By Julia Pierrepont III

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Rapper, Sean "Diddy" Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, record producer and recording executive, will stand trial on May 5, a U.S. federal judge ruled at a court hearing on Thursday.

The 54-year-old American rap icon, arrested last month in connection with federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and violent coercion, made his first appearance in court at the same time. He pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail as he awaits trial.

"It's shocking and horrific that this could still be going on in this day and age," one Los Angeles-based record producer told Xinhua, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Federal prosecutors alleged that Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise to fulfill his sexual desires, exploiting and abusing large numbers of women and girls for decades. His indictment also linked him to numerous disturbing practices, such as "freak-off" sex parties, drug-fueled assaults, and threats against victims to force them to maintain their silence.

His alleged misconduct, spanning decades, was being linked to a pattern of systematic abuse, where prosecutors accuse him of using his position and wealth to lure women into exploitative situations.

Combs, also known as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, was once one of the most powerful men in the music industry, producing massive hip-hop hits and running a business empire that encompassed his famed Bad Boy Records, among other endeavors.

However, the legal battle painted a picture of a man who used fear, influence, and a constant threat of violence and retaliation to control not just his victims but also the people in his orbit.

Over 100 individuals, including his ex-girlfriend Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura, described how Combs maintained his grip on their lives, subjecting them to coercive tactics, psychological abuse, and often physically violent behavior.

The claims of forced participation in sex parties, drug use, and the constant threat of retaliation if the victims spoke out further detail a deeply troubling environment.

The first high-profile case was filed in 2023 by his ex-girlfriend Ventura, who accused him of rape, physical abuse, and sex trafficking. The lawsuit was swiftly settled out of court, but it ignited deeper scrutiny into Combs' conduct over the years.

Ventura accused him of controlling every aspect of her life, subjecting her to long-term abuse, and coercing her into sexual acts with others. Since then the legal landscape around Combs has become more complex and serious with an increasing number of additional lawsuits.

Prosecutors said in court papers that they had interviewed more than 100 victims and witnesses and expect the number to grow. They said they would use financial, travel and billing records, electronic data and communications as well as videos of the "Freak Offs" to prove their case.

Federal prosecutors also revealed on Thursday that Combs may face a superseding indictment that would open the door to more charges for the hip-hop mogul beyond the several accusation counts he's already facing.

One case filed by Dawn Richard, a former member of two groups signed to Combs, said she was sexually harassed and assaulted by him.

Richard claims she was present when Combs had a party and that dozens of girls, some of whom appeared to be underage, were given drugs and alcohol. Even though "many of them appeared lethargic or passed out," Combs and his guests performed sexual acts on them while they were unconscious, she said.

Her lawsuit further stated, "Mr. Combs repeatedly said things like, 'This is a buffet, enjoy yourselves; this is what we do, this is how we party.'"

As more allegations came to light, high-profile celebrities, including Cuba Gooding Jr. and Justin Bieber, were linked to the scandal, with some conspiracy theories suggesting that Bieber may have been exploited himself at Combs' infamous parties.

Although Bieber has not made any official statements so far, sources claimed that he was disgusted by the scandal and was distancing himself from his former mentor.

Combs' defense team vigorously denied all allegations and fought to secure Combs' release from jail on bail, arguing that his bail was denied based on exaggerated concerns about witness intimidation and his potential to flee.

Despite offering a 50 million U.S.-dollar bond and strict house arrest conditions, judges have so far denied these requests, citing his immense wealth and influence as reasons he could obstruct justice.

The severity of the charges meant that if convicted, Combs could face life imprisonment, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic figures in the music industry.

Brands have already begun to distance themselves from Combs, and Howard University has rescinded his honorary degree amid the fallout from these revelations.

The charges against Combs have prompted discussions about the broader implications for the entertainment industry. While specific names of celebrities who have commented have not been made public, the general sentiment reflected a heightened awareness and concern over issues of power dynamics and accountability in the industry.

The repercussions of these allegations extend beyond Combs himself, with media and audiences scrutinizing the enablers and associates within his inner circle.

The pressure is growing for those around him to address their roles in enabling his behavior, as the public is demanding accountability from all involved in covering up his actions over the years.

Addressing reporters in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday, Lawyer Tony Buzbee, who is representing more than 100 alleged victims of sexual assault at the hands of the disgraced rapper, told a press conference that he will soon reveal the identities of "many powerful people" who played a role in Combs' alleged offenses. Enditem

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