Less than a year after settling a federal lawsuit with former girlfriend Casandra Ventura, better known as Cassie, Diddy faces serious jail time. Diddy settled his case with Cassie just a day after it was filed. But, the singer’s willingness to come forward inspired dozens of others to do the same. For the last ten months, Diddy has been the subject of an extensive investigation involving allegations from multiple victims. The hip-hop mogul is currently charged with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and is presently being held with no bail.
According to court documents, several accusers detailed disturbing accounts of being coerced into participating in what Diddy allegedly called “freak-offs.” Victims claim at these parties, they were manipulated or intimidated into engaging in sexual activities with Diddy and others, including hired sex workers. It is alleged that drugs provided at the parties were often used to coerce participation in these sex acts. Witnesses allege that Diddy used his influence and promises of career opportunities to lure young women into these situations. Some victims recount being pressured to perform sexual acts in front of an audience or being subjected to degrading treatment while Diddy watched or participated. The indictment indicates that the “freak-offs” were meticulously planned, with his team booking hotel rooms and even securing post-event IV treatment for partygoers to recover. It is alleged that Diddy even recorded the parties to ensure silence.
If found guilty, sex trafficking alone comes with a jail sentence of up to 15 years. However, with the additional charges related to coercion, drug distribution, and witness intimidation, Diddy could be facing significantly more time behind bars; legal experts predict the hip-hop mogul could end up serving decades in prison. Many former associates and business partners are distancing themselves from Diddy as the full extent of the allegations continues to unfold. As the trial approaches, the public and the entertainment industry are bracing for a case that could set a precedent for how abuse of power is addressed within the music industry.
SOURCES
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c869qd5j09xo
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/20/entertainment/whats-next-sean-diddy-combs/index.html