Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty in a New York court on Friday to a superseding indictment that accuses him of forcing an employee into sex acts. This indictment builds on prior charges, which include racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution.
The case has been ongoing since September, and jury selection for the trial is set to begin on May 5. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian scheduled another pre-trial conference for April 25 as Combs continues to fight multiple allegations.
Expanded Charges and Witness Testimonies Strengthen the Case Against Combs
Combs has been in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September. The new indictment expands the accusations against him, claiming that he forced employees to work long hours under harsh conditions and threatened those who did not assist in his alleged sex trafficking scheme.
In January, prosecutors added allegations from three unnamed women who claim to be victims of his illicit activities. The updated charges portray Combs as the leader of a two-decade-long operation that subjected individuals to forced labor and sexual exploitation.
Sean “Diddy” CombsDuring Friday’s hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi Steiner stated that prosecutors would provide a list of witnesses and victims willing to testify. Federal prosecutors have identified up to 20 potential witnesses, in addition to the three main victims, who could provide evidence against Combs.
Steiner emphasized that many of these witnesses are deeply afraid of having their identities revealed. The prosecution is taking steps to protect them, indicating the high-profile nature of the case and the possible influence Combs may still wield.
Disputed Video Footage and Ongoing Legal Battles Add to Combs’ Troubles
A key point of contention in the trial is a video from 2016 showing Combs allegedly kicking and dragging his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel. Prosecutors argue the footage is crucial evidence, while the defense insists the video is misleading.
According to Combs’ legal team, forensic analysis has revealed that the footage was “substantially altered.” CNN, which originally obtained the video, denies any tampering. The court will ultimately decide whether the footage can be used as evidence in the upcoming trial.
Beyond the criminal charges, Combs is also entangled in a legal battle with NBCUniversal and its streaming service Peacock. In February, he filed a lawsuit accusing the company of airing a documentary, Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy, which he claims promotes conspiracy theories about him.
Additionally, Combs posted a video on Instagram apologizing for past actions, but this has not swayed prosecutors or the public. As his trial date approaches, the case continues to attract national attention, with significant legal and reputational consequences for the music mogul.