The unsealed indictment against Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs reveals sickening new allegations of how he sexually and physically abused women .
The rapper, 54, has been charged with three crimes – racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Diddy, formerly known as Puff Daddy, appeared in front of a federal judge and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His lawyers offered $50M in assets as collateral, which the judge denied.
An indictment unsealed this morning revealed revolting details of his alleged behavior – but did not name the many people accused of helping him perpetuate the vile abuse.
Among the most sordid revelations was that more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lube were seized from his homes. Combs was also accused of making women have sex with male prostitutes until they were so worn out they required IV drips.
The star was arrested overnight in New York after traveling voluntarily to the city, according to his attorney.
Over the past year, Combs has been sued by people who say he subjected them to physical or sexual abuse. He has denied many of those allegations and his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, called the new indictment an ‘unjust prosecution.’
This live blog has now closed.
Judge denies bail for Diddy
The rapper will stay in detention in New York as he awaits his trial.
In deciding to deny Diddy bail, Tarnofsky said she has ‘very significant concerns’ about Combs’ substance abuse and ‘what appears to be anger issues.’
Tarnofsky said she considered alternatives but doesn’t think it’s sufficient because so much of what’s alleged happened behind closed doors.
Diddy pleads not guilty
The star sat stone-faced, showing no reaction on his face, as Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky read through the allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking.
‘Mr. Combs, do you wish to enter a plea?’ Tarnofsky asked.
‘Not guilty,’ Combs replied.
Diddy offers $50M to be released on bail
Diddy’s legal team has offered a $50 million package to secure his release from jail.
The package of collateral includes Diddy’s Miami mansion, worth $48 million.
It also includes the home of Diddy’s mother, valued at $2million.
Diddy said he was preparing to be arrested and paid off the remaining $18M on the Miami property so he could offer it as collateral.
Prosecutors have asked a judge to keep Diddy in pre-trial detention, arguing he is a danger to society.
AR-15s found in Diddy’s Miami bedroom
Agents discovered two of three AR-15 rifles in Diddy’s bedroom closet in his Miami mansion.
The weapons had been ‘broken down into parts, along with magazines with ammunition loaded in them,’ Williams said.
Prosecutors said in a court filing the weapons are evidence that Diddy is a threat to society and should remain detained with no bail as he awaits trial.
Where will Diddy be held as he awaits trial?
While it remains unconfirmed, it is likely that Diddy will await trial at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York.
It is the same facility where Jeffrey Epstein killed himself while awaiting trial.
Judge takes break as be mulls bail decision
The court is in recess after the judge heard arguments for and against giving bail to Diddy.
Diddy’s lawyer goes after Cassie’s claims
Agnifilo claimed in court that Cassie, identified as Victim 1, consented to the Freak Offs.
He said of the 2016 video: ‘These two people were in love. Victim-1 ended up marrying the trainer that Mr. Combs got for her. They had been cheating on each other for years. But now she had two kids with the trainer. Years later, she realized she had a good thing with Mr. Combs.’
Agnifilo told the court that Victim 1’s lawyer called Diddy’s lawyer to say she had written a book and Diddy could buy the rights for $30million.
He added while asking for bail: ‘This is a slippery slope. The Government is going to say she was coerced – she had to say that to go for the $30 million. We have a serious bail package. I hope your Honor can see that Mr. Combs has done things to show that he is trustworthy.’
Diddy’s lawyer claims Freak Offs were consensual
Agnifilo said in court the ‘Freak Offs’ were an expansion of Diddy’s long-term relationship with one woman — introducing a male partner to have sex with the person identified in the document as ‘Victim 1.’
‘Is it sex trafficking? Not if everybody wants to be there,’ Agnifilo said. ‘We are not better off if the federal government comes into our bedrooms. They don’t do good there. That’s what they’re doing. They’re coming into Mr. Combs’ bedroom.’
Victim 1 appears to be Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura.
Prosecutors say they ‘are not done’
Defense lawyer says Diddy ‘is not a perfect person’
Diddy’s lawyer said in court that by coming to New York in anticipation of the charges, the music producer ‘did the exact opposite of what we see defendants do when they’re presented with problems in the court.’
Agnifilo claimed that Combs is receiving ‘treatment and therapy for things that he needs treatment and therapy for.’
