For years, Sean “Diddy” Combs has been recognized as a key figure in hip-hop, celebrated for his influence on the genre and his business ventures, which have reportedly reached a billion-dollar valuation.
However, his prominent status has taken a turn, as federal prosecutors have indicted him in a far-reaching sex abuse and racketeering case, which could also draw attention to individuals within his inner circle.
Authorities are utilizing the same racketeering laws that previously brought down figures such as John Gotti and James “Whitey” Bulger. Combs currently resides in a Brooklyn jail, a location familiar to numerous mobsters.
Since the beginning of the year, Combs has been the focus of a wide-ranging federal investigation. He was arrested in New York on Monday, and after the indictment was unsealed, he pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering on Tuesday. Prosecutors allege that Combs exploited women during what were known as “freak off” parties. Combs continues to assert his innocence.
“They are very much treating this matter like a mobster case… and articulating various roles that different people played in supporting the conspiracy,” explained Louis Shapiro, a defense attorney specializing in federal criminal cases.
Though prosecutors have remained tight-lipped about the future direction of the case, they have pointed to employees and associates of Combs for assisting in covering up his actions.
“If I were a celebrity who participated in one of Combs’ freak offs, I would be shaking in my boots. At best, they’re a witness in a case that is very likely going to trial. At worst, they’re a co-defendant,” said Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor.
According to Shapiro, the investigation has led to over 50 witness interviews and the execution of 300 warrants, suggesting that the case is supported by more than just the testimonies of the dozen women who have accused Combs of sexual abuse. These allegations have surfaced in litigation filed since last fall, following a lawsuit by his former girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, which was settled within 24 hours.
Several individuals who worked closely with Combs have met with federal prosecutors, and at least one sex worker is expected to testify before a grand jury, sources familiar with the matter have indicated. As for whether more charges or indictments will follow, prosecutors have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
“I can’t take anything off the table. Anything is possible,” said Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, as he announced the indictment. “Our investigation is very active and ongoing.”
Combs is accused of using his entertainment empire to lure female victims, subjecting them to violence, coercion, and drugs to force participation in “freak offs”—elaborate sexual performances that were sometimes recorded and could last for days. Prosecutors assert that Combs’ business ventures primarily served to further his criminal activities.
Due to threats of violence, the withholding of financial support, and fears that sensitive recordings would be leaked, “victims did not believe they could refuse Combs without risking their security or facing more abuse,” Williams stated.
The so-called “Combs Enterprise,” according to federal authorities, included Combs as its leader, along with various business entities, his record label Bad Boy Entertainment, and his employees and associates.
In prior civil lawsuits, one top executive working for Combs was labeled as his “Ghislaine Maxwell,” drawing a comparison to Jeffrey Epstein’s aide, who is currently serving 20 years for her role in trafficking women for Epstein’s exploitation.
Prosecutors have yet to name other specific targets in this investigation, but legal experts predict that more names may emerge—either as witnesses or co-defendants.
Dmitry Gorin, a former Los Angeles prosecutor, noted that prosecutors seem to be framing Combs as a ringleader of a criminal enterprise, giving orders to subordinates. Combs has denied these allegations. However, if the government’s portrayal proves accurate, the case could mirror high-profile mob prosecutions of the past, where lieutenants often turned against their bosses.
“Who is [Salvatore] ‘Sammy the Bull’ Gravano here?” Gorin asked, referring to the mobster who cooperated with authorities to bring down Gotti. “These days, he doesn’t know who to trust apart from his lawyers,” he added.
Combs has faced mounting legal troubles for months. In several civil suits, women have accused him of rape, assault, and other misconduct, with some claims dating back 30 years. One lawsuit included accusations involving a minor, though Combs’ defense team points out that no charges have been brought involving minors, unlike the case of R. Kelly, who was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking and sentenced to 30 years.
Experts suggest that the prosecution of Kelly may serve as a model for this case, with key witnesses from Combs’ inner circle potentially testifying against him alongside victims.
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) has been increasingly employed in cases beyond traditional organized crime, targeting groups like the Mexican Mafia and gangs such as South L.A.’s Crips. RICO cases have also been brought against rappers associated with street gangs, including Young Thug, Kay Flock, Casanova, and Fetty Wap.
A significant piece of evidence expected to surface during the trial is a security video capturing a violent encounter between Combs and Ventura, identified as “Victim One” in the indictment. In the video, recorded at the InterContinental Hotel, Ventura is seen fleeing down a hallway before Combs catches her, strikes her multiple times, and throws a vase at her.
Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lawyer, acknowledged that his client struggled with drug addiction and anger issues, resulting in him seeking rehabilitation after the 2016 incident, as did Ventura. Agnifilo insisted, however, that the two were in love and there was no larger criminal scheme. He also maintained that the sex described by prosecutors was consensual. “I believe he’s innocent of the charges, and he is going to go to trial, and I believe he’s going to win,” Agnifilo said, pushing for a swift trial.
Prosecutors countered by stating the video showed Ventura attempting to escape coerced sex with Combs and a paid sex worker. They claim Combs tried to bribe a hotel security guard to suppress the footage, which later disappeared from the hotel’s server. Additionally, prosecutors allege that Combs threatened two other victims with releasing compromising videos if they cooperated with law enforcement.
The indictment doesn’t name any victims but contains allegations that echo Ventura’s settled lawsuit and those of other women and a male producer.
Agnifilo argues Ventura’s lawsuit stemmed from financial motives, as her attorney initially sought $30 million for the rights to a tell-all book about her relationship with Combs. Though the lawsuit was filed, a settlement was reached swiftly thereafter.
“Mr. Combs is a fighter. He’s going to fight this to the end,” Agnifilo concluded. “He came to New York to establish his innocence. He’s not afraid, he’s not afraid of the charges.”
Source: LATimes.com
