A source told People magazine : “Diddy is very powerful. Everyone is afraid to stand up to him. Even behind bars, he retains his influence. Diddy is extremely intelligent, knows a lot of people and has helped a lot of people. That’s why many people are indebted to him and he knows it very well.”
Celebrities close to Diddy, including Justin Bieber, Usher, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, are all affected by the affair, but they all remain silent.
In addition, several influential figures, including artists, executives and music industry leaders, are said to be very concerned about being involved in the ongoing investigation.
On October 10 (US time), Diddy attended a hearing in Manhattan federal court in New York. The content of the hearing has not yet been made public.
According to CNN , the rapper did not speak at the hearing. Meanwhile, Diddy’s lawyers have filed a lawsuit, accusing the government of leaking to the US media a video showing the attack on his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura.
Attorney Damian Williams said the government did not have possession of the video before it was broadcast by CNN . Diddy filed a third request for bail during the court proceedings.
At the hearing, Diddy was supported by his mother, Janice Combs, and six of his seven children: Quincy Brown, Justin Combs, Christian “King” Combs, Chance Combs, as well as twins Jessie and D’Lila Combs.
As she got out of the car, Diddy’s mother was booed. Before the hearing, she posted a message denying the allegations against her son.
A crowd gathered outside the court also put pressure on twins Jessie and D’Lila, demanding they reveal the contents of their mother’s controversial memoir.
Diddy and model Kim Porter’s children have denied information published in the autobiography Kim’s Lost Words . The author claims that the book is based on documents contained in a USB drive that Kim Porter left to her friends before her death, accusing Diddy of crimes committed over several decades.
A source told Page Six : “Diddy was dressed in a gray prisoner’s suit and entered the courtroom through a side door with a big smile. He greeted his son Christian “King” Combs and blew kisses to other family members. He then hugged his attorneys before the hearing began.”
Diddy’s aloof and smiling attitude sparked outrage. Many netizens have criticized his lack of remorse, especially since he is under investigation for serious sexual crimes.
Diddy was arrested in New York on September 16. He is charged with several felonies, including pimping, blackmail and rape.
Over the course of a month, hundreds of people claiming to be victims of Diddy came forward, with several saying they were sexually abused when they were minors.
Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura also accused him of using his money and power to cover up evidence of physical and psychological abuse.
According to the US Office of Homeland Security, Diddy and several members of his company Combs Enterprise, including senior executives, bodyguards and personal assistants, are accused of organizing numerous “Freak Off” parties, mixing drugs and sexual activities.
The rapper allegedly exerted control over his victims through physical violence, promises of careers, financial threats, as well as monitoring their movements and medical records, while providing them with addictive substances.
As of October 15, 120 alleged victims had come forward, but Diddy continues to deny the allegations. His request for bail of $50 million was denied. Diddy’s trial is set to continue on May 5, 2025.
Sean Combs, known as Diddy, founded the Bad Boy label in 1993, helping to popularize hip-hop around the world. The rapper, now 54, has also been called Puff Daddy and P Diddy. He has collaborated with major stars such as Usher, Lil’ Kim, TLC, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men.
Diddy, who has won three Grammy Awards, has amassed an immense fortune over the years, mostly through his liquor business. In 2022, Forbes estimated his net worth at around $1 billion.
