Combs is alleged to have built up a “criminal enterprise” made up of employees and associates that made his “Freak Offs” possible” and maintain the reputation of the man who renamed himself “Love” in 2017.
The public face of the Comb’s businesses included operations that spanned across record labels, a clothing line and a television network.
But it was also tasked with “enhancing the power, reputation and brand” of Combs, fulfilling his “sexual gratification, enabling sex trafficking, and using violence and threats to achieve its ends, according to the indictment.
The group is said to have operated in New York as well as other locations across the US.
Stocking up and cleaning up, the Freak Off way
Allegedly made up of Combs’ security and household staff, personal assistants among others, the indictment claims they stocked up hotel rooms for “Freak Offs” and cleaned up afterwards.
It also claims they would even deliver large sums of cash for Combs to allegedly pay the prostitutes, and schedule the delivery of IV fluids once the orgies had finally concluded.
Combs and his associates are said to have engaged in violence against witnesses and anyone who threatened to derail his public image, including by multiple acts that included kidnapping and arson. Authorities declined to reveal further details about these alleged crimes on Tuesday.
The 54-year-old allegedly brandished firearms to intimidate and threaten his victims, while three AR-15 semi-automatic rifles were found at raids on his homes earlier this year.
Combs also allegedly threatened to harm the careers of the women who did not want to join in his “Freak Offs”. If that failed, according to the indictment, he had recordings made during previous encounters to “ensure the continued obedience and silence of the victims”.
‘Nothing is off the table’
Damiam Williams did not rule out further charges being brought against Combs’ employees and associates who made his alleged crimes possible. “Nothing is off the table,” he said.
While the indictment marks another blow to Combs’ shattered reputation, his public image has been in free-fall for months now amid press allegations and lawsuits brought by multiple women.
Footage from 2016, released earlier this year, showed the rapper assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel.
Wearing a towel, he punched and kicked her before dragging her along the floor by her hoodie.
Combs apologised for assaulting Ventura after the video emerged, saying he was “disgusted” with himself and had “sought out professional help” in therapy and rehab.
The New York indictment alleges that a member of the hotel security staff attempted to intervene during the incident, and that Combs attempted to bribe them to keep it quiet.
Outside court on Tuesday, Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lawyer, said his client would plead not guilty to the charges and pledged to “fight like hell” to get him released from custody.
“His spirits are good,” Mr Agnifilo added. “He’s confident.”