Hip-hop artist Sean 'Diddy' Combs pleads not guilty ahead of May sex trafficking trial

Sean "Diddy" Combs appeared in federal court in New York City on Friday, pleading not guilty to the latest version of an indictment. The indictment accuses him of engaging in sex trafficking crimes spanning two decades. This legal battle marks a significant turn in the career of the music mogul.

Combs, 55, whose beard appeared noticeably more gray than it had just weeks ago, stood before Judge Arun Subramanian with his hands clasped, stating that he had read the indictment and understood the charges against him. Combs, who has been in custody since his arrest in September, embraced his two lawyers as he entered the courtroom. His appearance underscores the seriousness of the allegations.

Subramanian told attorneys that questionnaires would be distributed to hundreds of potential jurors in late April to facilitate the questioning of prospective jurors beginning on May 5, with opening statements expected on May 12. According to the indictment, Combs used his "power and prestige" as a music mogul to intimidate, threaten, and entice women into his circle, often under the guise of romantic relationships. This manipulation allegedly set the stage for further exploitation.

The indictment alleges that he subsequently used force, threats, and coercion to compel victims, including three women, to engage in commercial sex acts. The indictment also states that he subjected victims to violence, threats of violence, threats of economic and reputational harm, and verbal abuse. "On multiple occasions, Combs threw objects and people, and punched, dragged, choked, and shoved others," the indictment reads. "On one occasion, Combs dangled a victim off an apartment balcony." Defense lawyers argue that prosecutors are attempting to demonize consensual sexual behavior between adults, which adds another layer to the complex legal arguments.

Friday's court discussion centered in part on the admissibility at trial of a CNN video aired last year showing Combs assaulting his former protégé and girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, and throwing her to the floor in a hotel hallway. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitz Steiner stated that the video was "critical to the case." Defense attorney Mark Agnifilo stated that the video was "deceptive and not consistent with what actually occurred." He claimed that certain actions in the video were sped up by as much as 50%, while the sequence of other actions was reversed. "From the defense perspective, this is a misleading piece of evidence, a deceptive piece of evidence, a piece of evidence that's been tampered with," he said. The debate over the video's authenticity and relevance highlights the contentious nature of the evidence.

Combs blew kisses and waved to family members in the gallery as he was led out of the courtroom by U.S. Marshals. His gesture provided a glimpse into the personal toll the legal proceedings are taking. The case continues to draw significant attention and scrutiny.