Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty in federal court in New York to the latest version of an indictment accusing him of operating a years-long sex trafficking and racketeering enterprise, as preparations continued for one of the highest-profile criminal trials involving a music executive.
Combs, 55, appeared before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan, where he confirmed that he had read the indictment and understood the charges against him. The hip-hop entrepreneur has remained in federal custody without bail since his arrest in September 2024.
Court proceedings outlined the timeline for the upcoming trial, with questionnaires scheduled to be distributed to hundreds of prospective jurors at the end of April. Jury selection is set to begin on May 5, while opening statements are expected to start on May 12.
As he entered the courtroom, Combs embraced two members of his legal team. Following the hearing, he blew kisses and waved to family members before being escorted out by U.S. marshals. Observers noted that his beard appeared noticeably grayer than during previous court appearances.
Prosecutors Allege Abuse Spanning Two Decades
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs used the influence and prestige he accumulated as one of the music industry’s most prominent figures to intimidate, threaten, and manipulate women into his orbit, often under the guise of romantic relationships.
According to the indictment, he then used force, threats, and coercion to compel victims to engage in commercial sex acts. The charging document identifies three women among the alleged victims.
Prosecutors contend that victims were subjected to physical violence, threats of violence, financial and reputational intimidation, and verbal abuse.
The indictment states that, on multiple occasions, Combs allegedly “threw both objects and people, as well as hit, dragged, choked and shoved others.” It also alleges that during one incident he dangled a victim over an apartment balcony.
The government has charged Combs with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking offenses. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Combs’ attorneys have argued that prosecutors are attempting to criminalize consensual sexual relationships between adults and have denied that his conduct amounted to a criminal enterprise.
A significant portion of Friday’s hearing focused on surveillance footage broadcast by CNN in 2024 showing Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend and recording artist Cassie Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi Steiner described the video as “critical to the case,” signaling that prosecutors intend to rely heavily on it during trial.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo challenged the video’s reliability, arguing that it had been altered.
He told the court that portions of the footage were sped up by as much as 50% and that certain events appeared out of chronological order.
“From the defense standpoint, it’s a misleading piece of evidence, a deceptive piece of evidence, a piece of evidence that has been changed,” Agnifilo said.
The court has not yet ruled on how the video will be presented during trial.
Witness Safety Concerns Raised
During the hearing, prosecutors also addressed concerns about the identities of potential witnesses.
Steiner told the court that the government is reluctant to disclose information about accusers before legally required deadlines because many are “incredibly frightened” about their identities becoming known publicly or being shared with the defense ahead of trial.
The government indicated that it intends to provide witness information in accordance with court deadlines while seeking to protect the safety and privacy of those expected to testify.
High-profile Case
The federal prosecution marks the most serious legal challenge of Combs’ career. Once regarded as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, he built a business empire through Bad Boy Records and numerous ventures in media, fashion, and beverages.
The current indictment alleges that his influence and business network were used to facilitate and conceal criminal conduct over many years. Combs has denied the allegations, maintaining that any sexual activity involving him was consensual and that the government’s case mischaracterizes his private relationships.
If convicted on the charges, Combs could face a sentence that includes life imprisonment.
