1969-present

Diddy News: Sean Combs Charged With Sex Trafficking and Racketeering

Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in New York City on September 16 after a grand jury indicted him in connection with an ongoing federal investigation. The music mogul has been charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution, according to the unsealed indictment.

The charges allege Combs “threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires” and created a “criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in” sex trafficking, kidnapping, arson, forced labor, bribery, and obstruction of justice. The 54-year-old pleaded not guilty on September 17 and, per a federal judicial order, is now jailed without bail as he awaits trial.

Combs has been facing a litany of legal trouble, including multiple lawsuits tied to allegations of sexual assault, which he has continued to deny. In March, Homeland Security agents raided his homes as part of an investigation into human trafficking. Just last week, on September 10, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard filed a lawsuit against the rapper, accusing him of sexual harassment and abuse. Richard also said she saw Combs assault his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

Who Is Sean Combs?

Known professionally as “Diddy,” Sean Combs launched his music production company, Bad Boy Entertainment, in 1993, and worked with artists like Mariah CareyMary J. Blige, and Biggie Smalls. After Biggie was murdered in 1997, Combs recorded the tribute “I’ll be Missing You,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 weeks and launched Combs’ first album, No Way Out, to platinum status before it captured a Grammy Award. Beyond music, Combs started the Sean Jean apparel line, has a host of acting credits, worked in reality television, and had a tequila brand. His reputation has cratered since November 2023 when he became embroiled in several lawsuits for physical and sexual abuse. Combs, who has denied any wrongdoing, is now facing federal charges for various sex crimes.