Mr. Combs had "mistreated, intimidated, and pressured women and others in his vicinity to satisfy his sexual wants, safeguard his image, and hide his behavior."

Prosecutors claim that Mr. Combs established a criminal organization where, under his leadership, individuals participated in activities such as sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, and bribery.

The documents stated that Mr. Combs attacked women on multiple occasions by hitting, punching, dragging, throwing objects at, and kicking them.

The charges did not mention the number of women who were said to be victims. Additionally, it does not claim that Mr. Combs directly participated in any unwanted sexual encounters with women.

The founder of Bad Boy Records, who was also recognized throughout his career as P. Diddy and Puff Daddy, has encountered numerous allegations in the past.

In November of last year, his former girlfriend, singer Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, initiated a civil lawsuit against him, which contained detailed accounts of serious allegations of abuse. He denied the claims but chose to settle the matter just one day after it was presented in court.

In May, Mr. Combs issued a public apology following the emergence of a video from a hotel in Los Angeles that seemingly depicted him assaulting Ms. Ventura in a corridor.

The charges brought against Mr. Combs on Tuesday allege that he committed acts of violence of a similar nature.

Ms. Ventura's attorney, Douglas Wigdor, chose not to provide any comments regarding Mr. Combs's arrest.

The charges come after numerous accusations of sexual assault have been made against Mr. Combs, a highly successful figure in the rap music industry.

Four women, among them Ms. Ventura, have taken legal action against him, claiming he subjected them to sexual and physical mistreatment.

In a declaration made last December, Mr. Combs stood up for himself against what he called "disgusting claims" put forth by "people seeking easy money."

In June, he gave back the ceremonial "Key to the City of New York" after Mayor Eric Adams asked for its return. The mayor had awarded him this honor only nine months earlier.

A few days later, Howard University declared that it was taking back the honorary degree it awarded to Mr. Combs in 2014.

The artist is recognized for playing a key role in launching the careers of rappers and R&B artists like Usher, Mary J Blige, and Notorious B.I.G., making them prominent figures in the music scene during the 1990s and 2000s.