Sex trafficking and racketeering: The charges against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Al Jazeera
The American rapper also faces a multitude of sexual assault allegations in several cases filed over the past two years.
American rapper and record producer Sean “Diddy” Combs has been refused bail by a New York judge following his arrest by Homeland Security on Monday on suspicion of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and interstate transportation for prostitution.
On Tuesday, he was ordered to remain in jail while he awaits trial.
Detailing the charges, Damian Williams, lawyer for the Southern District of New York told a press briefing: “Combs abused, threatened and coerced victims to fulfil his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.”
In an interview with with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, insisted that Combs was fully cooperating with the authorities. “Mr Combs came to New York on September 5, as soon as we realised that this indictment was going to be coming down,” he said.
On Monday, a statement from Combs and his lawyer read: “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community.”
