Music

Sean "Diddy" Combs is now a criminal defendant in a sex trafficking, racketeering and kidnapping case after a grand jury indicted him ... this according to official documents.

Diddy has been charged with 3 counts -- racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

According to the indictment, from 2008 to the present, members of the Combs enterprise allegedly engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, coercion and enticement to engage in prostitution, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.

According to the indictment, the purpose of the Combs enterprise was to operate a global business in the media, entertainment, and lifestyle industries. The purpose also includes preserving Diddy's power and fulfilling his personal desires, especially in relation to his sexual gratification, including through the exploitation of women and the use of commercial sex workers.

The indictment mentions the now-famous "Freak off" parties ... calling them "elaborate and produced sex performances that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded."

The indictment alleges Combs lured women into his orbit under the pretense of a romantic relationship and then used force, threats of force, and coercion, to cause victims to engage in extended sex acts with male commercial sex workers.

After the freak offs, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use.

The indictment does not include details on the kidnapping allegations, other than they occurred in California, as did arson and bribery.

As for the drug charges, they allegedly involve the intent to distribute narcotics, including cocaine, oxycodone, Xanax, GHB -- the "date rape" drug -- MDMA and ketamine.

The indictment references what was seized during the raids at Diddy's homes in Beverly Hills and Miami -- various freak off supplies, including narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. They also seized firearms, including 3 AR-15s with defaced serial numbers and a drum magazine.

The indictment also includes allegations of violence against women. He's alleged to have assaulted women by striking, punching, dragging, throwing objects at and kicking them. It references a March 2016 incident at an L.A. hotel captured on video, and this is clearly referencing the Cassie incident.

There's more ... prosecutors say in late 2023, following public allegations of the crimes, Combs and his associates would pressure victims and witnesses, including through attempted bribery, to say silent.

Tuesday morning, Diddy's son's King and Justin were in lower Manhattan, outside Federal court, awaiting their father's appearance before a judge.

If convicted on all counts, Diddy faces decades in prison.

His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said going into the courthouse, he will "fight like hell" to get his client released on bail. Agnifilo said his client is not only not guilty, but outright innocent.

Diddy will appear before a judge Tuesday morning where the charges will be read.

TMZ broke the story ... Diddy was arrested Monday night at the Park Hyatt hotel in midtown Manhattan, where he had been staying. Law enforcement sources told TMZ ... the arrest was supposed to go down Tuesday but something happened to accelerate it.

Aubrey O'Day, who had a contentious relationship with Diddy during filming of "Making the Band," tells TMZ, "I never thought I would see this day. We all buried this inside of us in order to be able to keep going. And not just me, but victims you don't even know yet. We are all processing what that type of vindication can actually feel like now. Every conversation I've had with victims last night has been beyond moving on all levels."

Rich Homie Quan fans have been feeling some type of way since his abrupt death on September 5 -- and they let the support show in their streams!!!

On Tuesday, mourners flocked to World Changers Church International in Atlanta suburb College Park to pay their respects to the late platinum-selling rapper.

On the inside of the church, there were glowing pillars documenting his life. The family has also posted his obituary online.

Diddy never seemed happier than on the streets of his hometown of New York Monday night -- a scene that offered no hint the music mogul would soon end up in federal custody facing a criminal indictment.

TMZ obtained new video of Diddy interacting with several excited fans on a darkened street in Midtown Manhattan approximately 30 minutes before federal agents arrested him at the Park Hyatt hotel nearby.

Check out the footage ... Diddy was having a very friendly chat with four dudes -- and everyone was wearing bright smiles on their faces. Diddy was so energized he gave a handshake to one of the guys who bowed and started laughing.

Aubrey O'Day is weighing in on Sean "Diddy" Combs' arrest in NYC ... posting a cryptic message online about "justice" to her followers, and sharing her reaction with TMZ.

The Danity Kane singer took to Instagram Monday amid the news of Diddy's booking in the Big Apple, where she shared a message about the "purpose of justice."

She wrote ... "The purpose of justice is to provide an ending and allow us the space to create a new chapter. Women never get this. I feel validated. Today is a win for women all over the world, not just for me."

8:05 PM PT -- Just a couple hours before Diddy got busted, he was confidently strolling around NYC with his son Christian "King" Combs. He even stopped to greet some fans and take selfies.

7:13 PM PT -- A law enforcement source tells TMZ ... Diddy's arrest was scheduled for Tuesday. But something happened that caused the feds to move in a day earlier.

However, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams says federal agents took him in based on a sealed indictment filed by the Southern District of New York.

Diddy was just arrested and taken into federal custody in New York Monday night ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell TMZ ... Homeland Security swooped into a midtown hotel late Monday where Diddy was staying and they arrested him. We have unconfirmed reports the feds are searching his hotel room.

We're told Diddy was taken to the federal building in lower Manhattan.

It appears the action was taken in connection with the ongoing criminal investigation into alleged sex trafficking and other offenses that led to search warrants being issued and executed at Diddy's homes in Beverly Hills and Miami. As we reported, a grand jury has been hearing testimony from various accusers over the last few months.

Miley Cyrus copied a popular Bruno Mars song for her hit "Flowers" ... at least according to a new lawsuit.

The singer is being sued for copyright infringement by Tempo Music Investments, a company claiming it owns a share of the copyright for Bruno's song "When I Was Your Man."

