American hip-hop mogul and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to new sex trafficking charges filed against him in Manhattan federal court, just one month before his trial is scheduled to begin.
The former music industry powerhouse appeared in court on Monday where he entered not guilty pleas to a new Mann Act charge filed on April 3, as well as an allegation that he forced a woman into sex trafficking between 2021 and 2023.
These latest charges add to the multiple counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and related offenses already filed against the Bad Boy Records co-founder, bringing the total criminal counts against him to five. If convicted on all charges, Combs could potentially face decades behind bars.
During Monday’s court appearance, Combs’ legal team requested a two-week delay in proceedings, arguing they needed additional time to review the substantial evidence presented by prosecutors. However, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian urged defense attorneys to file their formal motion quickly, warning them, “You’re on a freight train moving toward trial.”
The Mann Act, which features prominently in the charges against Combs, is a federal law that criminalizes the transportation of individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activity.
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs exploited his celebrity status and industry influence to lure women into drug-fueled, sexually exploitative encounters involving male sex workers—gatherings which prosecutors have termed “Freak Offs.”
Legal analyst Chijioke Nnamdi, speaking to our correspondent in Lagos, explained the significance of these charges in the Nigerian context: “While this case is happening in America, it highlights the global issue of powerful men allegedly exploiting their position to engage in abusive behavior. Nigeria has its own challenges with sexual exploitation, particularly in our entertainment industry.”
A key piece of evidence in the case is surveillance footage from March 2016 showing Combs allegedly assaulting his then-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Prosecutors contend the assault occurred during one of the alleged “Freak Off” events.
However, Combs’ legal team disputes this characterization, arguing the footage merely offers “a glimpse into a complex but decade-long consensual relationship” between the two. His attorneys are seeking to have one of the Mann Act violations dismissed, which alleges Combs transported a male escort across state lines.
“The government has concocted a criminal case based primarily on allegations that Mr. Combs and two of his longtime girlfriends sometimes brought a third party—a male escort—into their sexual relationship,” defense attorney Alexandra A.E. Shapiro wrote in a February court filing. “Each of the three charges in the case are premised on the theory that this type of sexual activity is a federal crime,” she added.
The fall from grace for Combs, once one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the music industry, has sent shockwaves through entertainment circles worldwide. His business empire, which included fashion lines, a vodka brand, and a media company, has reportedly suffered significant setbacks since the allegations surfaced.
Nigerian music producer Olumide Ayeni told our correspondent: “Diddy’s influence on African music cannot be overstated. Many Nigerian artists looked up to him as a blueprint for success beyond music. These allegations, if proven true, represent a devastating betrayal of that influence.”
The trial, scheduled to begin next month, will be closely watched by music industry insiders and the public alike, as it could potentially expose further details about the alleged exploitation within high-profile entertainment circles.
Combs remains in custody after being denied bail multiple times since his arrest last year, with the judge citing flight risk concerns and potential witness intimidation.
