The parties that led to the downfall of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

While several lawsuits report alleged sexual assaults at parties held at Mr. Combs’ properties, so-called “Freak-off” parties in hotel rooms appear to be a focus for federal authorities. The Justice Department charged him last month with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution in a 14-page indictment.

Prosecutors have accused Mr. Combs of recording sex acts during “Freak Offs,” which federal authorities describe as days-long sex parties involving multiple commercial sex workers.

The indictment alleged that Mr. Combs and his associates booked hotel rooms and filled them with narcotics such as ketamine, lubricant, extra bedding and lighting so they could record the orgies.

During the “Freak Offs,” Mr. Combs allegedly “punched, kicked and threw objects at the victims,” leading to injuries that sometimes took weeks to heal, according to court documents.

According to the indictment, participants were allegedly coerced with drugs and threats to remain “obedient and compliant.” Then those involved would take IV fluids to recover, prosecutors allege.

Ms. Ventura’s lawsuit, filed in November 2023 — nearly a year before his indictment in New York — contains graphic details of these so-called “Freak-Off” parties. The lawsuit alleges that Mr. Combs would host these events weekly at hotels in New York and Los Angeles, flying in sex workers, supplying drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine and ketamine and forcing the singer to perform sex acts.

During a raid on Combs’ mansions in Los Angeles and Miami, law enforcement seized AR-15-style weapons, large-capacity magazines, thousands of bottles of lube and baby oil.

Mr. Combs’ arrest and the ongoing fallout from his career have raised hopes among activists and survivors of sexual assault that his case could lead to meaningful change within the music industry.

Gloria Allred, a prominent women’s rights attorney who has defended a number of women in the #MeToo movement, believes the world is finally seeing a “reckoning” in the music industry.

She represents Thalia Graves, who claims she was drugged and violently raped by the rapper in 2001. She said she was threatened by Mr. Combs and said nothing, fearing he would “ruin her life,” Allred said.

But Ms Allred told the BBC she believes the fallout from Diddy’s arrest is far from over.

“Courage is contagious,” she said.

And prosecutors and lawyers from Mr. Combs’ growing list of accusers have hinted that more is to come.

“Combs did not do all of this alone,” said Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. “He used his company and its employees and other close associates to get his way.”

The investigation into the case is still open, authorities said.

As Mr. Combs left his most recent court appearance in a beige prison jumpsuit, he told his family, “I love you” and repeatedly placed his hands over his heart, making a prayer sign.

As the hearing ended, a group of fans tiptoed near the courtroom doors hoping to see him and show support for the rapper.

For his former assistant, the media storm that now surrounds the rapper is not without a touch of irony.

“He wanted to make himself the most famous person in the world, and ironically he is now,” Shuter said.