Photo courtesy: People Magazine
Sean Combs, better known as “Diddy” was arrested and charged on Monday at the Park Hyatt Hotel located in Manhattan, New York. Combs was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations where he was denied a $50 million bail.
According to CNN, prosecutors were against releasing Combs on any grounds, telling the court that his attempt to tamper with key witnesses and further stating the “risk of danger is acute”. On top of his history of anger issues and use of illegal substances.
The Department of Homeland Security raided Combs’ home in March where they found guns, ammo, and supplies for the infamous “freak offs” that were known to be “elaborate and produce sex performances,” according to the indictment. These “freak offs” included the travel for the women and sex workers as well as supplying drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone in order to coerce them into sexual activities. These ‘events’ would last for several days.
The indictment further states that the alleged victims would many times receive IV fluids in order to recover from the exertion and the drug use
The supplies obtained by Homeland Security included 1000 bottles of baby oil, lubricant, and illegal narcotics. Additionally, Combs is considered to be a flight risk because of the alleged stash of weapons located in his bedroom and the millions of dollars in cash.
Upon arrest, Combs was charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and faces up to life in prison. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ attorney, advocated for Combs’ innocence and stated that he would work to appeal the bail decision. Additionally, Agnifilo claimed the “freak offs,” were agreed upon prior and not coercive.
Previously Combs has been accused of domestic violence against his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Surveillance footage from an incident in 2016 surfaced of Combs and Ventura in the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. In the video Combs is shown kicking, punching, and dragging Ventura through the hallway.
Despite Venture’s lawsuit being settled, Combs faces five separate civil lawsuits which include a range of sexual misconduct as well as other illegal activities since November 2023.
Combs will remain in federal custody until his trial, which is set for Oct. 9.