American Rapper “Diddy” Combs Charged with Racketeering, Sex Trafficking

Months after federal agents raided Sean “Diddy” Combs’ two homes, following multiple civil lawsuits by various victims accusing Combs of sexual assault and abuse spanning over 30 years, he is now facing charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. He has denied the allegations.
While agents from the Department of Homeland Security raided Diddy’s Los Angeles mansion and Miami waterfront home on March 25 earlier this year, Combs was arrested on Monday, and the grand jury indictment was unsealed on Tuesday.
Prosecutors accuse Combs of using his music empire to engage in sex trafficking, as part of a pattern of abuse. Combs allegedly lured victims by promising romantic relationships, only to subject them to threats and sexual exploitation.
The indictment says he organized “Freak Offs,” where victims were forced into extended sexual acts with male sex workers. Combs reportedly drugged victims and filmed the sexual encounters without their knowledge, prosecutors said.
Victims and Combs often required IV fluids following the physically taxing “Freak Off” sessions, the indictment claims.
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, asserted Combs’ innocence and asked the public to withhold judgment until all the facts were presented.
Agnifilo described Diddy as a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, family man, and philanthropist, denying his involvement in any crimes.
Authorities have provided little information on the raids but have confirmed they were part of a sex trafficking investigation. Reports suggest the raids were linked to a broader probe into witness intimidation, sexual assault, and firearms violations.
During the raids, agents seized firearms and cell phones belonging to Combs at both his Los Angeles and Miami properties. Combs’ sons, Justin and Christian, were handcuffed during the raid in Los Angeles, sparking outrage from their mother, Misa Hylton.
Hylton criticized the federal agents for their excessive use of force and racial bias, condemning their actions in an Instagram post.
She posted security footage showing heavily armed agents handcuffing her sons and forcing them against a wall.
Justin was filmed walking with his hands raised while agents aimed a gun at him. Christian was also forcibly restrained.
Authorities arrested Combs’ alleged drug mule, Brendan Paul, on the same day, charging him with drug possession at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.
Paul, a former Syracuse University basketball player, was caught with suspected cocaine and marijuana candy in his travel bags.
Diddy has also faced civil lawsuits from multiple alleged victims, many of whom accuse him of sex trafficking and abuse.
In November, Cassandra Ventura, Diddy’s former partner, filed a lawsuit accusing him of trafficking, sexual assault, and forced drug use. She claimed Diddy forced her into sex acts with male sex workers and subjected her to years of abuse during their relationship. She settled her lawsuit just one day after filing, but it inspired several other victims to come forward with similar allegations.
Hotel surveillance footage from 2016 showed Combs attacking and dragging Ventura in an elevator, which sparked further outrage. Diddy later released an apology video admitting to his violent actions against Ventura, calling them inexcusable.
Ventura responded with a social media post, speaking about the lasting trauma and encouraging other victims to come forward. She emphasized the importance of believing victims and highlighted the widespread issue of domestic violence.
TMZ reported that Ventura cooperated with federal investigators, possibly assisting them in obtaining search warrants for Diddy’s homes.
Other civil suits followed. Music producer Rodney Jones accused Combs of coercing him into soliciting prostitutes. A Syracuse University student accused Combs of filming his sexual assault and using it later as revenge porn. Diddy’s former bandmate, Dawn Richard, filed a suit accusing him of sexual assault and subjecting her to inhumane working conditions.
In response, Diddy’s attorneys have filed motions to dismiss several of these lawsuits, citing statutes of limitations and other legal grounds.
Combs has also been sued for a USD 100 million default judgment after failing to dispute allegations made by a Michigan inmate. Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith accused Diddy of drugging and sexually assaulting him at a Detroit party in 1997.
Combs’ former head of security, Roger Bands, claimed in a documentary that Diddy flew women across state lines for parties.
Former Danity Kane singer Aubrey O’Day said Combs’ mistreatment drastically changed her life and direction in the music industry.
Suge Knight, co-founder of rival label Death Row Records, expressed sympathy for Diddy’s family amid the allegations.
Tupac Shakur’s alleged killer, Duane Davis, claimed Combs offered USD 1 million for the rapper’s murder, though no charges were filed.