Sean “Diddy” Combs.Photo:Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage
Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage
The rapper and music executiveSean “Diddy” Combsis facing a slew of sexual abuse allegations inseveral lawsuits, including some complaints that allege he trafficked victims.
Diddy’s legal troubles mounted last week when federal agentsraided his homesin Miami and Los Angeles, though no charges have yet been filed. Homeland Security Investigations New York, which executed the search warrants, did not reveal many details about the searches, just that they were “part of an ongoing investigation,” a spokesperson previously told PEOPLE.
Neama Rahmani, a California-based attorney and former federal prosecutor, says the sex trafficking allegations are potentially the most serious ones Diddy faces, especially if he is ultimately charged with a sex trafficking crime.
“Under federal law, sex trafficking carries very significant penalties,” Rahmani says, noting that the maximum sentence is life in prison.
Sean “Diddy” Combs.Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Dia Dipasupil/Getty
A settlement agreement between the two was reached the next day. After the settlement, Diddy’s attorney Ben Brafman told PEOPLE in a statement at the time that the agreement was “in no way an admission of wrongdoing.”
Cassie’s complaint alleged that Diddy would beat her during “freak-offs” and that “between the physical beating and recognizing his incredible power and incredible temper,” she felt that she was unable to say no to him. Further, she claimed Diddy would give her gifts before or during the encounters, which the complaint alleges reflected a gesture to compensate her for “work.”
Rahmani, who has prosecuted human trafficking cases in the past, says the threat of violence to compel a person to engage in a sexual act could constitute sex trafficking, as laid out in the statute.
“If you’re looking at [Cassie’s] allegations that she was raped, that she was forced to take drugs, that she was forced to have sex with male prostitutes while [Diddy] recorded, that’s how you sort of get to the force angle,” Rahmani says. “If there is force, it’s sex trafficking.”
An attorney for Pierre did not immediately respond to a request for comment from PEOPLE.
Rahmani says that if true, Doe’s allegations might fall under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, which specifies that trafficking applies to alleged victims under the age of 18.
Sean “Diddy” Combs.Paras Griffin/Getty
Paras Griffin/Getty
“Lil Rod is nothing more than a liar who filed a $30 million lawsuit shamelessly looking for an undeserved payday. His reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines," Holley said, claiming he had “indisputable proof” the claims were false.
Cassie.David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
While no indictments have been filed, Rahmani says he would not be surprised if criminal charges were filed soon based on the timing of the raids.
“They’re not going to go get search warrants for Diddy’s home in L.A. and Miami unless they’re very close to arresting him,” Rahmani believes.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
