NEW YORK, USA — Music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court on Friday, March 14, 2025 to new charges of forced labour, adding to the growing list of serious allegations against him.
The 55-year-old Bad Boy Records founder, who was already facing sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related charges, now stands accused of forcing employees to work long, grueling hours with little rest while using threats of physical, financial, or reputational harm to maintain control.
Prosecutors also allege that Combs used physical force or coercion to pressure at least one employee into sexual conduct with him.
Combs’ Court Appearance
Dressed in tan prison garb, Combs appeared visibly aged, sporting grayer hair and a gray beard after months behind bars at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
Entering the courtroom, he hugged his attorneys and acknowledged his children sitting in the rafters with a wave.
Judge Arun Subramanian, who is overseeing the case, ruled that jury selection will begin on May 5, with opening statements scheduled for May 12.
Federal prosecutors had requested an April 21 start date to avoid delays extending beyond the July 4 holiday, but Combs’ defense team successfully argued for more time to prepare.
During the hearing, prosecutors accused Combs’ legal team of failing to turn over any discovery materials, requesting the judge to issue an order compelling them to do so.
The defense did not publicly respond to the request.
A Growing Legal Battle
Combs’ legal troubles escalated in November 2023, when his former girlfriend, Cassie, filed a lawsuit accusing him of rape, sex trafficking, and domestic violence.
While that case was quickly settled, it triggered a wave of additional allegations, including claims that he coerced women into orchestrated sex acts with male sex workers, used physical violence against employees, and engaged in sexual assault.
Federal authorities indicted Combs on criminal charges in September 2024, leading to his arrest and ongoing detention.
He has since been denied bail three times and remains in custody while facing multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct.
Combs has denied all allegations against him.
With jury selection set to begin in May, the high-profile trial is expected to be closely watched as federal prosecutors prepare to present their case against one of the most influential figures in hip-hop.
