Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing new allegations of forced labor as he pleads not guilty to an amended indictment. The rap mogul allegedly forced employees to work long hours under the threat of physical and reputational harm, as well as forcing at least one worker to engage in sex acts with him.
However, Mr Combs’s lawyers have vehemently denied these accusations, stating that any relationships were consensual. They assert that the case is centered around consensual relationships with his girlfriends, rather than forced labor or sexual acts.
Despite the denials, Mr Combs is expected to stand trial in a federal sex trafficking and racketeering case. The new allegations in the amended indictment fall under the racketeering charge.
In addition to the federal case, Mr Combs faces dozens of lawsuits accusing him of rape and assault. His lawyers have dismissed these lawsuits as attempts to gain publicity.
During a court appearance, Mr Combs appeared in a prison jumpsuit with overgrown grey hair and a beard. He stood to enter his not guilty plea and was supported by his family and friends in the courtroom.
The court also discussed a video released by CNN last year showing Mr Combs allegedly kicking his former girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016. While his lawyers claim the video is deceptive, prosecutors view it as critical evidence for their case.
Jury selection for Mr Combs’s trial is expected to start on 5 May, with opening statements set for 12 May. Despite the legal challenges he is facing, Mr Combs remains optimistic about the outcome of the case.
