In a stunning development, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York has unsealed a federal indictment against Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging a wide array of crimes over the course of more than a decade.
The once-iconic music mogul, known by many names—including Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and most recently, "Love"—now faces charges that paint a deeply disturbing picture of abuse, exploitation, and criminal behavior. According to the indictment, Combs’ alleged crimes range from racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking to forced labor, kidnapping, and even arson.
Combs was arrested on Monday night, facing a three-count indictment that includes charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The gravity of the accusations has left the entertainment world reeling, as these charges outline an extensive and systematic pattern of abuse that spanned more than a decade.
According to the federal indictment, Combs is accused of using his business empire as a front for what prosecutors describe as a “criminal enterprise.” This enterprise, prosecutors say, was designed to facilitate Combs’ personal abuse of women and protect his public image, all while covering up illegal activities.
The allegations detail how Combs manipulated women through threats, coercion, and violence to fulfill his sexual desires, and how his power and financial influence were used to control and silence those around him.
One of the more horrifying accusations is the claim that Combs orchestrated what he referred to as "Freak Offs." These events allegedly involved women being forced to engage in elaborate sexual performances with male sex workers, often over the course of several days. Prosecutors claim Combs distributed narcotics to the women to keep them compliant during these events, and that he recorded the activities for his own use. Afterward, victims would reportedly receive IV fluids to recover from the physical toll and drug use involved.
Adding to the litany of charges, the indictment accuses Combs of using violence and intimidation to ensure participation in these events. Prosecutors claim that in at least one incident, hotel security personnel caught Combs kicking and assaulting a woman in 2016. The indictment alleges Combs attempted to bribe the security staff to keep quiet.
Federal authorities also seized evidence during searches of Combs’ properties in Miami and Los Angeles earlier this year, where they found large quantities of narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, materials believed to be used in the so-called “Freak Offs.”
The charges against Combs are grave. Racketeering conspiracy alone could carry a life sentence, as could the charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which comes with a mandatory minimum of 15 years. Additionally, the charge of transportation for purposes of prostitution could bring up to 10 years in prison.