Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs pleads not guilty to charges in new indictment
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was hit with a new indictment earlier this month that extended his charges from three to five counts, adding another sex trafficking charge and another transportation to engage in prostitution charge. Now, the rapper has pled not guilty to the new charges.
The 55-year-old entered his plea to the charges at a hearing before US District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan on April 14th, having previously pled not guilty to the earlier three-count indictment.
In a statement, Combs’ lawyers said, “These are not new allegations or new accusers. These are the same individuals, former long-term girlfriends, who were involved in consensual relationships. This was their private sex life, defined by consent, not coercion.”
Combs was arrested in September on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force and transportation for purposes of prostitution. He’s currently jailed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, with his trial set to begin on May 5th.
According to Reuters, the Bad Boy founder’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said the defence may request a two-week delay to opening statements to review emails it wants an alleged victim to turn over. The judge noted that the defence must submit a formal request within two days for a delay. “We are a freight train moving towards trial,” he said.
Combs is accused of recording sexual performances known as “freak-offs,” but his lawyers have denied it was against anyone’s will. “Any fair-minded viewer of the videos will quickly conclude that the prosecution of Mr Combs is both sexist and puritanical,” they said. “The videos depict clearly consensual sex among willing adults in a decades-long relationship and fundamentally undermine the government’s case and Victim-1’s claims.”
In addition to the indictment, he’s also facing many civil lawsuits by men and women who have accused him of sexual abuse.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.