Michael Jackson case parallels emerge in Diddy sex trafficking investigation with young accusers

Diddy is facing trial on sex trafficking charges, and more allegations of abuse against him have emerged, with over 100 accusers, including 25 minors, coming forward to accuse him of "rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation."

"During a press conference on Oct. 1, Houston attorney Tony Buzbee stated that it is shocking to discuss the ages of the victims when the conduct happened. The youngest victim was 9 years old at the time of the occurrence, while there was also a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old victim."

Despite [Sean] Combs, also known as Diddy, never being convicted of sexually abusing minors, allegations of grooming and abuse have resurfaced. The minors have not yet filed lawsuits, but their attorney claims there are 25 victims, with the youngest being just 9 years old.

Diddy has been rumored to have connections with underage stars like Justin Bieber, Usher, and Aaron Carter, but none of these stars have ever accused him of wrongdoing.

"Rumors about [insert name] are unproven, but they share a chilling resemblance to the Michael Jackson and Macaulay Culkin rumors, where wealthy and powerful figures exploit child stars," Rahmani stated. "While we need evidence to confirm these allegations, history has shown that money and fame in the entertainment industry can provide abusers with access. We've seen this pattern with [Jeffrey] Epstein, R. Kelly, and other cases."

Adanté Pointer, a former criminal defense attorney from Oakland-based Lawyers for the People, LLC, stated that Diddy and Jackson are entertainers with global audiences, significant wealth, and are Black men who have been accused of using their power and influence to sexually abuse minors.

Rahmani points out that there are significant differences between the two scenarios.

"Diddy, through his lawyers, is acknowledging that sexual activity occurred with adults, but is arguing that it was consensual. However, some of the incidents were recorded, leaving Diddy with little choice. In contrast, Jackson never admitted to any sexual contact, and many celebrities publicly supported him. Unfortunately, Diddy has almost no support whatsoever."

In 1993, the Los Angeles Police Department launched an investigation into allegations that Jackson had sexually abused a friend's son. However, the lawsuit was eventually settled due to insufficient evidence.

In 2005, Santa Barbara authorities charged Jackson with seven counts of child molestation. Despite denying the allegations, Jackson pleaded not guilty. The case went to trial, and Jackson was acquitted of all charges.

In 2009, Jackson, who died from a cardiac arrest caused by an overdose of propofol and benzodiazepine, was known for his close ties to young male stars, including Culkin and Carter, who both denied seeing any inappropriate behavior from the King of Pop.

"In 2020, Culkin, 44, told Esquire that he never saw or did anything to him. He added that he had no reason to hold back at this time since the person had passed away. Culkin stated that it was a good time to speak up if he had something to say, but he didn't see anything or do anything."

"Carter, who passed away from an overdose in 2022, had previously stated to VLAD TV that he had never seen any suspicious behavior from Jackson. He added that nothing inappropriate had ever occurred and that Jackson was always kind, loving, and nice to him."

In the 2019 documentary "Leaving Neverland," Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who had previously denied Jackson molested them and supported him to authorities and in Robson's case, both came forward as adults detailing the alleged abuse they endured as children from Jackson.

The lawsuits were dismissed in 2021.

Last week, Combs' legal team denied the allegations made by Diddy's young accusers, and no lawsuits have been filed yet.

"Erica Wolff, Mr. Combs' attorney, stated that he cannot address every baseless allegation in the media frenzy surrounding him. However, Mr. Combs categorically denies any claim that he sexually abused minors, which he considers false and defamatory. He is determined to prove his innocence and clear his name in court, where the truth will be determined based on evidence, not speculation."

Diddy was indicted by federal prosecutors, prompting victims scattered across the country in states such as California, Florida, Georgia, and New York to come forward and claim that the alleged abuse began as early as 1991 and continued until 2024.

The arrest of Diddy has brought unwanted attention to other stars, including Bieber, due to their past connections to Bad Boy Enterprises.

In a YouTube clip shared in November 2009, Diddy revealed a Lamborghini he intended to give to Bieber as a gift once he turned 16.

Diddy is spending 48 hours with his boy, and they are having the times of their lives, according to Combs. Although they cannot disclose what they are doing, it is definitely a 15-year-old's dream.

"I have been entrusted with his care. He is signed to Usher, and I had legal custody of Usher during his first album. I produced his first album."

When asked what he wanted to do, Bieber replied, "Let's go get some girls."

"That's what I'm talking about," the rapper replied, "man after my heart."

In a 2004 interview with Rolling Stone, Usher revealed that Diddy exposed him to a new world of sexual experiences, particularly group sex. He described how he would often walk into a room and see people engaging in orgies.

In a 2016 interview with Howard Stern, Usher revealed that there were "strange occurrences" that he couldn't "comprehend."

"I got a chance to see some things," Usher said. "I went there to see the lifestyle and saw it. It was curious, but I don't know if I could indulge and understand what I was even looking at. It was pretty wild and crazy."

Diddy was arrested and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if found guilty.

Not only was Combs denied the proposed $50 million bail, he was immediately sent to jail after pleading not guilty in Manhattan federal court.

On Tuesday morning, the legal team representing the embattled rapper submitted a bail appeal as the legal proceedings continue.

Planet Chronicle Digital obtained an appeal requesting pretrial release from the judge.

The filing states that Sean Combs seeks release on bail and immediate release pending appeal under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 9(a)(3).

In the document, Combs' attorney contended that there was no danger to the community if he was released.

The attorney argued that Mr. Combs should be released because, despite the unproven accusations of the government, the proposed conditions would guarantee his attendance and the safety of the community.

Despite offering to abide by restrictive conditions that would have minimized any potential risk of escape or harm, Combs was not released pending trial.

In the appeal, defense lawyers contended that the court "rejected a clearly adequate bail plan and breached its duties under the Bail Reform Act."

On Thursday, Combs was present in court and his trial was set for May 5, 2025. Prosecutors also mentioned the possibility of a superseding indictment during the proceedings.

This report was contributed to by Lauryn Overhultz, Tracy Wright, Andrea Margolis, and Stephanie Giang-Paunon of Planet Chronicle Digital.