Sean Combs indicted on additional sex trafficking charges
Sean Combs, the entertainment mogul who’s been in custody since his September arrest for charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, faces two new counts as part of a superseding indictment filed in federal court on Thursday. The new charges expand the timeline of Combs’ alleged crimes and could potentially result in a longer prison sentence.
The first new count alleges that Combs engaged in sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion between 2021 and 2024. The second alleges that within that same time period, Combs also transported multiple individuals — including an unnamed victim — “on multiple occasions with the intent that they engage in prostitution.” Combs had already been indicted on counts of sex trafficking and transporting to engage in prostitution spanning from 2009 to 2018.
NPR reached out to the lead attorney for Combs and Combs Global, Marc Agnifilo, for comment on the new charges and is awaiting comment. In the past, Combs’ representatives have denied all allegations against him; he has pleaded not guilty to two prior indictments.
The new indictment filed in the U.S. District Court – Southern District of New York still includes one count of racketeering conspiracy alleging that between 2004 and 2024, Combs Enterprises — including media, music, fashion and alcohol spirits companies — functioned as a criminal organization that facilitated and concealed Combs’ alleged crimes. These include “a persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse toward women and other individuals,” including verbal, physical, emotional and sexual abuse that extended to his own employees. The charges allege that Combs Enterprises’ activities violated U.S. racketeering laws through kidnapping, arson, bribery, forced labor and more.
Jury selection for Combs’ trial is set to begin on May 5, with opening statements scheduled for May 12. In addition to federal charges, Combs faces more than two dozen civil lawsuits for sexual assault, rape, sex trafficking and more.
Light from satellites will ruin majority of some space telescope images, study says
Astronomers have long been concerned about reflections from satellites showing up in images taken by telescopes and other scientific instruments.
Defense Department is reviewing boat strike video for possible release, Hegseth says
In a speech on Saturday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the strikes, saying: "President Trump can and will take decisive military action as he sees fit to defend our nation's interests."
Bama, Miami in, Notre Dame out and Indiana No. 1 in College Football Playoff rankings
Nobody paying attention for the past 24 months would be surprised to see Indiana – yes, Indiana – leading the way into this year's College Football Playoff.
McLaren’s Lando Norris wins first F1 title at season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Red Bull driver and defending champion Max Verstappen won the race with Norris placing third, which allowed Norris to finish two points ahead of Verstappen in the season-long standings.
A ban on feeding pigeons ruffles lots of feathers in Mumbai
The pigeon population has exploded — a result of people feeding the birds. For some it's a holy duty and a way to connect to nature. Critics point to health risks tied to exposure to pigeon droppings.
UN humanitarian chief: world needs to ‘wake up’ and help stop violence in Sudan
The UN's top humanitarian and emergency relief official has told NPR that the lack of attention from world leaders to the war in Sudan is the "billion dollar question".
