Sean "Diddy" Combs pleaded not guilty Friday to a superseding indictment that expands the scope of sex trafficking charges against him, adding two additional alleged victims and claims that he forced employees to work under threats of harm. The hearing took place in a New York federal courtroom, where Combs appeared in a khaki jail uniform with visibly grayer hair.
The new indictment extends the timeline of alleged offenses tied to Combs' businesses, including Bad Boy Entertainment and Combs Enterprises. Prosecutors allege that Combs coerced at least one employee into sex acts and threatened others with physical and reputational harm if they refused his demands.
Combs was initially charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution last year. He has denied all accusations and has remained in custody since his arrest. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and could be sentenced to life in prison.
Jury selection for Combs' trial is set to begin on May 5, with potential jurors filling out questionnaires starting April 28. The court aims to screen 300 potential jurors per day until a panel is seated. Opening statements are scheduled for May 12.
During Friday's hearing, prosecutors revealed that up to 20 additional witnesses may testify about Combs' alleged conduct. Prosecutor Mitzi Steiner stated that many of these witnesses are "incredibly frightened" about coming forward due to concerns about their safety and the potential reach of Combs' legal team. The judge ruled that their identities must be disclosed to the defense in the coming days.
A key issue in the proceedings is a video from 2016 that shows Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel. Prosecutors argue the footage is critical to demonstrating Combs' pattern of abuse, while the defense claims it was "deceptively edited."
"You're not trying to use video that would in any way be deceptive?" Judge Arun Subramanian asked during the hearing.
"Of course not, your honor," Steiner responded.
Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, challenged the footage, asserting that "the CNN videos do not fairly and accurately depict the events in question." He claimed that a forensic analysis showed the sequence had been altered, time stamps removed, and the speed manipulated to exaggerate the actions shown.
CNN denied the allegations, stating in a response, "CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source." The network added that it aired the story months before Combs' arrest.
After the footage became public last May, Combs issued an apology via Instagram. "My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video," he said. "I was disgusted then when I did it. I'm disgusted now."
Prosecutors have signaled that they will present evidence seized from 96 devices obtained during raids on Combs' properties. The government retrieved nine devices at an airport, 36 in Miami, and 51 in Los Angeles. His hotel room in Manhattan was also searched following his September 16 arrest.
Combs remains at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits trial. He has attempted to secure release on bond three times, offering up to $50 million in exchange for home confinement at his Star Island residence. Prosecutors have opposed his release, arguing that he poses a threat to witnesses and victims.
