Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs latest: Rapper sent back to jail as shocking texts after Cassie hotel attack revealed
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has faced a series of civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse over the last year
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in jail until his federal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, as shocking text messages following his attack on ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura were revealed in court.
The rapper appeared again in a New York City courthouse to propose a $50 million bail package to avoid the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center.
Diddy’s lawyers told District Court Judge Andrew Carter that he was not a flight risk or dangerous, but the request was denied, with the judge reasoning there is “no condition or set of conditions” that would ensure the safety of the community or that Diddy would not contact witnesses.
The prosecution shared alleged text messages from Diddy to his ex to strengthen the argument that he should remain behind bars until trial.
The court heard Diddy allegedly text Ventura: “Call me, the cops are here. I got six kids. You, please call. I’m surrounded. You gonna abandon me all alone.”
Diddy pleaded not guilty to racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, insisted his client is “an innocent man with nothing to hide”.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrest and abuse allegations: A timeline of key events
What are the latest allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs?
‘One of the best days ever’: Woman who claims Diddy shot her in face in NYC club celebrates arrest
1,000 bottles of baby oil and ‘freak offs’: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and the rise of his ‘criminal enterprise’
Inside the New York jail where Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is currently being held
U.S. Attorney urges people with information to come forward
Although Combs is the only one charged in the indictment, he wasn’t the only one to engage in the abusive behavior, according to prosecutors.
Combs’ “enterprise”, made up of personal assistants, security staff, household staff and high-ranking supervisors, allegedly lured women to music mogul and were complicit in his abuse.
“If you have been a victim of Combs’ alleged abuse – or if you know anything about his alleged crimes – we urge you to come forward. This investigation is far from over,” Williams said.
Prosecutors say those individuals assisted in providing materials for “Freak Offs” that took place in hotels, like bottles of baby oil and lubricants, drugs, lighting, sheets and more.
Federal agents discovered more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricants in Combs’ Miami home last year while conducting a raid. They also discovered three AR-15s with defaced serial numbers and electronic devices that contained photos and videos of “Freak Offs”.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said the investigation is ongoing and indicated others could be charged in connection or further charges could be brought against Combs.
The epic rise and fall of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
From Harlem to Hollywood — including the 1990s East Coast vs. West Coast rap rivalry, recent sexual harassment lawsuits, and the name changes from Sean Combs to “Love” Sheila Flynn explores Diddy’s wild and legally fraught path to fame
The epic rise and fall of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
From Harlem to Hollywood — including the 1990s East Coast vs. West Coast rap rivalry, recent sexual harassment lawsuits, and the name changes from Sean Combs to “Love” — Sheila Flynn explores Diddy’s wild and legally fraught path to fame
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.