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Sean “Diddy” Combs made an appearance in court on Friday, where he entered a plea of not guilty to fresh federal allegations involving forced labor.
The 55-year-old Combs is accused of compelling employees to endure extensive hours with minimal rest while utilizing threats of physical, financial, or reputational harm. Additionally, the government alleges that he coerced at least one employee into sexual activity through physical force or threats.
This latest indictment adds to previous charges against the founder of Bad Boy Records, which include allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution.
During his court appearance in Manhattan, Combs was seen wearing tan prison attire and appeared to have grayer hair and a gray beard, suggesting the toll of his current circumstances. He greeted his legal team warmly as he entered and acknowledged his children present in the courtroom.
The presiding judge, Arun Subramanian, has rescheduled the opening statements for Combs’ trial to May 12, while jury selection is still slated to commence on May 5. The prosecution had pushed for an earlier start to avoid prolonging the trial beyond the July 4 holiday, but the defense argued that a later date would be more equitable for their preparation.
Moreover, prosecutors have voiced concerns that Combs’ defense has not submitted necessary discovery documents, prompting them to request the judge to intervene.
Earlier accusations surfaced against Combs from his former girlfriend Cassie, who in November 2023, leveled serious charges of rape, sex trafficking, and domestic violence against him.
While a quick settlement was reached in that instance, it led to a cascade of further allegations against Combs, covering a range of offenses from sexual assault to coercing women into performing sex acts with male escorts, including anal rape and physical abuses towards his staff.
Combs faced federal charges in September 2024 and is currently battling multiple civil lawsuits that accuse him of diverse forms of sexual misconduct. He maintains his innocence regarding all these accusations.
At present, Combs is detained at the Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after being denied bail three times.
Read the original article on People.
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