Sean “Diddy” Combs is planning to accuse federal authorities of leaking details about his sex trafficking case to the media, claiming it has prejudiced the public against him. His defense team has stated that they will demand a hearing and other remedies to address the alleged leaks. These accusations mirror those made by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who also claimed that federal agents and prosecutors leaked details about their probe into his 2021 campaign. As Combs prepares to file a motion with the court, his legal team is withholding further information about the expected accusations.
An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations in March led to raids on Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami, which uncovered evidence including narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. The feds claimed that Combs planned to use these items during marathon sex sessions known as “Freak Offs,” in which he allegedly lured women into having sex with male prostitutes while he watched. These accusations have resulted in charges of racketeering and sex trafficking against Combs, who is accused of leading his label, Bad Boy Records, as a criminal enterprise for over a decade, physically abusing women in his orbit, and pressuring witnesses into silence.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, is pushing for his trial to take place in April or May. Despite his legal troubles, Combs has had a public reputation as a trailblazing hip-hop icon, but his image has been tarnished by the allegations brought against him. The charges stem from various lawsuits filed against Combs, including one by his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura that was settled within a day. Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York launched an investigation based on these lawsuits, leading to Combs’ arrest.
During a press conference, Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams referenced the fact that Adams had awarded Combs an honorary key to the city just months before the lawsuits were filed against him. Williams highlighted this juxtaposition to emphasize the legal actions being taken against Combs. Despite the recognition he had received from the city, Combs returned the key at Adams’ request, signaling a shift in his public image. Combs’ legal team has filed a brief with the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing for his release from custody pending trial. However, they have not provided further comment on the case.
