A federal ruling has led to Sean Combs, known as P. Diddy, being denied bail after he was charged with sex trafficking. Manhattan federal Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky presided over the case, marking a turn in the ongoing legal issues facing the music mogul.
Over the past year, Combs has been embroiled in multiple serious lawsuits alleging rape, assault, and sex trafficking. Earlier today, he entered a not guilty plea regarding charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, with his legal team proposing a $50 million bail for home detention.
Sean Combs, known as P. Diddy, denied bail as he faces serious sex trafficking charges in federal court
A recently unsealed indictment details accusations dating back to 2008, revealing that the 54-year-old allegedly engaged in a long-standing pattern of abuse toward women. The document accuses him of overseeing an environment rife with sexual exploitation. Combs has consistently denied these allegations.
His latest arrest follows March raids on his properties in Beverly Hills and Miami, conducted by Homeland Security in connection with civil lawsuits, the first initiated by his ex-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura in November 2023. The Southern District of New York is currently conducting the investigation, and a grand jury has been gathering testimonies from alleged victims in recent months.
Describing the raids as an excessive show of force, Combs’ attorney Aaron Dyer called it a “witch hunt” stemming from unfounded civil claims. Four women, including Cassie, have lodged civil lawsuits against him, all of which he refutes. In December, Combs defended himself against what he termed “sickening allegations” made by individuals seeking financial gain.
Diddy has had several high-profile relationships over the years with various actresses, singers, and fellow musicians. His first relationship was with stylist Misa Hylton in the early ’90s, which produced a child in December 1993. Though they separated shortly thereafter, they maintained an amicable relationship and have been seen together at public events.
When Diddy’s home was raided in March, Misa criticized the aggressive tactics used by the authorities. On Instagram, she expressed outrage over the treatment of her sons, suggesting that if they were not the children of a Black celebrity, the situation would have been handled differently.
After her relationship with Diddy ended, Misa married record executive JoJo Brim and had two more children. Meanwhile, Diddy began a serious relationship with model and actress Kimberly Porter in 1994. Their on-and-off romance lasted 13 years, during which they had three children together.
Tragically, Porter passed away in November 2018 at the age of 47 due to cardiac arrest, with pneumonia later confirmed as the cause. Following her death, Combs honored her memory, describing her as “more than a soulmate.”
In 1999, Diddy entered into a relationship with singer and actress Jennifer Lopez after producing her debut album, On The 6. The couple frequently appeared in the spotlight, including at the memorable 2000 Grammys, where Lopez wore a now-iconic Versace gown.
Their relationship ended in 2001, with Lopez later alleging infidelity on Combs’ part. In a 2003 interview, she indicated that she suspected he was unfaithful, even if she never caught him in the act.
From 2007 until 2018, Diddy was linked to singer Cassie Ventura. Cassie, who gained fame with hits like “Me & U,” signed with Diddy’s Bad Boy Records in 2006. After their breakup, she accused Combs of rape and long-term abuse in a November 2023 lawsuit, which was settled the following day. Combs’ legal team stated that settling the lawsuit should not be misconstrued as an admission of guilt.
In May, CNN aired a 2016 video depicting Diddy in an altercation with Cassie, prompting him to issue an apology on Instagram. He admitted to hitting “rock bottom” but took full responsibility for his actions in the footage.
However, Cassie’s attorney dismissed Diddy’s apology as insincere, emphasizing that his words were self-serving rather than acknowledging the harm he caused to multiple women. She criticized his timing and motives, suggesting his apology only came after his denials were proven false.
In a new lawsuit, Dawn Richard of Danity Kane alleged she witnessed Diddy physically assault Cassie in 2009, including incidents of choking and throwing objects at her. Diddy’s attorney responded by asserting that Richard’s claims were fabricated for financial gain, questioning her motives given her continued collaborations with him over the years.
In 2022, Diddy and rapper Yung Miami confirmed their relationship on her podcast, discussing their dating life openly. However, by the summer of 2023, they had parted ways, with Yung Miami later clarifying that while they remained friends, they were no longer romantically involved.
Addressing the allegations against Diddy, Yung Miami stated that her experience was different from those of other women. She emphasized that she could not speak on the accusations since she was not involved in those events and felt unfairly judged for her support of him during his public accolades.
