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Federal prosecutors added two extra felony charges against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, one month earlier than he’s set to go to trial in New York on intercourse trafficking charges.
Prosecutors charged Combs with one extra rely of intercourse trafficking and one extra rely of transportation to interact in prostitution regarding “Victim-2,” in response to a superseding indictment filed Friday. Authorities allege that conduct occurred between 2021 and 2024.
Combs was beforehand charged with racketeering conspiracy and transportation to interact in prostitution associated to a few victims and one rely of intercourse trafficking associated solely to “Victim-1.” He now faces 5 federal charges.
Jury choice for his trial is scheduled to start out on May 5. Combs has pleaded not responsible.
When reached for remark, legal professionals for Combs stated, “These are not new allegations or new accusers. These are the same individuals, former long-term girlfriends, who were involved in consensual relationships. This was their private sex life, defined by consent, not coercion.”
Prosecutors allege Combs and his associates used his place of energy to coerce ladies, typically “under the pretense of a romantic relationship,” into participating in intercourse acts, in response to the indictment. Prosecutors stated throughout these encounters, often called “Freak Offs,” ladies have been drugged and compelled to have intercourse with male prostitutes. The “Freaks Offs” typically lasted days and have been video recorded, the indictment alleges.
Combs’ legal professionals have maintained no crimes have been dedicated and the sexual encounters have been “consensual” and a part of a long-term relationship.
Combs can also be accused of reacting violently when his authority was threatened. On one event, the indictment says, Combs allegedly “dangled a victim over an apartment balcony” and was concerned in kidnapping and arson.
Prosecutors additionally revealed in a brand new court docket submitting that 4 accusers are anticipated to testify on the trial.
“Victim-1,” who was Combs long-term girlfriend, is planning to testify beneath her actual title. Prosecutors have requested that three different alleged victims be allowed to testify beneath pseudonyms.
“This case has already received an exceptional amount of media coverage, which will presumably only increase as trial proceeds. Permitting these measures will prevent unnecessary public disclosure of the victims’ identities, and the harassment from the media and others,” they wrote in a court docket submitting Friday.
In addition, prosecutors stated, “publicizing the names of these three victims will cause them significant embarrassment, anxiety, and social stigma.” The accusers have stated they’re involved that their testimony would impression their private relationships and future employment, the federal government stated.
According to prosecutors, the accusers’ identities are identified to Combs and his legal professionals.
Judges have allowed accusers to testify utilizing nicknames or pseudonyms in different high-profile circumstances, together with the intercourse trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend and confederate.
This story has been up to date.