Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music mogul also known as P. Diddy, has been arrested and indicted on a range of charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and forced labor.
An indictment unsealed by the U.S District Court for the Southern District of New York detailed decades of alleged criminal activities orchestrated by Combs through his extensive business empire.
Combs was arrested on Sept. 16, and has been denied bail twice, with the judge citing an inability to assure Combs’ return to court or the safety of the community and concerns over potential witness tampering.
Combs pleaded not guilty to all charges and is now awaiting trial.
The release of a video in May 2024 in which Combs assaulted then-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura led to Howard cutting all ties with Combs on June 7, with the rescission of his honorary degree and the return of all his financial contributions to the university.
The Hilltop reached out to the Howard University Alumni Relations Office, which declined to comment. A representative explained that they have already returned the funds Combs donated to the university and, therefore, have no further commentary on the recent developments involving Combs.
The indictment alleged that Combs used his businesses, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises, and Combs Global, to facilitate a variety of crimes such as sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.
“For decades, SEAN COMBS…abused, threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct,” according to the indictment.
It further outlined how Combs relied on his employees and associates to execute these illicit activities.
The indictment described “Combs Enterprise” as a criminal organization with various corporate entities and individuals tied to Combs’ businesses.
The enterprise allegedly operated with the primary goal of bolstering and safeguarding Combs’ power and status in the entertainment industry, according to the indictment.
Michael Wilson, a Howard law student said, “Others who were involved could likely be brought up on conspiracy and racketeering/trafficking charges as well.”
He also elaborated on the potential international implications of this case, “If there were foreign officials involved or paid off there could be charges under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act,” Wilson added.
Since as early as 2008, Combs and his associates have been accused of engaging in multiple illegal activities, including organizing elaborate sex performances termed “Freak Offs,” which involved transporting commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally.
These events are alleged to have been orchestrated and recorded by Combs and his associates. The indictment described how Combs maintained control through physical violence, financial manipulation and threats.
Daijah Bias, a sophomore international business major, expressed relief that Howard had cut ties with the singer.
“On one hand, I’m glad that people like him are finally facing the consequences of their actions. It seems like a lot of celebrities do outrageous things, and people often cover for them or defend them,” she said.
She, however, also expressed empathy for those indirectly affected by the scandal.
“On the other hand, I feel for those who may have to deal with the embarrassment and trauma, like his daughters. I just hope that others who are doing terrible things start facing their consequences as well. It’s crazy how much celebrities are able to get away with,” she said.
The indictment specified that Combs could lose interests in the businesses involved in the criminal enterprise, as well as any proceeds derived from these activities if convicted.
Nicole Dillard, a Howard professor teaching Legal Communications said that if Combs is convicted, “[there will be] significant jail time for Sean Combs and anyone else who may be a significant part of the ‘criminal enterprise.”
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
