Sean 'Diddy' Combs in Court for Alleged Sex Crimes: Full Recap

Sean "Diddy" Combs appeared in federal court in New York City on Tuesday after being arrested and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution, according to an indictment

Rapper Sean Combs attends the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 4, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California
Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles on March 4, 2018. Photo:

John Shearer/Getty

Sean "Diddy" Combs appeared in a New York City court on Tuesday, Sept. 17, as he faces federal sex crimes charges.

The 54-year-old music mogul was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution, according to a federal indictment.

On Monday, Sept. 16, Combs was arrested by federal agents based on a then-sealed indictment filed by prosecutors, according to the office of the US Attorney of the Southern District of New York. Sources previously told PEOPLE that the arrest took place at a New York City hotel.

Combs' attorney Marc Agnifilo told reporters outside the courthouse on Tuesday that the star would fight the charges "with all his energy."

“He’s going to plead not guilty, obviously," Agnifilo added.

In the 14-page indictment, prosecutors allege that the music producer coerced multiple women into performing "elaborate and produced sex performances" with sex workers and characterized the events as "freak offs."

In addition to orchestrating and directing the "freak offs," Combs would record the gatherings and masturbate while watching the events unfold, prosecutors allege.

Federal authorities raided Combs' homes in Miami and L.A. in March after several lawsuits alleging sexual abuse were filed against Combs.

In November of last year, singer Cassie sued him in New York, accusing him of raping her throughout their decade-long relationship. The lawsuit was settled one day following the filing.

PEOPLE was at the courthouse to cover Tuesday's developments live. Read the full recap below.

Diddy Remanded Without Bail After Pleading Not Guilty

September 17, 2024 04:46 PM EDT

At his arraignment hearing, Diddy was remanded into custody without bail.

He is appealing the decision to deny bond at a court hearing slated for Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 3:30 p.m. He has another conference hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.

Dressed in long sleeved black shirt and gray striped sweatpants, Diddy stood up and said "not guilty" when asked to enter a plea at the arraignment. When leaving court, he turned and touched his hand to his heart to his family, including his son Christian, who was seated in the third row.

Members of Combs' family declined comment to PEOPLE. They left the courthouse without making a statement.

At the arraignment, prosecutors alleged that Combs had what appeared to be drugs in the hotel room in which he was arrested on Monday, September 16.

1,000 Bottles of Baby Oil and Other Claims Related to 'Freak Offs'

September 17, 2024 04:12 PM EDT

According to the indictment against Combs, Combs would lure victims into the "freak offs" under the pretense of a romantic relationship before allegedly coercing them to participate.

Prosecutors claim that because the alleged “freak offs” were physically taxing and could last several days, Combs and the alleged victims needed IV treatment afterward.

When Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided in March of this year, prosecutors claim authorities found "freak off supplies," including drugs and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.

Diddy Pleads Not Guilty: 'He's Going to Fight This with All of His Energy'

September 17, 2024 03:23 PM EDT

According to the Associated Press, Combs pleaded not guilty on Tuesday afternoon.

On Tuesday morning, while speaking outside of the federal courthouse in Manhattan, his defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said his client would plead not guilty, adding, "He’s going to fight this with all of his energy and all of his might and the full confidence of his lawyers and I expect a long battle with a good result for Mr. Combs."

Indictment References Diddy's Nicknames: 'a/k/a Puff Daddy'

September 17, 2024 02:44 PM EDT

The indictment against Combs lays out the sex crimes allegations against him. It also references the many nicknames he has used.

"For decades, SEAN COMBS, a/k/a 'Puff Daddy,' a/k/a 'P. Diddy,' a/k/a 'Diddy,' a/k/a 'PD,' a/k/a 'Love,' the defendant, abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct," it begins.

These nicknames are referenced nearly 20 more times in the indictment.

Defense Proposes $50 Million Bond; Prosecutors Want Diddy Jailed: 'The Defendant Is Dangerous'

September 17, 2024 02:27 PM EDT

Diddy's defense attorneys have proposed a bail package that includes a $50,000 bond. As part of the package, his travel would be restricted to New York and South Florida.

But prosecutors have asked the judge overseeing Combs' case to deny him bail and keep him jailed.

Prosecutors wrote in a motion to United States Magistrate that "the defendant is dangerous and poses an ongoing threat to the safety of the community. If released, he remains a serious risk of flight, despite the conditions offered by his counsel. Most glaringly, the defendant also poses a significant risk of obstructing justice."

Prosecutors alleged in the motion that Combs "has attempted to bribe security staff and threatened and interfered with witnesses to his criminal conduct. He has already tried to obstruct the Government’s investigation of this case, repeatedly contacting victims and witnesses and feeding them false narratives of events, as described in detail below."

Diddy's Son Seen Reading Indictment in Courtroom

September 17, 2024 02:09 PM EDT

Shortly after arriving in Manhattan’s federal court Tuesday morning, Sean "Diddy" Combs’ oldest son, Christian “King” Combs, made his way with a group of seven men to the fifth floor arraignment room, where they each requested a copy of the indictment.

Seated in an orange chair in the arraignment room and surrounded by the other men, the younger Combs was seen reading the 14-page indictment outlining the allegations. Each of the men silently leafed through their own paper copy of the indictment.

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