Legendary music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused by federal prosecutors of sexually abusing women in a sweeping indictment unsealed Tuesday in New York.
Combs, who has been under surveillance for years, has denied wrongdoing. But prosecutors say Combs used his business to exploit women, using force or the threat of force.
Basic payments
Combs faces three federal charges:
- Sex trafficking
- Racket
- Transportation for prostitution
“The suns”
- Combs and his associates allegedly lured female victims, often under the guise of romantic relationships.
- Combs then allegedly used force, threats of violence, coercion and controlled substances to lure women into sexual acts with men in what Combs called “Freak Offs.” According to the indictment, “Freak Offs” were elaborately staged sexual performances during which Combs organized, directed, masturbated and were often electronically recorded.
- Some victims were given drugs, including ketamine, GHB and ecstasy.
- During searches of Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles, authorities seized various “Freak Off” paraphernalia, including drugs and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, according to the indictment.
- As a result of the violence, some victims were injured.
Pressure, sex trafficking and bribery
- Prosecutors allege in the indictment that Combs and his co-conspirators pressured the women, and in some cases attempted to bribe them, to keep quiet about what they experienced during the investigation as details about their alleged behavior became known.
- Combs was charged with being a “criminal enterprise” that threatened and harassed women, and accused members of Combs’ company of engaging in sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution, coercion and solicitation of prostitution, drug-related offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
Rico claims
- Prosecutors say Combs enlisted the help of company employees, security guards and assistants. They are said to have helped organize the crime and the “injihab” and then covered up the incidents.
- They are also said to have paid those involved in cash.
- The RICO racketeering charge has embarrassed notorious mob bosses such as John Gotti and James “Whitey” Bulger, and most recently, R&B singer R. Kelly.
