Sean “Diddy” Combs has entered a not-guilty plea to an updated federal indictment that includes new claims of forced labour.
The revised charges accuse the music mogul of coercing employees into working excessive hours under threats of physical harm and reputational damage, as well as allegedly forcing at least one worker into sexual acts.
Combs’ legal team has denied all allegations, maintaining that his relationships were consensual.
According to the New York Times, his lawyers argue that the accusations are baseless and that he has never forced anyone into sexual acts.
They have also dismissed the multiple civil lawsuits against him as an attempt to gain publicity.
“He looks forward to his day in court when it will become clear that he has never forced anyone to engage in sexual acts against their will,” his attorney Marc Agnifilo stated.
Combs, a highly successful rapper and businessman, is set to face trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The latest allegations are included under the racketeering charge.
In addition to the criminal case, he is facing multiple lawsuits alleging rape and assault, which his defence team has strongly denied.
During his court appearance on Friday in New York’s southern district federal court, Combs wore a greenish-tan prison jumpsuit, with overgrown grey hair and a beard.
He stood as he entered his plea, confirming to the judge that he had reviewed the indictment.
Among those in attendance to support him were his son Christian, daughter Chance, mother Janice Combs—who wore large sunglasses—publicist Marvet Britto, and two other individuals who identified themselves as part of his support system.
Combs appeared in good spirits, smiling, waving, blowing kisses to his family, and embracing his lawyers.
A significant point of discussion in court was a 2024 CNN-released video allegedly showing Combs kicking his former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, in a hotel hallway in 2016.
Combs’ defence team insisted the footage was manipulated, claiming a visual expert determined it had been altered, with sequences taken out of order, actions sped up, and timestamps obscured.
Prosecutors, however, argued the video was crucial evidence and intended to present it at trial. The judge advised both sides to find a resolution.
Following the video’s release, Combs issued a public apology, stating: “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.”
Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, with opening statements set for May 12.