Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to an amended indictment that includes new allegations of forced labor. The updated charges accuse the music mogul of coercing employees into working long hours under threats of physical and reputational harm, as well as forcing at least one worker into sex acts.

Combs’s legal team has strongly denied these allegations, maintaining that any sexual relationships he had were consensual. They have also dismissed the numerous civil lawsuits filed against him in recent months as baseless and driven by publicity. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, stated that Combs is eager for his day in court to prove that he never forced anyone into non-consensual acts.

The rapper, one of the most successful in the industry, is facing trial in a federal case involving sex trafficking and racketeering, with the new allegations falling under the racketeering charge. He also faces multiple lawsuits accusing him of rape and assault, which his lawyers have labeled as opportunistic attempts to gain attention.

On Friday, Combs appeared in New York’s Southern District federal court, wearing a greenish-tan prison jumpsuit, his hair and beard overgrown. He stood as he entered his plea, confirming to the judge that he had read the indictment. In the courtroom, his family and close supporters, including his mother, children, and publicist Marvet Britto, were present. Combs appeared upbeat, smiling, waving, and even blowing kisses to his family.

A key point of contention in court was a 2016 CCTV video, published by CNN in 2024, appearing to show Combs kicking his former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, in a hotel hallway. Prosecutors consider the footage crucial evidence, while Combs’s lawyers claim it was manipulated. The judge encouraged both sides to reach a resolution on the matter.

Jury selection is set for May 5, with opening statements expected on May 12.