Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music mogul, has been indicted on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, revealed that the toughest part for Combs in adjusting to his new diet behind bars. Combs founded Bad Boy Records in 1993 and launched the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G. into superstardom. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been denied bail twice as prosecutors argued he is a flight risk with a history of witness intimidation. A trial date has been set for May 5, 2025. Combs has been in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September.
Combs begins his days in jail with cereal, fruit, and a breakfast cake at 6 a.m. Weekday lunches rotate among hamburgers, fish, beef tacos, and can include scrambled eggs and biscuits on weekends. Dinner, served at 4 p.m. after a daily headcount, offers choices like chicken fajitas, pasta, roast beef, with “heart-healthy” options like lentils, tofu, or baked beans. Despite his complaints about the food, Combs will have to make do with these options until his trial in May. His attorney also expressed his client’s dislike for the jail food to reporters in Manhattan.
Allegations against Combs escalated after his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit in 2023, accusing him of drugging and raping her. Ventura, who was once signed with Bad Boy Records, settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed sum within 24 hours of filing it. In May of this year, CNN released footage of Combs physically assaulting Ventura in 2016, prompting Combs to apologize in a controversial video on social media. More than 3,000 people have come forward with allegations against Combs, resulting in 120 additional lawsuits.
The indictment from the Southern District of New York accuses Combs of hosting secretive “freak-offs” where women were drugged, raped, and coerced into engaging with male sex workers. Federal authorities raided his properties in March, leading to his arrest in September. Combs has been outspoken about injustices in the music industry, advocating for fair treatment and payment for artists. The case against him is still ongoing, with the trial date set for May 2025. Despite his celebrity status and wealth, Combs has been unable to secure bail and is facing serious charges that could impact his career and personal life.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has been defending his client throughout the legal proceedings, expressing concerns about the fairness of the case. The allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution have shaken the music industry and fans of Combs. The #MeToo movement has shed light on the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment in various industries, including entertainment. It remains to be seen how Combs’ trial will unfold and what the outcome will be for the music mogul. In the meantime, resources like RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website are available for those who need help and support.
