U.S. prosecutors have filed a new indictment against hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, accusing him of forcing employees to work long hours and using threats to maintain control over them as part of a decades-long sex trafficking operation. The 55-year-old music producer still faces a federal trial on May 5 in Manhattan on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.

Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, strongly denied the allegations, stating that his client "vehemently denies" the claims and looks forward to proving his innocence in court. Over the years, Combs has also faced numerous civil lawsuits from both men and women accusing him of sexual assault and other misconduct, all of which he has denied.

While the latest indictment does not introduce new charges, it expands on the claims of "forced labor," alleging that Combs and his associates controlled employees by making them work long hours with little rest, using threats of physical violence, financial ruin, and damage to their reputations. Prosecutors say that one unnamed employee was coerced into engaging in sex acts with Combs due to these pressures.

Federal prosecutors have informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that more details will be provided to Combs’ legal team by March 10, and they have requested that he be arraigned on the new indictment on March 14. In response, Agnifilo defended Combs' work environment, asserting that many of his former employees "stand by his side" and credit him for creating an inspiring and successful business empire.

According to prosecutors, Combs' alleged sex trafficking operation spanned from 2004 to 2024. Several civil lawsuits against him were filed under a 2022 New York City law that temporarily allowed victims of gender-based violence to pursue legal action even if the statute of limitations had expired. That window closed at the end of February.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AFP.