Rapper “Diddy” accused of hosting sexual assault parties

According to a 14-page federal indictment released on September 17, American rapper and producer Sean Combs, better known as “Diddy” or “Puff Daddy,” is accused of hosting parties where sexual assaults were videotaped.

The affidavit states Combs staged “Freak Offs,” at his homes, sometimes for days. Sexual activities were allegedly forced on attendees, several of which were filmed. Prosecutors say Combs threatened careers and used psychological, economic, emotional, and physical violence to get people to attend these events.

Along with these claims, DHS investigators searched Combs’ Los Angeles and Miami houses on March 25 and discovered illicit drugs. The police found three AR-15 rifles with altered serial numbers, a drum magazine, and additional guns and ammo.

The indictment claims Combs repeatedly intimidated witnesses and victims with guns. It also claims Combs paid witnesses and victims to stay quiet or lie.

After these gatherings, Combs, victims, and sex workers received intravenous drips owing to drug usage and weariness, according to the indictment.

A DHS officer who searched Combs’ Miami house told the New York Post that the raid found sexual restraint equipment, concealed cameras, and undergarments.

At a news briefing, Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said Combs was not operating alone. Williams said Combs’ bodyguards, domestic staff, and allies organized and cleaned up the events. He stated that these people managed payments to male and female sex workers who performed non-consensual actions on victims.

Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lawyer, said his client was “imperfect,” but he disputed criminal charges. Agnifilo asked, “Sex trafficking? Not if everyone wanted to be there.”

According to the New York Times, Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura sued him for sexual and bodily assault in November 2023. Ventura said she was forced to touch herself and others during “Freak Offs” events in fancy hotels around the U.S., which were videotaped.

CNN published Combs’ violent attack on Ventura earlier this year. The indictment said that Combs bribed hotel personnel to keep quiet about the incident, citing the film.

Old images of Combs with previous U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, as well as superstars like Beyonce and Jay-Z, circulated on social media after these claims.

Sean Combs was arrested on September 16 for sex trafficking, forced labor, abduction, illegal imprisonment, drug possession, bribery, and obstruction of justice. He’s also accused of creating a criminal network with colleagues and staff to exploit victims.

After Cassie Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, accused him of sexual assault, other accusations followed. Three other women accused Ventura of rape after her lawsuit.

Combs refuted the charges on social media, calling them financial gain efforts. His lawyers call the allegations “baseless” and “disgusting.”