Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs made a courtroom appearance in Manhattan on Friday for a pretrial hearing in his federal criminal case. The 54-year-old, now sporting gray hair, faces serious charges, including sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy.
Combs Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges
During the hearing, Combs pleaded not guilty to all charges outlined in a superseding indictment. While the indictment added new allegations related to racketeering conspiracy, no additional charges were filed. The case continues to unfold as prosecutors build their argument against the embattled mogul.
Seated in the second row of the courtroom were two of Combs’ children—one son and one daughter—alongside his mother, providing visible family support.
Currently, Combs remains in custody at a federal detention center in New York City as he awaits trial. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on May 5, with opening statements set for May 12.
Prosecutors Detail Disturbing Allegations
Authorities allege that Combs and others coerced at least three women into engaging in sex acts with him and, at times, with male prostitutes. Prosecutors claim that victims were often drugged and forced to participate in what were referred to as “Freak Offs,” sometimes lasting for days.
Additionally, the indictment states that Combs recorded some of these encounters and maintained control over his victims through financial promises, career opportunities, and threats of violence. It also details incidents of extreme intimidation, including alleged acts of kidnapping. In one instance, prosecutors say Combs “dangled a victim over an apartment balcony” to assert his authority.
Courtroom Debate Over 2016 Surveillance Footage
A key point of contention in Friday’s hearing was a 2016 surveillance video published by CNN last May. The footage appears to show Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
Combs’ attorneys argued the video was “deceptive” and “not in accordance with the actions that took place.” However, CNN has denied any tampering with the footage, stating, “CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source.”
Despite Combs posting a public apology following the video’s release, his legal team is seeking to have it excluded from trial. Prosecutors, however, insist the video is crucial, as multiple witnesses are expected to testify about it.
In response, the presiding judge suggested a compromise—either slowing down the footage or providing additional context—to ensure fairness in the trial. The final decision on the video’s admissibility remains pending.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Combs previously settled a civil lawsuit with Cassie Ventura in November 2023, in which she accused him of years of abuse. Since then, he has faced more than 40 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault. Despite the mounting legal troubles, Combs has denied all allegations against him.
The next pretrial conference is scheduled for April 25, with further developments expected as the trial approaches.
For the latest updates on the case, visit CNN.