In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Tempo Music claims there are so many musical similarities between Miley's "Flowers" and Bruno's "When I Was Your Man" that it's obviously the result of Miley "intentionally copying" Bruno.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are back on speaking terms, Donald Trump is making his feelings on Taylor Swift known, and NBA star Derrick White is getting into fights ... all this on today's TMZ TV Hot Takes.

First up on "TMZ Live," Harvey and Charles break down the latest with Ben and J Lo ... including a lunch reunion in Beverly Hills amid what has been a messy divorce.

Lil Pump is having a meltdown over Taylor Swift announcing she's voting Kamala Harris for President.

The "I Love It" rapper keeps posting about Taylor on X ... ripping her for her recent Harris endorsement, which Taylor announced on social media in the wake of last week's presidential debate.

Lil Pump addressed an X post to Taylor Monday, saying ... "You have no clue why ur even voting for Kamala. Maybe cuz ur a billionaire and voting for her has 0 impact on ur life."

11:23 AM PT -- Perry Farrell is issuing a public apology to Dave Navarro and his other Jane's Addiction bandmates after starting a fight onstage ... subsequently ending their reunion tour.

Perry tells TMZ ... "This weekend has been incredibly difficult and after having the time and space to reflect, it is only right that I apologize to my bandmates, especially Dave Navarro, fans, family, and friends for my actions during Friday’s show. Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behavior, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation."

A source close to Perry tells TMZ ... the singer is "heartbroken" by his behavior, realizing he waited "too long to prioritize his well-being." We're told he was struggling with exhaustion and it took a toll on his physical and mental health.

The source says Perry had good intentions trying to power through ... but now feels like he let his fans and family down.

The Jane's Addiction reunion tour has been scrapped after Dave Navarro and Perry Farrell duked it out onstage in Boston over the weekend.

The band -- hitting the road for the first time in 14 years -- made a brief statement on social media Monday, where they confirmed they made the "difficult decision to take some time away as a group."

Shakira appeared to call out a fan for filming up her dress during a music video shoot this weekend in Miami.

Caught on camera by another concertgoer ... Shakira's initially having a blast filming the music video for her new single, "Soltera," at Miami's LIV nightclub over the weekend. But the vibe shifts when she appears to notice someone in the crowd filming up her skirt.

You can see Shakira smiling as she points to her eyes with 2 fingers, signaling she saw what was going on.

Terence Crawford ain't m.A.A.d after the UFC broadcast mistook him for Kendrick Lamar on Saturday ... telling TMZ Sports he laughed it all off -- 'cause he's convinced it was done on purpose!!

Bud went viral for his appearance at Noche UFC at the Sphere in Vegas ... when a lower third graphic misidentified him as the "Not Like Us" rapper.

Screengrabs of the goof made rounds on social media ... and it was pretty ironic, as K. Dot name-dropped the boxing superstar on his "euphoria" diss track directed at Drake earlier this year.

Selena Gomez was decked out in bling for the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ... though, people may need to "Calm Down" before jumping to engagement speculation.

The "Only Murders in the Building" actress stepped out for the awards show at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater Sunday evening ... where she wore a striking black Ralph Lauren gown and several noticeable diamond rings -- including a platinum band covered in marquise diamonds on her left ring finger.

Of course, having such a bauble on that finger instantly got tongues waggin' about the possible engagement of the Disney Channel alum and her music producer boyfriend, Benny Blanco.

Tito Jackson, the brother of Michael Jackson and co-founder of the Jackson 5, has died.

Tito's 3 three sons -- Taj, TJ and Taryll -- confirmed his passing in a joint Instagram statement ... saying they were all shocked and saddened, while describing their dad as someone who cared about everyone and will be deeply missed. An official cause of death has not been released.

Tito, the older brother of the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, was born Toriano Adaryll Jackson to Joe Jackson and Katherine Jackson in Gary, Indiana. Tito went on to form the famous family’s pop group alongside brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and, of course, Michael.

Taylor Swift's showing her Kansas City stripes ... pulling up to her boyfriend Travis Kelce's second game of the season in an oversized K.C. shirt dress for his matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The singer-songwriter has just arrived at Arrowhead Stadium for the game ... wearing a bright red Chiefs shirt, with the large arrowhead logo on the front.

She's not on her own at this one ... striding into the game with singer Danielle Haim at her side -- who showed up in her own bright red top.

Jay-Z's got 99 problems, but not having a sportbook in New Jersey ain't one ... 'cause he cut the ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the first Fanatics Sportsbook in The Garden State.

The rapper hit Atlantic City Sunday, hosting the grand opening of the sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort ... pulling out a giant pair of scissors and cutting away at the giant blue ribbon. Betting & Gaming CEO Matt King and Ocean Casino Resort GM Bill Callahan were also on hand for the event.

Founder and CEO of Fanatics Michael Rubin joined Jay-Z ... cheering wildly when the scissors sliced through.

Kanye West's starting a family band ... bringing out his entire brood to perform with him in China in front of a packed stadium.

The rapper brought out North, Saint, Chicago and even little Psalm to take the stage with him for the 'Vultures' listening party at the Wuyuan River Sports Stadium in Hainan.

Check out the clip ... Ye brings out all four of his kiddos -- and, the stadium goes absolutely nuts, screaming wildly for the whole Kardashian-West clan.