Diddy pleads not guilty to new charges in sex trafficking case

Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty on Friday to a new indictment that adds further accusations to his US federal sex trafficking and racketeering case.

The superseding indictment alleges that, while sexually abusing individuals and coercing them into drug-fuelled sex parties through threats and violence, the hip-hop mogul also forced employees to work long hours while demanding their silence.

The 55-year-old wore a tan shirt and trousers in the Manhattan courtroom as he entered his plea in the criminal case, which is set to go to trial this spring. In-person jury selection is tentatively scheduled to begin on May 5, with opening statements expected on May 12.
Combs has denied all charges.

Public allegations against the Grammy winner have been mounting since late 2023, when singer Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, accused Combs of subjecting her to more than a decade of coercion through physical force and drugs, as well as a 2018 rape.

Alongside the federal criminal case, Combs faces a series of civil lawsuits, with claims of harrowing abuse allegedly carried out with the assistance of a loyal network of employees and associates.

The former rap superstar has been incarcerated since September, during which time he has appeared noticeably aged, with a crop of salt-and-pepper hair.

During Friday’s hearing, he smiled, waved, and blew kisses to a row of supporters, including two of his children and his mother.

AFP

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