Hip-hop's “bad boy” billionaire Sean “Diddy” Combs has been compared to the late human trafficking financier Jeffrey Epstein, who allegedly used his power and connections to lure young women and girls to his private island with his network of wealthy friends.
Combs himself now faces federal sex trafficking charges, in addition to racketeering and other charges.
His arrest in a New York City hotel came six months after Homeland Security agents searched his mansions in Miami and Los Angeles and nearly a year after he began being named as a suspect in sex trafficking and domestic violence cases in a series of explosive lawsuits — allegations that appear to be backed up in part by leaked security video showing the assault of his ex-wife, Cassandra “Cathy” Ventura, in a hotel hallway.
“When you really think about it, this is like Epstein 2.0,” said David Gelman, a New Jersey lawyer and former prosecutor. “Here we have a man, very wealthy and very powerful, just like Jeffrey Epstein, being indicted on inhumane and unprecedented charges of sex trafficking and sexual deviant conduct with women and minors, and the similarities are uncanny.”
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Sean “Diddy” Combs and his attorney, Mark Anifilo, appeared before U.S. District Judge Robin Tarnovsky after prosecutors filed three criminal charges against him in federal court in Manhattan, New York City. (Reuters/Jane Rosenberg)
But Gelman said it's too early to say who else will be dragged to federal court. There are numerous civil lawsuits against other executives, stars and associates of Combs, and the indictment alleges that “Combs relied on the employees, resources and influence of his business empire,” but Gelman said there's not enough information yet to speculate about specific individuals.
He said more information will likely come to light as the trial progresses.
“There's only so many wealthy and powerful people in this world, especially in the United States,” Gelman told Fox News Digital. “I wouldn't be surprised if information comes out about where Epstein and Didi met. I know Epstein has been dead for a few years, but his involvement in crimes goes back many years.”
Both men are said to be influential in Democratic politics and have been photographed with former presidents.
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Sean Diddy Combs (Romain Maurice/MEGA, courtesy of Fox News Digital)
“I don't think it's far-fetched to think that they knew each other,” he added.
No one else has been charged, but the fraud case essentially alleges conspiracy, and prosecutors have said in court documents that Combs used his multi-billion dollar business empire to abuse and silence his victims. Combs was known for traveling with an entourage of bodyguards and was a respected entertainment figure for decades before his downfall.
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This is a mugshot of Jeffrey Epstein from 2019 after federal authorities indicted him on human trafficking charges. (Cyprus/Getty Images)
“U.S. Attorney Damien Williams declined to answer questions about additional charges or defendants, saying the investigation is ongoing,” said Neama Rahamani, a former federal prosecutor who now has a private practice in Los Angeles. “Other members of the RICO conspiracy can be criminally liable for sex trafficking even if they didn't actually participate in the sex acts. So someone who bought 1,000 bottles of baby oil or someone who administered IV fluids to a victim after he administered the drugs could be charged as a co-conspirator.”
Prosecutors could pressure the unnamed and unindicted co-conspirators to turn against Combs and others involved in the alleged crimes, he said, and if they don't, they could be indicted themselves.
R. Kelly and P. Diddy were photographed at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. (Theo Wargo/WireImage/File)
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“Obviously, anyone who actually engaged in sexual acts with Didi must be terrified,” Lahamani said. “There are multiple victims, multiple witnesses, and likely video evidence of 'abnormal behavior.' Depending on whether they used threats or violence against the victims, these individuals can and should be charged with human trafficking and prostitution.”
Jeffrey Epstein is with his longtime associate, wife Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving time in federal prison.
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If another individual is indicted, it wouldn't be the first time someone from Combs' inner circle has been dragged to court for a crime he was involved in. Combs' former protégé, Moses “Shine” Barrow, served 10 years in prison after the infamous New York nightclub shooting in 2001. Combs was acquitted of the shooting.
Shine and Diddy are scheduled to perform at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire in London on November 7, 2023. (Samir Hussain/Getty Images, courtesy of Sean Diddy Combs)
“All it takes is a few brave people to speak out and say what's going on, and ultimately it will bring down the Trump administration,” said Spencer Kubin, a lawyer who represents nine of Epstein's victims in their legal battle against Epstein, his companies and the wealthy and powerful people surrounding him.
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“Depending on what the facts are, this is similar to the Epstein case because you have someone who is incredibly wealthy, well-connected and thinks he's above the law,” he told Fox News Digital. “People are willing to tolerate questionable behavior from famously wealthy people and turn a blind eye when they do bad things, but there comes a time when they will be held accountable.”
Federal investigators have probably already identified alleged co-conspirators and are interviewing them to testify against the entertainment mogul, he said.
“Anyone who engages in these illegal activities may be prosecuted, and it is likely that federal authorities have already negotiated with authorities to grant immunity to certain individuals in order to testify against Mr. Combs,” Kubin said. “The rich, famous and powerful continue to believe they are not above the law, and federal authorities will continue to demonstrate that they are not.”
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But years after Epstein's death, questions about his so-called “client list” remain unanswered. Thousands of pages of court documents released this year list many of the names of tycoons, wealthy businessmen and women with whom he was associated, but contain few substantiated allegations against them. Many are mentioned only in passing.
