Fresh updates below
Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested in Manhattan the night of Monday, September 16, and he now awaits an appearance in front of a judge at a federal court.
The rapper and music mogul, 54, had been embroiled in several lawsuits and court cases over the past few years, many of which came to a head earlier this year.
His homes were raided by the FBI in March and allegations of sexual misconduct against former girlfriend Cassie Ventura also grew stronger after a video showcasing an altercation surfaced.
In the wake of his new arrest, here's everything you need to know about the sudden arrest itself, the charges against Diddy, the responses from his team of lawyers, and what happens next…
Diddy's Manhattan arrest
The night of September 16, Diddy was arrested at the Park Hyatt New York on 57th Street around 8:30 PM by officers with Homeland Security Investigations.
© Getty ImagesHe was held overnight in federal custody. He was arrested on a grand jury indictment, although at the time, it was not yet revealed what the charges actually were.
What are the charges against Diddy?
The indictment was eventually unsealed the morning of Tuesday, September 17, and per the suspicions of the rapper's legal team, Diddy has been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering.
© Getty ImagesThe indictment alleges that he ran a "criminal enterprise that he engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor or, kidnapping, arson and other crimes." Several new lawsuits and allegations against him were made public in the wake of his lawsuit with Cassie (which was settled in just one day), with misconduct cases ranging from 1991 to 2003.
What happens next?
Diddy appeared for an arraignment at a federal courthouse in Manhattan later on Tuesday, where more insight was shared on the severity of the charges and what it could mean for the musician.
© Getty ImagesWith the trafficking by force charge specifically, if found guilty, Diddy could face a minimum of 15 years in prison, and a maximum of life.
MORE: Sean 'Diddy' Combs' $40M Los Angeles home becomes tourist destination after raid — see photos
What has his team said?
Marc Agnifilo, an attorney for the rapper, told CNN in a statement: "We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the US Attorney's Office."
MORE: The truth behind Prince Harry's name check in the Sean 'Diddy' Combs filing
However, he also stated that the rapper "saw this coming," explaining that he had "voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges." He asserts: "Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court."
© Getty ImagesHe added: "Sean 'Diddy' Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community."
The attorney told reporters while they were on their way to court of the rapper's condition: "He's dealing with this head on the way he has dealt with every challenge in his life."
Can Diddy post bail?
So far, it looks like the rapper is ready to fight the case, as his legal team told the judge that he was pleading "not guilty" to the charges, which now include coercive "freak offs" incited by him.
He has offered to post bail for a whopping $50 million to be released from custody, and even offered to wear an ankle monitor and limit his travel to New York and Miami to attend court and visit with his doctors and lawyers. Federal prosecutors, however, are attempting to deny him bail as they maintain he has a history of "tampering" with witnesses. He was ultimately denied bail and taken into federal custody.
UPDATE: On the second day after the arrest, however, Diddy's legal team has reportedly filed for a new bail request, now suggesting that the rapper's security team will keep close tabs on who he contacts while at his Miami Beach home, most notably allowing for no new female visitors during that time. The prosecution's decision on that is yet to be made.
