Diddy Slammed with New Charges, Will Cassie’s Testimony Be the Turning Point?
Federal prosecutors hit Diddy with a third indictment. From claims of sex trafficking to a chilling incident involving a balcony, the case just intensified. Here's what you need to know.
Diddy Hit with Third Superseding Indictment in Federal Sex Trafficking Case
Federal prosecutors in New York have filed a third superseding indictment against Sean “Diddy” Combs, adding two new charges to the ongoing case against the music mogul.
Combs, who was arrested last year and has pleaded not guilty to all previous charges, now faces an additional count of sex trafficking and another for transportation with intent to engage in prostitution. These new charges could increase his potential prison sentence if convicted.
The indictment also revises the racketeering conspiracy count, alleging that Combs brandished a firearm, kidnapped a female victim, and threatened her by dangling her over an apartment balcony. These updates relate to a second accuser, identified as Victim-2, bringing the total charges against Combs to five.
In a statement, Combs’ legal team dismissed the developments: “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 plan to arraign Combs on the new charges at the final pretrial conference later this month.
Cassie Reportedly Set to Testify in Diddy’s Upcoming Trial
Cassie, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, is reportedly prepared to testify against the music mogul in his upcoming trial, according to TMZ. The singer is believed to be "Victim-1" in the federal indictment and is expected to take the stand under her real name.
Cassie was the first high-profile figure to file a lawsuit against Diddy, accusing him of sexual assault and sex trafficking in November 2023. Although the case was settled a day later for an undisclosed amount, her claims are said to have laid the groundwork for the current charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
The trial, originally scheduled for early May, has now been pushed to May 12 to allow more time for jury selection, motions, and the exchange of evidence.
Prosecutors have confirmed possession of original 2016 surveillance footage showing Diddy allegedly assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway - footage Diddy had previously tried to suppress by claiming it had been altered.
In another recent development, a judge denied Diddy’s request for unrestricted access to explicit videos submitted as evidence by Cassie. Prosecutors argued the request reflected his intent to violate a protective order and potentially embarrass her.