Sean "Diddy" Combs is convinced he is the victim of a “racially motivated prosecution”, his lawyer says.
The 54-year-old Bad Boy Records founder is in jail in New York after he was denied bail following his recent arrest by federal agents and indictment on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
His lawyer has made a statement on the rapper’s behalf, saying his client has no intentions of taking a plea bargain in the case as he insists he is innocent.
Lawyer Marc Agnifilo said in TMZ’s documentary on the case - titled The Downfall of Diddy: The Indictment - that Combs believes the case against him is a “racially motivated prosecution” and that he is being targeted as he is a “successful black man”.
The lawyer added Combs plans to “fight this case not just for himself, but for others in a similar position”.
Agnifilo said Combs is also intent on telling his side of the story about his attack on his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, 38, who he was captured beating in 2016 hotel security footage.
He added: “(Combs) has his story and he has a story that I think only he can tell in the way he can tell it in real-time.
“And it’s a human story. It’s a story of love. It’s a story of hurt. It’s a story of heartbreak.”
Combs has been placed on suicide watch after he was denied bail but his lawyer said he was staying upbeat.
He said: “His state of mind is actually remarkably positive. I spend several hours with him every day. His resolve is strong. He’s engaged.
“He’s focused on his defence … (he has) come to terms with the fact that this is where he is for now.”
A 14-page indictment against Combs showed prosecutors claim he “abused, threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfil his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct” for decades.
They also accused him of “creating a criminal enterprise” whose members and associates were engaged in “sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice”.
Combs allegedly committed sexual abuse at his now-infamous Freak Off parties, which are said to have involved setting up hotel rooms with “controlled substances, baby oil, lubricant, extra linens, and lighting” for the wild bashes.
The rapper has pleaded not guilty to all charges and insists he is innocent of claims made against him in a series of sexual assault lawsuits he is facing.
Although there is no date set for his trial he has a status hearing on October 9.
