Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs charged with sex trafficking, denied bail

Sean “Diddy” Combs used his fame as one of the biggest names in hip-hop to coerce women into demeaning sexual acts as part of a long-running scheme of sex trafficking and racketeering, prosecutors said on Tuesday after bringing three criminal charges against him.

Combs, 54, used his business empire, including his record label Bad Boy Entertainment, to transport women, as well as male sex workers, across state lines to take part in recorded sexual performances called “Freak Offs” in which the music mogul would watch and masturbate, prosecutors said.

Wearing a black T-shirt and grey sweatpants, Combs pleaded not guilty in Manhattan before US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky to the indictment unsealed on Tuesday. The judge after a hearing ruled that Combs, who was arrested on Monday, will remain in custody pending trial, as prosecutors sought.

The rapper and producer faces a mandatory minimum 15-year prison sentence and up to life behind bars if convicted of the three felony counts: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs was led into the courtroom by members of the US marshals service. Sitting at the defence table, Combs spoke briefly with lawyer Marc Agnifilo and nodded. Combs looked to his right, where the Midtown Manhattan skyline was visible through an open window from the 26th floor courtroom, then sighed and looked down.