Trouble knocked Sean “Diddy” Combs’ door in the form of the federal government late Monday in New York. Diddy is now in custody and faces federal court – in addition to all of his other civil suits. Hollywood is waiting with bated breath to see what the Puff Daddy trial will reveal.
You don’t become a billionaire with direct connections to the most powerful people in the industry without keeping a few secrets, making a few enemies and gaining even more powerful friends. And now the word is that if Diddy goes under, he’ll probably Epstein route and involves as many of Hollywood’s favorites as possible.
The indictment against Combs was just released and the rapper was reportedly accused of organized crime (RICO) and sex trafficking, among other charges. 14-page indictment against Diddy it is alleged: “Members and employees of the Combs Enterprise have engaged or attempted to engage in the following activities: sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution, coercion and solicitation for prostitution, drug offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.”
Shockingly — or not — these federal allegations match almost exactly other lawsuits filed against Diddy by his ex-girlfriend. Cassie VenturaSinger Dawn Richardsproducer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jonesand others. Their civil suits allege that Diddy was in possession of compromising footage of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including producer Stevie J, actor Cuba Gooding Jr. and even Diddy’s own son, Christian “King” Combs.
Aside from just dropping celebrity names in court cases, Diddy is known to be associated with industry heavyweights. For years, rumors have circulated about Diddy’s alleged shady, close ties to rap moguls and models like Naomi Campbell – she was also listed in Epstein’s court documents– among other things.
As if that wasn’t enough, there has been speculation for years that Diddy was directly involved in the untimely death of rap legend and former Bad Boy Records member Tupac Shakur in 1996. Biggie Smalls in 1997. Although there is no evidence for this, Puffy’s former security guard, Gene Dealcontinues to speak out against Combs, and in fact, Deal’s story has not changed once.
Until now, Diddy has gone relatively unchallenged, and has clearly had the power and protection that has allowed these alleged crimes to continue for decades. You’re still innocent until proven guilty in court, but we all know that when the federal government hits you with RICO charges, it’s most likely a done deal.
Like the rest of Hollywood, we will be waiting with bated breath to see how Diddy’s lawsuit turns out. And more interestingly, we will be curious to see who will go down with Puff Daddy’s sinking ship.
