Hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs is in federal jail, facing serious charges that could lead to a life sentence, according to BBC. Combs, 54, was arrested in New York on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, which means he is accused of running a criminal operation where women were forced into illegal sexual acts.
BBC reports that Combs used drugs, violence, and his celebrity status to control these women for his benefit.
One of the latest accusers, Thalia Graves, claims Combs and his bodyguard drugged and tied her up in 2001, then filmed themselves raping her.
This is part of a growing list of accusations against Combs,includings 11 women. These allegations, dating back to the 1990s, include claims of physical violence and sexual abuse.
Combs, who denies all criminal charges, is also accused of organizing “Freak Offs,” gatherings where women were abused. BBC reports that during police searches of Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles, they found guns, bullets, and over 1,000 bottles of lubricant.
Cassie Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, was the first person to accuse him publicly, saying he abused and manipulated her for over ten years.
BBC states that while Combs initially denied Ventura’s claims, video footage later showed him attacking her, leading him to admit his violent actions in a social media post.
Ten other people, including one man, have also come forward. One woman accused Combs of drugging and raping her while she was in college in 1991, and others have shared similar stories of abuse and violence.
According to BBC, Combs and his lawyers have called many of these claims “false” and are trying to dismiss some of the lawsuits.
Combs remains in a tough jail in Brooklyn while awaiting trial, and if he is found guilty, BBC says he could face between 15 years to life in prison.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0kjxd3m528o