For the first time in 20 years, rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs is making headlines, facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The 54-year-old went to jail on Sept. 17, and is awaiting a trial in a federal sex-trafficking case that accuses him of inducing female victims and male sex workers into drugged sexual performances dubbed “Freak Offs.”
The founder and CEO of Bad Boy Records and Entertainment, Combs is accused of enlisting his personal assistants, security and home staff to help hide it all. As well as alleged acts of violence to keep victims quiet.
Combs staff reportedly facilitated these “Freak Offs” by supplying victims with IV fluids to help them recover from exhaustion and immense drug intake.
Diddy’s mansions in Miami and Los Angeles were searched earlier this year on March 25, according to AP News. Law enforcement seized narcotics, videos of the performances and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
Yes, you read that right — over 1,000 bottles.
Along with the excessive amounts of lubrication, federals seized firearms and ammunition, three AR-15s with defaced serial numbers were found in his bedroom closet in Miami.
These disturbing lists of allegations date back to the 90s. The mounting list of civil lawsuits alleging abuse and sexual assault spans over 30 years.
Combs’ reputation first took a hit when he was arrested following a nightclub shooting in 1999. He was found not guilty but decided to rebrand himself, changing his rap name from “Puff Daddy” to “P. Diddy” in 2001.
In 2006, pop singer Cassie Ventura was finishing her self-titled debut album “Cassie” as she became Comb’s protege and romantic partner. When the two met, she was 19 and Combs was 37.
Ventura was heading for fame, but her sophomore album never materialized. She eventually disappeared into Combs’s world until ending the relationship in 2018 when she sued Combs. Ventura accused him of more than a decade of physical abuse, sex trafficking and rape.
The Washington Post reports this suit was filed under the state’s Adult Survivor Act, allowing victims of abuse to sue beyond the statute of limitations within a limited window.
But this case was settled overnight. Combs denied all accusations and was filed without an admission of wrongdoing.
However, in May 2024, CNN released hotel surveillance videos from March 5, 2016, that explicitly show Combs shoving, pushing and kicking Ventura, according to her complaint in 2018, which occurred at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.
In response to the release of these videos, Combs made a video statement on Instagram apologizing for his actions.
“I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” Combs said.
Ventura reached an undisclosed settlement based on their “mutual satisfaction” with Combs in November 2023.
Since Ventura’s case, 10 lawsuits have been filed against Combs. Abusing those beneath him, wielding his power, prestige and reputation.
Currently, Combs is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center, housed in the jail’s Special Housing Unit, separated from the general population.
Two judges have denied Combs’ requests to be released from custody on a $50 million bond due to the risk of witness tampering and obstruction, according to USA Today.
Combs has pleaded not guilty on all charges.
His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, calls this indictment an “unjust prosecution.” He acknowledged that Combs had been affected by past toxic relationships and was using drugs to cope, but is now in treatment and therapy.
Agnifilio, believe it or not, has tried to argue that the sexual videos, the “Freak Offs,” were not coercive but expansions of sexual relationships.
“Is it sex trafficking? Not if everybody wants to be there,” Agnifilo argued.
In terms of jail time, a conviction on every charge would require at least 15 years and the possibility of a life sentence.
Combs’ arrest is just another example of abusive power dynamics in the music industry. A man with power, money and influence who manipulates and uses anyone he wants.
What’s even scarier is that these allegations are not just about Combs engaging in an illegal activity but being part of a much larger enterprise — there are more names at play here that we don’t know of.
These charges and allegations are part of Combs’ downfall and will likely be what he is remembered for, tarnishing his legacy.
Artists are already distancing themselves from him and his reputation. Athletes Lebron James, Patrick Mahomes and Steph Curry have publicly distanced themselves from Combs, deleting old tweets and unfollowing him on social media.
Pop star Kesha announced a permanent change to her lyrics in her famous song “Tik Tok” from “Wake up in the mornin’ feeling like P. Diddy” to “fuck P. Diddy.”
Howard University has cut ties with him, rescinding his honorary degree and disbanding a scholarship in his name. In June of the same month, Combs honored a request from New York Mayor Eric Adams and returned his key to the city.
When it comes to separating artists from music in the industry, there have been plenty of gray areas in the approach of “canceled” artists. But in this case, there is no question.
You can’t separate the music from the person. His lyrics and songs can’t be listened to the same way. The meaning of his music is entirely changed — Combs is forever disreputable.
