As music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs faces federal sex trafficking charges, experts draw comparisons to the late Jeffrey Epstein. They speculate that his associates could be implicated in the alleged conspiracy, just as Epstein's associates were in his case.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' recent arrest for federal sex trafficking charges has drawn comparisons to the late Jeffrey Epstein, another wealthy and powerful figure who was found guilty of sex trafficking. As Combs' case progresses, experts speculate whether his associates could face charges in connection with the alleged conspiracy.
"This is like Epstein 2.0, if you think about it," said David Gelman, a New Jersey-based attorney and former prosecutor. "You have a guy who is extremely rich and extremely powerful, just like Jeffrey Epstein was."
Diddy's Epstein Parallels: Could His Associates Face Charges in Sex Trafficking Case?
Gelman points to the uncanny similarity in the charges against both men, which include sex trafficking and sexually deviant acts against women and potential minors.
While no other individuals have been charged yet, prosecutors claim that Combs relied on the "employees, resources, and influence" of his business empire to abuse and silence victims. This suggests that others may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy.
Diddy's Epstein Parallels: Could His Associates Face Charges in Sex Trafficking Case?
"U.S. Attorney Damian Williams dodged questions about additional charges or defendants and said the investigation is ongoing," said Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor. "Other members of the RICO conspiracy are criminally liable for the sex trafficking even if they didn’t actually participate in the sex acts."
Prosecutors can pressure unnamed and unindicted co-conspirators to turn against Combs or anyone else involved in the alleged crimes. Failure to cooperate could result in their own charges.
Diddy's Epstein Parallels: Could His Associates Face Charges in Sex Trafficking Case?
"Anyone who actually participated in sex acts with Diddy should be shaking in their boots," Rahmani said. "There are multiple victims, many witnesses, and likely video evidence of the ‘freak offs.’ Those individuals can and should be charged with sex trafficking or prostitution."
Spencer Kuvin, a trial attorney representing several of Epstein's victims, believes that the Epstein case serves as a warning to other wealthy and powerful individuals who believe they are above the law.
Diddy's Epstein Parallels: Could His Associates Face Charges in Sex Trafficking Case?
"Depending on the facts that come out, it is similar to the Epstein case because you have a very wealthy, well-connected individual that believes that he is above the law," he told Fox News Digital.
Kuvin suggests that federal investigators have likely already identified and interviewed alleged co-conspirators about testifying against Combs.
Diddy's Epstein Parallels: Could His Associates Face Charges in Sex Trafficking Case?
"Anyone who participated in these illegal activities can be prosecuted, and likely the federal authorities have already spoken with them to grant certain people immunity so that they will testify against Combs," Kuvin said.
The arrest of Diddy and the ongoing investigation into his empire have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether others will be implicated in the alleged conspiracy, reflecting the parallels between Diddy's case and that of Jeffrey Epstein.
Diddy's Epstein Parallels: Could His Associates Face Charges in Sex Trafficking Case?
