Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to an amended federal indictment that includes new allegations of forced labor and sex trafficking, intensifying his legal battle.
The superseding indictment accuses Combs, 54, of coercing employees into working long hours under threats of harm and forcing at least one worker into non-consensual sex acts.
Appearing in a New York federal court on Friday, Combs was seen in a greenish-tan prison jumpsuit, with unkempt grey hair and a beard. He stood before the judge to confirm he had reviewed the charges. His son, Christian; daughter, Chance; and mother, Janice Combs, were present in the courtroom to show support.
Prosecutors also referenced a 2016 surveillance video, published by CNN last year, allegedly showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, in a hotel hallway. While Combs’s legal team dismissed the footage as “deceptive” and manipulated, prosecutors described it as crucial evidence in their case.
Combs’s attorneys have strongly denied the allegations, arguing that the case is based on consensual relationships and accusing plaintiffs of seeking media attention.
“He looks forward to his day in court when it will become clear that he has never forced anyone to engage in sexual acts against their will,” said his attorney, Marc Agnifilo.
Jury selection is set to begin on May 5, with opening statements expected on May 12.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, a lawsuit alleging that Combs and fellow music mogul Jay-Z raped a 13-year-old girl in 2000 was recently dismissed in New York.
The trial is expected to draw significant public attention, as Combs also faces dozens of civil lawsuits alleging rape and assault, all of which his legal team has dismissed as baseless.
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