Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Denied Bail by Federal Judge After Being Charged With Racketeering and Sex Trafficking; Pleads Not Guilty
Warning Trigger: This content discusses sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and drugs
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was arrested by federal authorities on Monday, September 16, at a hotel in Manhattan. He is facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, according to court documents unsealed on Tuesday. Combs, who pleaded not guilty, was denied bail at a hearing in Manhattan on September 17, as reported by People.
He will be held in custody until his next hearing, scheduled for Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., where his lawyer will seek his release once more.
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During the Tuesday hearing, prosecutors accused Combs of witness tampering, alleging that his employees tried to silence his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and hotel staff about an incident at an LA hotel in 2016. Video footage of the assault, showing Combs kicking and stomping Ventura in the lobby of the InterContinental Hotel eight years ago, was allegedly removed from the hotel’s server. CNN obtained and released the video to the public.
Combs described his actions in the video as “inexcusable” and apologized for the incident, which was part of Cassie’s lawsuit last year. She settled the lawsuit the next day outside of court after negotiations with Combs’ team.
Prosecutors also claimed to have recordings of Combs telling a bandmate of another woman, who accused him of sexual assault, that she would be safe if she sided with him.
Additionally, prosecutors mentioned finding bags of pink powder in Combs’ hotel room, where he was advised to stay by his lawyer before his arrest. Although the substance was not tested, prosecutors suspected it to be narcotics based on previous similar incidents involving Diddy’s properties.
According to CNN’s report of the hearing, authorities interviewed over 50 witnesses, seized multiple devices, and recovered videos allegedly showing coerced sex acts orchestrated by Combs.
Combs’ lawyer argued that his client should not be compared to other infamous criminals and emphasized that the encounters were between consenting adults.
Outside the court, Combs’ lawyer proclaimed his client’s innocence and determination to fight the charges.
The defense attorney stated that Combs willingly surrendered to authorities before his arrest.
If you need help or know someone struggling with substance abuse, domestic violence, or abuse, please seek assistance from mental health professionals or helplines.
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