Diddy pleads not guilty to new charges in federal case

Sean "Diddy" Combs has entered a not-guilty plea in response to an amended federal indictment that introduces new allegations of forced labor.

The updated charges claim that the music mogul compelled employees to endure excessive work hours under threats of both physical and reputational harm. Additionally, the indictment alleges that at least one individual was coerced into sexual acts with him.

Combs' legal team has refuted all claims, asserting that he has never forced anyone into such actions. According to the New York Times, his attorneys argue that the case is centered around consensual relationships with his past partners.

His defense team has also strongly denied all allegations presented in both the federal case and the numerous civil lawsuits that have been filed against him in recent months.

"He looks forward to his day in court when it will become clear that he has never forced anyone to engage in sexual acts against their will," said his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo.

Combs, a highly successful figure in the rap industry, is now facing trial on charges of federal sex trafficking and racketeering. The latest allegations outlined in the revised indictment are tied to the racketeering charge.

Beyond the federal case, Combs is also facing multiple civil lawsuits that accuse him of sexual assault and abuse. His attorneys have dismissed these lawsuits, characterizing them as "clear attempts to garner publicity."

On Friday, Combs appeared in a federal courtroom in New York’s Southern District. Wearing a greenish-tan prison jumpsuit, he sported overgrown grey hair and a beard. He stood while entering his plea, confirming to the judge that he had reviewed the indictment. "Yes, I have, sir," he responded when asked if he had read the charges against him.

Among those present in court were his son Christian, his daughter Chance, and his mother Janice Combs, who wore large sunglasses. Also in attendance were publicist Marvet Britto and two men who identified themselves as part of the family's support system. Combs appeared upbeat, smiling, waving, and blowing kisses to his loved ones while also embracing his legal team.

A key point of discussion in the courtroom was a video released by CNN in 2024, allegedly showing surveillance footage of Combs kicking his former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, in a hotel hallway in 2016. Combs' legal team has argued that the footage is misleading, claiming an expert analysis found that certain parts were altered, sequences rearranged, and timestamps obscured.

Prosecutors, however, maintain that the footage is "critical" and intend to use it as key evidence in the trial. The judge encouraged both sides to find a resolution regarding the video’s presentation in court.

CNN and Ventura’s attorney have rejected the defense's claims about the video’s authenticity.

Following the video’s public release, Combs issued an apology, stating, "I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I'm disgusted now."

Jury selection for Combs' trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, with opening statements set for May 12.