Sean Diddy Combs has pleaded not guilty to new charges in his ongoing federal sex trafficking and racketeering case, which continues to shake the hip-hop mogul’s empire. On Friday, Combs entered the plea in a Manhattan courtroom against a superseding indictment that further expands the serious allegations against him.
The new indictment accuses the 55-year-old music mogul of not only coercing individuals into drug-fueled sex parties through threats and violence, but also exploiting employees by forcing them to work long hours while demanding their silence. These disturbing new accusations have added more fuel to the already intense legal fire surrounding Combs.
Dressed in a tan shirt and trousers, Combs appeared in court for the hearing ahead of his criminal trial, which is slated to begin this spring. Jury selection is tentatively scheduled to start on May 5, with opening statements expected on May 12. Despite the mounting charges, Combs has firmly denied all allegations.
The growing list of public accusations against the Grammy-winning artist began in late 2023 when singer Cassie Ventura (known professionally as Cassie) filed a lawsuit against Combs, alleging years of physical and emotional abuse, including a 2018 rape incident. In addition to the federal criminal case, Combs is facing a series of civil lawsuits, with claims of harrowing abuse carried out with the help of a loyal network of employees and associates.
Since his incarceration in September, Combs has been seen looking visibly aged, sporting salt-and-pepper hair. During Friday’s hearing, however, he maintained a composed demeanor, smiling, waving, and blowing kisses to his supporters, including his mother and two children.
As the case continues to develop, fans and the public are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this ongoing legal saga, with Combs’ career and legacy hanging in the balance.
