Sean Combs, widely known as “Puff” or “Diddy,” was taken into custody Monday following the unsealing of a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of New York. The charges against the music mogul span over a decade and involve allegations of physical and sexual violence against multiple victims, alongside accusations of using coercion and intimidation to fulfill his desires.
The Charges
The three counts include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and interstate transportation for prostitution. According to court documents, the indictment outlines a pattern of abuse that began around 2008 and continued until as recently as this year. The U.S. Department of Justice asserts that Combs leveraged his fame and influence in the entertainment industry to exploit women, often under the guise of romantic relationships.
Federal authorities claim that Combs orchestrated elaborate sexual encounters, referred to as “Freak Offs,” involving commercial sex workers. These events, which spanned from 2009 to 2024, allegedly featured graphic sexual performances that Combs directed and even recorded. The indictment details disturbing accounts of coercion, with many victims reportedly administered controlled substances like ketamine and GHB to keep them compliant during these acts despite their exhaustion and pain.
Witnesses have come forward, recounting instances of physical abuse perpetrated by Combs. One particularly egregious incident captured on video reportedly shows the defendant assaulting RnB singer and his then-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, better known as Cassie, in March 2016 after a Freak Off.
On Tuesday, a federal judge denied Combs bail. He will remain in custody until he faces charges in the case. His attorneys say they will appeal the decision.
Combs has strong ties to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities community particularly through his philanthropic efforts and support for education. He attended Howard University where he studied business. Although he did not complete his degree, he has consistently shown his commitment to supporting HBCUs by donating to scholarship funds and initiatives that promote higher education for Black students.