Who is Sean 'Diddy' Combs? Hip-Hop mogul arrested in connection with sex trafficking charges. What to know

This story mentions sexual assault and violence. If you or someone you know needs help, call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline for free, confidential, 24/7 support at 800-656-4673 or online at online.rainn.org.

Hip-hop artist and executive, Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested after being indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday, Sept. 16. According to an unsealed,14-page indictment filed in federal court on Sept. 12 and unsealed Tuesday, Combs is being charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

As previously reported by USA TODAY, Combs on Tuesday requested to be released to home detention with GPS monitoring on a $50 million bond, which is secured by the equity in his $48 million Miami property and his mother's home nearby.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky denied bail and ordered Combs must remain in custody. Combs, along with his mother and daughters Chance, Jessie, D'Lia and Love Combs, have all surrendered their passports to his legal counsel.

Combs' arrest comes after a series of lawsuits, home raids and multiple high profile controversies. Here's what to know about the case and the details of the indictment.

Who is Sean 'Diddy' Combs?

Combs is a hip-hop artist, record producer and music mogul from New York. Formely known as "Puff Daddy," "P. Diddy" or simply "Diddy," Combs is widely regarded as one of the most influential and prominent forces of the early 1990s hip-hop movement.

Comb's journey to becoming a household name in the hip-hop industry dates back to 1992 when he founded Bad Boy Records, a record label which would go on to sell over 500 million records, produce 38 platinum singles and earn multiple Grammy Awards. The label is also credited with launching the careers of many notable artists like the Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy, Faith Evans and more.

"Ready to Die," the 1994 debut album by the Notorious B.I.G., sold 2 million copies by 1995 and went on to be certified six times platinum. Biggie's labelmates Evans and Mase sold 1 million and 4 million copies, respectively, with their first albums "Faith" and "Harlem World."

Why was 'Diddy' arrested? Charges include sex trafficking, racketeering and more

Combs was arrested and charged on Tuesday in a three count indictment with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

According to the indictment, between 2008 and the present, Combs allegedly abused, threatened, and coerced women and others, led a racketeering conspiracy that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, among other crimes.

“As alleged in the Indictment, for years, Sean Combs used the business empire he controlled to sexually abuse and exploit women, as well as to commit other acts of violence and obstruction of justice," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in a statement. "Today, he is charged with racketeering and sex trafficking offenses."

Combs pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, was denied bail and ordered to remain in custody as he awaits trial.

What is a 'freak off'? Indictment alleges victims were subject to abuse during 'elaborate' sex performances

According to the indictment, Combs would participate in extended sex acts or what he would refer to as "freak offs." The events were described as "elaborate and produced sex performances" that Combs would arrange, direct and often electronically record without consent.

Combs would allegedly later use the recordings as collateral against the victims, in order to ensure their silence.

Using power and prestige, Combs — along with other members and associates of his network — would allegedly lure victims under the guise of romantic relationships before coercing them to participate in the events with male commercial sex workers which would be transported across states lines and internationally, stated the indictment.

During the "freak offs" Combs would allegedly distribute a variety of controlled substances to victims to keep them "obedient and compliant."

Per the indictment, Combs' employees would facilitate the "freak offs" by providing supplies like baby oil, lube, extra bedsheets and lighting to mitigate hotel room damage. During Combs' home raids in March, police seized "more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant," as well as multiple AR-15 guns.

Combs' arrest follows slew of high profile lawsuits and home raids

In November of 2023, Combs faced a number of lawsuits alleging rape and sexual assault, including from singer and ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, a woman named Joi Dickerson-Neal and a Jane Doe. The following month, Combs and former Bad Boy Entertainment president Harve Pierre and a third unnamed assailant were accused of gang raping a minor in 2003.

In February of 2024, Combs was accused of sexualy assaulting Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones Jr., the music producer who worked with Combs on "The Love Album: Off the Grid." Then on March 25, Homeland Security Investigations agents raided Combs' Los Angeles and Miami homes as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation in New York.

A series of other controversies followed, including surfaced videos showing physical assault against Ventura, additional lawsuits, former employees speaking out against Combs, and further sexual abuse accusations.

Sex trafficking expert: Combs' practiced an 'extraordinary level' of alleged coercion

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the national director of the activist group World Without Exploitation, Lauren Hersh, analyzed the allegations against Combs and how it could change views on sex trafficking.

According to Hersh, power dynamics play an integral role in abuse. With immense power also comes the ability to manipulate others and create a culture of silence, as well as having the means to conceal one's conduct through the use of bribery.

"But at first, it’s very enticing for people to be in his company, to be on his payroll, to be in his hotel rooms," Hersh told the Times. "He has cachet that people are drawn to, he uses that mechanism to lure people in."

Recovering from the trauma experienced in abuse can take a lifetime, said Hersh, however, such an infamous indictment paves the way for other survivors to come forward and eliminate the stigma surrounding speaking up about abuse.

"With this indictment, the message is clear, that we believe you. That’s really powerful. Very likely, victims were repeatedly told, ‘Don’t speak because no one will believe you,’” said Hersh.

"I believe we’re in a critical moment where we’re looking at cases carefully and holding them accountable. It’s for his survivors, but every survivor too."

Contributing: USA TODAY and the Los Angeles Times

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why did Sean P Diddy Combs get arrested? What he's charged with