Celebrity Celebrity News Celebrity Legal & Lawsuits Diddy Is 'Capable of a Lot,' Says Source: 'He's So Powerful. Everyone Was Afraid to Cross Him' (Exclusive) A source tells PEOPLE many still fear Sean "Diddy" Combs, who's currently in federal custody amid sex trafficking charges and multiple civil suits By Jack Irvin Jack Irvin Jack Irvin has over five years of experience working in digital journalism, and he’s worked at PEOPLE since 2022. Jack started in the industry with internships at Rolling Stone and Entertainment Tonight, and he worked as a freelance writer for publications including Bustle, MTV News, Shondaland, L’Officiel USA, Ladygunn, Flood and PopCrush before joining PEOPLE. In his current role, Jack covers daily music news and has interviewed both up-and-coming and established artists including Dolly Parton, Michelle Branch, Ashanti, Cyndi Lauper, Normani, Carly Rae Jepsen and Coco Jones. People Editorial Guidelines Published on October 7, 2024 11:25PM EDT Sean "Diddy" Combs in January 2020. Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage Sean “Diddy” Combs held a lot of power in the entertainment industry — and apparently still does, even from behind bars. The music mogul, 54, is currently in federal custody in Brooklyn, New York, after getting denied bail twice as he faces federal sex trafficking charges and multiple civil suits, but a source tells PEOPLE many individuals continue to fear his potential actions. "He's so powerful. Everyone was afraid to cross him," says the insider. "Even though he's behind bars now, he's still so powerful. We all knew it even back then." Lawyer for Diddy Accusers Says Hotline for Victims Received 12K Calls in 24 Hours Sean "Diddy" Combs in March 2018. Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / SplashNews.com The source continues, "Everyone always chalked it up to being a creative genius when it came to his obsession with controlling things." Last month, Combs was indicted by federal authorities. He faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. The "Last Night" rapper has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, though he could face up to life in prison if convicted. A Timeline of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sexual Assault Allegations and Arrest Sean "Diddy" Combs in October 2019. Scott Dudelson/Getty "He's incredibly smart," adds the source of Combs. "He knows a lot of people, and he's helped a lot of people — so a lot of people owe him. He knows that." The insider says the Bad Boy Records founder "is capable of a lot — much more than people think, even now." Reps for Combs did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. In addition to the criminal charges, Combs is named a defendant in multiple lawsuits and could face up to 120 more after high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee claimed that many more potential accusers were planning to file complaints. Sean "Diddy" Combs in September 2017. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Diddy's Mom Claims There's a 'Public Lynching of My Son,' Admits He's 'Not Perfect' The indictment against the Grammy winner centers on alleged "freak offs," described by authorities as elaborate sex performance with male sex workers and women who were forced or coerced into participating. Attorneys for Combs have denied the accusations. This week, Diddy's mom Janice Small Combs released a supportive statement. “My son is not the monster they have painted him to be, and he deserves the chance to tell his side,” she said. “I can only pray that I am alive to see him speak his truth and be vindicated.” If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Close