‘He is not a perfect person. There has been drug use. He has been in toxic relationships,’ Agnifilo added.
Prosecutors say Cassie assault video shows why Diddy should remain in detention
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson said the 2016 assault happened after one of the ‘Freak Offs.’
Johnson said Combs attempted to bribe a hotel security officer ‘with a handful of cash in exchange for his silence,’ but was unsuccessful.
Within days, the video of the incident disappeared from the hotel’s servers, Johnson said.
Johnson said Combs only acknowledged his conduct from the incident relatively recently, after being confronted with video of it. She argued that’s proof he can’t be taken at his word.
Diddy facing life in prison if convicted
The rapper faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and a statutory maximum of life in prison if he’s convicted of the crimes he is accused of.
Three of Diddy’s sons in court during arraignment
Christian ‘King,’ Quincy and Justin Combs were seen entering the Manhattan courtroom before Diddy’s arraignment began.
Diddy enters court
Combs entered the Manhattan courtroom Monday afternoon with his hands behind his back, though they were not cuffed. He pulled up a chair and sat between his attorneys, nodding as his lawyer spoke to him.
One of the ‘Freak Offs’ cost Diddy $46,000
Prosecutors say that in 2012, Diddy had to pay over ‘$46,000 to cover damages to a penthouse room following a Freak Off’ at the Manhattan Hotel.
Auhtorities say Diddy ‘arranged Freak Offs with the assistance of members and associates of the Enterprise, including employees of his business, and the hotel rooms where they were staged often sustained significant damages.’
Diddy surrendered his passport in April
Diddys team filed legal documents asking for bail and claiming he turned in his passport to his lawyers in April.
The rapper also submitted the passports of his children and his mother, he said.
Shocking arson claims
Prosecutors claim that in December, 2011, Diddy’s co-cospirators set fire to someone’s car ‘by slicing open the car’s convertible top and dropping a Molotov cocktail inside the interior.’
Witnesses reportedly said Diddy bragged about his role destroying the person’s car.
Diddy ‘destroyed’ hotel room, staining couch with oil
Diddy once ‘destroyed’ a room in a luxury NYC hotel, leaving the couch and sheets stained, the New York Post reports.
A source claimed the hotel charged the star extra for the damage, adding ‘It was like they had a party. The couch had oil stains.’
The source claimed management was recently questioned about the rapper’s stay.
They added: ‘People had reached out to the hotel asking if he stayed at certain dates at the hotel. I don’t know if it was federal lawyers or Diddy’s lawyers but they were trying to coordinate the dates he was there.’
Diddy’s lawyer says ‘he’s confident’ and will fight charges
Diddy to appear in court later today
The music mogul is scheduled to face a federal judge in Manhattan at 2.30pm local time.
His lawyer has said he will plead not guilty to all the charges against him.
Read the full list of charges against music mogul
Prosecutors will ask for pre-trial detention for Diddy
US Attorney Damian Williams said his office will ask a judge to deny bail for the rapper and keep him detained as he awaits trial for racketeering and sex trafficking.
He said he believes Diddy’s alleged crimes are serious enough to keep him detained.
A filing by prosecutors says: ‘As set forth below, there is no condition, or combination of conditions, that will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required and the safety of others and the community, not to mention the integrity of the proceedings.’
Diddy’s associates facilitated ‘freak offs’
Williams said: ‘They booked the hotel rooms and stocked them with the supplies, including drugs, baby oil, personal lubricant, extra linens and lighting. When the hotel rooms got damaged, they cleaned it up.’
Is anyone in Diddy’s circle being investigated?
Williams added that as part of the ongoing probe into Diddy’s alleged crimes, they are looking into employees that may have helped him in criminal activity.
So far officials have not named any Diddy associates but the indictment said his staff helped him abuse and silence victims.
How many victims?
US Attorney Williams said he could not provide the number of Diddy’s alleged victims and only said there were multiple.
The investigation is ongoing
US attorney Damian Williams said the criminal probe into Didy’s alleged crimes remains ongoing.
He said more charges are on the table and asked that anyone with evidence contact his office at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP – and ‘to do it quickly.’
Williams said: ‘A year ago, Sean Combs stood in Times Square and was handed a key to New York City. Today, he’s been indicted and will face justice in the Southern District of New York.’
