American rapper Puff Diddy pleads not guilty to new charges

Saturday 15 March 2025 - 10:37

By: Zahouani Ilham

American rapper Puff Diddy pleads not guilty to new charges

American rapper and hip-hop mogul Puff Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, pleaded not guilty to new charges in New York on Friday. This comes just weeks before his upcoming trial, where he will face charges for running a large sex trafficking network.

According to the new indictment, the hip-hop mogul allegedly forced employees to work long hours and remain silent about the sexual abuse they witnessed, under the threat of physical and psychological violence.

These new charges will be added to the trial set to begin on May 5, where Combs is accused of sex trafficking, extortion, and transporting individuals for prostitution, charges to which he has already pleaded not guilty.

The 55-year-old is awaiting trial behind bars and faces a potential life sentence. During a procedural hearing on Friday, he appeared calm and relaxed, smiling and waving at his supporters, including two of his children and his mother, who were present at the federal courthouse in Manhattan.

Once a beloved figure in the 1990s and 2000s for throwing lavish parties, Combs' reputation has been tarnished after allegations of sexual assault, including accusations from his former R&B partner Cassie, which were settled in 2023.

Arrested last fall, Combs is accused of using his "empire" to facilitate a violent sex trafficking and extortion system. More than 120 alleged victims have filed civil suits against him.

Known for his flashy persona and successful career, including launching the careers of Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige through his Bad Boy Records label, Combs is now facing serious legal challenges.