Sean “Diddy” Combs Seeks Disclosure of Accusers’ Identities in Sex-Trafficking Case

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, 54, has formally requested that prosecutors reveal the identities of his accusers in his ongoing sex-trafficking case, according to court documents filed in Manhattan federal court. Combs’s legal team argues that knowing the names of these individuals is essential to adequately prepare for his trial, set for May 5.

Combs Pleads Not Guilty, Remains in Custody

Combs has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation for prostitution. He remains in custody pending trial. His lawyers claim that the numerous accusations are largely due to his high-profile status, wealth, and the extensive media attention, which they argue has created a “media circus” that jeopardizes his right to a fair trial.

The Demand for Accuser Disclosure

In a letter submitted to Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs’s attorneys stressed the need for clarity, pointing out the large number of anonymous accusers. Just this week, six anonymous individuals filed civil complaints against Combs, and an attorney claimed to represent as many as 120 accusers. According to Combs’s legal team, these claims have resulted in a flood of accusations, many of which they characterize as “false” or “absurd.”

They further argue that Combs is at a disadvantage because the lack of identification leaves him “unfairly” guessing which allegations are related to the criminal charges, especially since the accusations span over 16 years. Combs’s lawyers also pointed out that previous lawsuits against the music star have been discredited, but not before causing significant harm to his reputation.

Prosecutors Oppose Disclosure

While Combs’s legal team seeks transparency, federal prosecutors have pushed back, opposing the disclosure of the alleged victims’ names at this stage. They argue that anonymity is necessary to protect the victims from potential harm. The indictment accuses Combs of operating a “criminal enterprise” that manipulated and coerced women into performing elaborate, often recorded sexual acts, framing the allegations as part of a decades-long pattern of abuse.

Allegations of ‘Freak-Off’ Parties

Prosecutors claim that Combs orchestrated “freak-offs,” which were multi-day sex parties involving drugs and intense physical exertion. Combs is alleged to have used his financial power and influence over the victims’ careers to manipulate and control them. One accuser, identified as “Victim-1,” is believed to be Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who filed a civil suit against Combs in November 2023, which was settled the next day.

Defense Pushes Back on Broad Allegations

Combs’s defense team contends that the indictment’s language is overly broad and could cover his entire sexual history over the last 16 years. Without clearer direction from prosecutors, they argue it is impossible for Combs to defend himself properly. His legal team also expects the discovery process to include vast amounts of evidence, including records of consensual sexual encounters, making it even harder to distinguish between consensual relationships and those now being framed as coercive.

Awaiting Trial

As the trial date nears, Combs’s lawyers continue to press for the release of the accusers’ names, stating that withholding them would hinder his ability to prepare a proper defense. Federal prosecutors have declined to comment on the matter.

The high-profile case is expected to remain under the media spotlight as both sides gear up for what promises to be a long and complicated trial.