Weapons discovered at Diddy’s home
Three AR-15 rifles were found in Diddy’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles in March during federal raids.
Some of the serial numbers on the weapons were defaced.
Officials detail drugs handed out by Diddy
Diddy used the business emipre he controlled to carry out criminal activity, prosecutors said in a press conference Tuesday.
The rapper allegedly gave victims drugs such as ketamine, ectacy, and BHB.
Diddy became violent when victims did not agree to the Freak Offs and sometimes weilded firearms, US attorney Damian Williams said.
Indictment mentions Diddy’s assault of Cassie
In November, Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, filed a lawsuit saying Diddy had beaten and raped her for years. She accused Combs of coercing her, and others, into unwanted sex in drug-fueled settings.
The suit was setlled but months later, CNN aired hotel security footage showing Combs punching and kicking Ventura and throwing her on the floor in Los Angeles.
The indictment refers to the attack, without naming Ventura, and says Combs tried to bribe a hotel security staffer to stay mum about it.
Firearms seized at Diddy’s home
During a search of Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles this year, agents also seized firearms and ammunition, including three AR-15s with defaced serial numbers, the indictment said.
Videos ‘used to ensure obedience’
Prosecutors say that, unbeknownst to his victims, Combs sometimes kept his videos of them engaging in sex acts and used the recordings as ‘collateral’ to ensure the women’s continued obedience and silence.
The rapper used ‘the sensitive, embarrassing and incriminating recordings that he made during Freak Offs as collateral to ensure the continued obedience and silence of the victims,’ per the indictment.
He also exerted control over victims by promising career opportunities, providing and threatening to withhold financial support, dictating how they looked, monitoring their health records and controlling where they lived, according to the indictment.
Officials to hold news conference
The US attorney’s office in New York will give an update on their case against Diddy at 11.30am EST.
Diddy’s son seen in court
Christian ‘King’ Combs was pictured arriving to court on Tuesday after his father was charged with racketeering and sex trafficking.
Diddy and staff worked to silence his victims
Prosecutors say Diddy’s employees helped conceal the violence and abuse by monitoring and preventing vicrims from leaving locations such as hotels or Combs’ homes.
Victims would sometimes be required to remain in hiding to recover from injuries inflicted by Diddy.
In late 2023, Diddy and associates allegedly pressured witnesses and victims, including through bribery, to stay silent.
No new names in indictment
The indictment does not specify any new names despite claiming that Diddy’s entourage helped him run his criminal organization.
‘A thousand bottles of baby oil’ seized from Diddy’s home
During a search of Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles this year, law enforcement seized narcotics and more than a thousand bottles of baby oil and lubricant, according to the indictment.
Diddy charged with three counts
Count one – racketeering
Count two – sex trafficking
Count three – transportation to engage in prostitution
‘Freak offs’
Federal authorities say Diddy used a criminal organization, The Combs Enterprise, to engage in sex trafficking, kidnapping, arson, bribary and other crimes.
The ‘Freak Offs’ were ‘elaborate and produced sex performances’ that Combs ‘arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded,’ the indictment said.
Diddy would ALLEGEDLY make women have sex with male prostitutes by drugging them. The Freak Offs sometimes lasted several days.
The document says: ‘After Freak Offs, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use.
Diddy ‘orchestrated performances of sexual activity’
Prosecutors say the mogul ‘manipulated women to participate in highly orchestrated performances of sexual activity with male commercial sex workers.
Diddy allegedly ensured the women’s participation by supplying narcotics, controlling their career and using intimidation and violence.
Diddy ‘in good spirits’
Diddy’s lawyer appeared in court today and said his client is in good spirits.
Marc Agnifilo said of Diddy: ‘He’s not guilty. He’s innocent of these charges.’
‘Head of a criminal enterprise’
The indictment describes Combs as the head of a criminal enterprise engaged in or attempting to engage in activities including sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, drug offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.
Diddy accused of pattern of abuse
The music mogul was due in court Tuesday on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges that accuse him of hitting and abusing women for over a decade and presiding over an empire of sexual crimes.
He ‘engaged in a persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse toward women and other individuals,’ according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.
Detailing allegations dating to 2008, the indictment accuses him of abusing, threatening and coercing women for years ‘to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.’
