Sean “Diddy” Combs made an unexpected appearance in court on Friday, where his new look left onlookers stunned. The rapper and mogul, who is facing serious charges, appeared with significantly graying hair and a full, gray beard, which led some to describe him as “bloated and old.” This dramatic change in his appearance was noted by reporters inside the Manhattan courtroom, where Combs pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He is set to stand trial in May.
Combs is accused of forcing employees to work long hours and helping with sex trafficking crimes, all under threats and coercion. He has denied these allegations, with his lawyer asserting that Combs never forced anyone into sexual activity. Despite the gravity of the charges, Combs’ legal team maintains that he is in good health, although he has been held without bail since his September arrest. He has been detained at the notoriously difficult Metropolitan Detention Center in New York, where he remains until his trial. Reports have emerged of violence and suicides at the facility, but his lawyers insist he is managing well, although his biggest complaint has been the food.
In February, Combs was secretly taken to the hospital for a knee issue, though no further details have been revealed. Meanwhile, the courtroom sketches from Friday’s hearing show a notable change in his appearance. The gray hair and beard, along with a puffy demeanor, indicate the toll his time in jail may be taking on him.
During the proceedings, Combs’ defense team also addressed the inclusion of a controversial hotel video showing an alleged assault on Cassie Ventura. Originally, Combs’ legal team claimed that CNN had altered and destroyed the video, but the prosecution revealed it had obtained an unedited version, which it intends to use as evidence during the trial.
Combs’ trial is poised to be a major event, and with May approaching, all eyes will be on how the case unfolds.
