Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.
(NewsNation) — Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty Monday to additional criminal counts brought forth in a new federal indictment charging the disgraced rapper under five counts, including racketeering and sex trafficking.
Combs appeared in a New York courtroom to formally enter his plea weeks ahead of his federal criminal trial which is set to begin with jury selection on May 5, Reuters reported.
The music mogul faces federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The earlier three-count indictment charged Combs with a single count of transportation to engage in prostitution with three alleged victims.
Combs now faces separate counts of transportation to engage in prostitution with two women. The new indictment refers to a third woman as a victim of Combs’ alleged racketeering conspiracy.
“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,” Combs’ attorneys said in a statement prior to his arraignment.
Prosecutors had amended the federal indictment against Combs in March to add accusations of “forced labor” to the existing racketeering charge.
Combs has maintained his innocence for the prior indictments and has been detained at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center for six months.
He was denied bail in September when the indictment was unsealed and again earlier in November as the judge deemed him a flight risk due to his money and connections.
Federal prosecutors allege Combs lured victims by promising a romantic relationship before using threats, intimidation and abuse to get them to engage in sexual activities.
Combs faces a slew of sexual assault allegations, some of which date back decades.
