Sean “Diddy” Combs, the acclaimed rapper and music industry veteran, is facing serious legal allegations involving sexual misconduct. According to a 14-page indictment unsealed in federal court in New York City on Tuesday, September 17, Combs, 54, is charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals to engage in prostitution.
The indictment, obtained by What’s Trending, details accusations that Combs coerced multiple women into participating in orchestrated sexual acts referred to as “freak offs.” Prosecutors describe these acts as elaborate and staged sexual performances, which Combs allegedly directed and recorded. The indictment suggests that Combs would also engage in masturbatory acts while watching the recordings.
Sources informed PEOPLE that Combs was arrested at a Manhattan hotel on Monday, prior to the indictment’s unsealing. The charges center around the alleged use of force, threats, and coercion by Combs to compel individuals into these performances. The indictment claims that Combs and his associates would initially deceive victims under the guise of a romantic relationship before using intimidation and coercion to involve them in the “freak offs.”
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, responded to the indictment by expressing strong defense for his client. Agnifilo stated that Combs plans to plead not guilty and will “fight like hell” to secure his release. “He’s going to fight this with all of his energy and all of his might and the full confidence of his lawyers, and I expect a long battle with a good result for Mr. Combs,” Agnifilo said.
The indictment further alleges that the “freak offs” could last several days and often involved multiple commercial sex workers. According to the indictment, Combs would sometimes retain video recordings of these acts without the victims’ full knowledge. Additionally, the indictment accuses Combs of supplying drugs to victims to ensure their compliance and states that both Combs and the victims would require IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use following these events.
The indictment also reveals that Combs’ business associates played a role in facilitating the “freak offs.” This included arranging travel, booking and equipping hotel rooms, cleaning up afterward, and managing financial transactions for sex workers. During a raid of Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles in March, authorities reportedly discovered “freak off supplies,” including drugs and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
The allegations against Combs have been corroborated by a recent lawsuit filed by his ex-partner, singer Cassie, in November 2023. Cassie’s lawsuit, which was the first of several legal actions taken against Combs over the past year, claims she was coerced into participating in the alleged “freak offs.” This lawsuit, along with others, culminated in the federal indictment filed this week.
ADVERTISEMENT
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available. Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org for assistance.