The indictment accuses Combs of striking, punching and dragging women on numerous occasions, throwing objects and kicking them — and enlisting his personal assistants, security and household staff to help hide it all.
Indictment reveals details of claims against Diddy
Diddy has been charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The indictement includes alleged crimes by Diddy dating back to 2009.
Diddy’s entourage is accused of sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, coercion and enticement to engage in prostitution, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.
Rapper sued by Danity Kane’s Dawn Richard this month
Richard claims that she was ‘manipulated’ by Combs on promises that he would help her music career.
Diddy was ordered to pay $100million in Michigan lawsuit
A Michigan judge this month ordered Combs to pay $100 million to Derrick Lee Smith, who said Combs drugged and sexually assaulted him at a party almost 30 years ago, after Combs failed to show up to defend himself in court.
A lawyer for Combs said he would seek to dismiss that judgment.
Diddy seen with his lawyer and son in Central Park before arrest
NewsNation obtained a photo of the music mogul at Central park on Friday.
He was seen with his lawyer and his son Christian ‘King’ Combs.
Diddy will plead not guilty
The music mogul’s lawyer told CNN that Combs will plead not guilty to the charges against him.
Marc Agnifilo said Combs will fight the charges with ‘all his might.’
Combs is expected to arrive in court any moment now.
Diddy’s lawyer believes he’s being charged with sex trafficking and racketeering
Marc Agnifilo told The New York Times that he believes Combs is being charged with racketeering and sex trafficking.
Combs’ arrest follows federal raids at his homes in Los Angeles and Miami in March.
Combs’ lawyer says ‘he is not a criminal’
The rapper’s attorney Marc Agnifilo said in a statement: ‘We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
‘Sean “Diddy” Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community.’
‘He is an imperfect person but is not criminal. To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.’
Diddy’s apology video
In May, CNN aired 2016 hotel security video that showed Combs punching, kixcking and dragging his then-girlfriend, the R& B singer Cassie.
The incident closely matched a description in a lawsuit that Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura.
A few days after the video’s airing, Combs posted an apology video on social media saying he was ‘truly sorry’ and that his actions were ‘inexcusable.’
Rapper’s homes raided in March
Months before his arrest, Diddy’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles were raised by federal agents as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation.
Diddy was ‘caught off guard’
NBC reports that Combs was surprised when he was arrested on Monday at the Manhattan hotel where he had been staying.
Combs’ attorney claims the rapper had ‘relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges.’
Diddy seen posing with fans before arrest
Diddy spent Monday morning relaxing on the turf in New York’s Central Park before meeting up with his son Christian to wander the streets of Manhattan.
Adoring fans ran up to snap selfies and shake the hand of their idol, who flashed a prized smile from behind a pair of thick superstar sunglasses as he revelled in the attention.
Sean Diddy Combs’ arrest sparks wild reaction on social media: ‘He’s gonna love prison’
Diddy’s previous legal troubles
In 2001, Diddy was acquitted of charges related to a Manhattan nightclub shooting two years earlier that injured three people.
His then-protege, Shyne, was convicted of assault and other charges and served about eight years in prison.
Aubrey O’Day comments on Diddy’s arrest
The former Danity Kane star has been a vocal critic of Combs.
Diddy seen relaxing in Central Park before arrest
A look back at claims against Diddy
A woman said Combs raped her two decades ago when she was 17.
A music producer sued, saying Combs forced him to have sex with prostitutes.
Another woman, April Lampros, said Combs subjected her to ‘terrifying sexual encounters,’ starting when she was a college student in 1994.
Former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard said he groped her and threatened her when she worked for him from 2005 to 2012.
Cassie’s lawyer declines to comment
In November, Diddy’s former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, filed a lawsuit saying he had beaten and raped her for years.
The suit was settled in one day but months later CNN aired hotel security footage showing Combs punching and kicking Cassie and throwing her on the floor in Los Angeles.
Cassie’s lawyer Douglas Wigdor has said, ‘In response to the numerous inquiries we have received regarding the indictment of Sean Combs, neither Ms. Ventura nor I have any comment.’
Key Updates
Read the full list of charges against music mogul
Diddy will plead not guilty
A look back at claims against Diddy
Share or comment on this article:
Diddy arrest live: Sean Combs is REFUSED bail by judge after after pleading not guilty to vile baby oil ‘freak off’ charges