Diddy's shocking court look: More allegations surface

Sean "Diddy" Combs, the 55-year-old music mogul, appeared in Manhattan federal court on Friday, facing fresh allegations of sexual abuse involving three additional victims. The claims, which span two decades from 2004 to 2024, add to the already mounting accusations against the hip-hop icon.

Sporting a puffy figure, gray hair, and a gray chinstrap beard, Combs pleaded not guilty to the new indictments. While no additional charges were filed, the allegations delve into coercion, forced labor, and sex trafficking.

Prosecutors accuse Combs of subjecting employees to grueling hours and threatening those who refused to assist in his alleged schemes. He is also accused of drugging women and organizing multi-day sex parties, infamously referred to as "Freak-Offs."

An uphill battle coming up

During the hearing, Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, responded to the federal prosecutors' intention to use a video allegedly showing the music mogul assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016. Agnifilo argued that the footage had been "substantially altered" and was "deceptive," citing a visual expert's analysis.

Judge Arun Subramanian announced that the trial would commence on May 12, with jury selection beginning a week prior, on May 5. Combs, who has been in custody since September 2024, appeared composed in court. After the hearing, he hugged one of his attorneys and blew a two-handed kiss toward his family seated in the courtroom.

As Combs' trial date nears, his legal battles continue to overshadow his once-celebrated career in the music industry. The case is expected to draw significant public attention as further details come to light.