Diddy pleads not guilty ahead of sex trafficking trial

NEW YORK - Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs returned to federal court in New York City on Friday, pleading not guilty to the latest version of an indictment charging him with two decades of sex trafficking crimes.

The 55-year-old Combs, his beard noticeably grayer than even weeks ago, stood with his hands folded before him as he told Judge Arun Subramanian that he had read the indictment and understood the charges against him.

Combs, who has been held without bail since his September arrest, hugged two of his lawyers as he entered the courtroom and he blew kisses to family members and waved as he was led out by U.S. marshals afterward.

Subramanian told lawyers that questionnaires will be distributed to hundreds of prospective jurors at the end of April so that questioning of would-be jurors can begin on May 5, with opening statements expected to occur on May 12.

According to the indictment, Combs used the "power and prestige" he wielded as a music mogul to intimidate, threaten and lure women into his orbit, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.

The indictment said he then used force, threats and coercion to cause victims, including three women specified in the court papers, to engage in commercial sex acts.

Where is Diddy?

Diddy is currently behind bars inside at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. 

The music mogul's mental state is currently unknown, but it is likely that being placed on watch requires him to follow a highly regimented daily routine, with strict instructions on when to wake up, eat, sleep, and shower.

RELATED: Diddy set to go on trial in 2025: What this means

Timeline:

The latest with Diddy

This week, former New York Giants receiver and Super Bowl champion Odell Beckham Jr. and comedian Druski responded to rape allegations after the two were named in an amended "gang rape" lawsuit against Sean Combs. 

Odell Beckham Jr. and Druski are denying the allegations. Druski wrote on X, formerly Twitter, saying it’s a "fabrication."

Last month, one of Diddy's defense lawyers, Anthony Ricco said he could no longer serve as counsel to him. He filed a motion in court to withdraw himself from the case without much of an explanation.

"Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs," Ricco wrote in the Manhattan federal court filing. 

Ricco was one of six defense attorneys for Diddy. 

Also, an Alabama woman who accused rappers Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs of raping her when she was 13 has withdrawn her civil lawsuit against both men, according to court filings.

When is Diddy's trial?

Diddy's trial is expected to start on May 5. CNN reports that prosecutors want jury selection begin on April 21.

'What did Diddy do?'

In a blistering 3-count indictment, Diddy is accused of running an enterprise to fulfill his sexual desires. 

From around 2008 and for years, he allegedly assaulted women by striking, punching, dragging, throwing objects, and kicking them.

The indictment claims he operated under "The Combs Enterprise," which includes Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises, and Combs Global, involving individuals and activities affecting interstate and foreign commerce.

It also details Diddy's "Freak Off parties," where he and his associates allegedly lured female victims and then coerced them into sex acts with commercial sex workers.

Diddy faces racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. 

How old is Diddy?

Diddy, 55, also faces potential litigation in over 100 civil suits and one criminal lawsuit.

He's pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, including sex trafficking and racketeering.

Full Diddy indictment 

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