Diddy forced to surrender infamous tapes to FBI after prison sentencing

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been ordered by a federal court to surrender his so-called “freak-off” tapes to the FBI as part of the sentencing conditions tied to his recent conviction. The 55-year-old music mogul was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, violating the Mann Act, and was sentenced earlier this month to just over four years in federal prison, including time already served.

The order compels Diddy to hand over a collection of physical and digital materials said to document explicit encounters involving himself and others. Among the confiscated items are laptops, hard drives, phones, and the notorious “Ibiza Tapes”, recorded during a 1996 trip to the Spanish island. Authorities claim these recordings were central to the investigation and serve as evidence of broader criminal conduct.

The FBI’s seizure follows a series of raids carried out in March 2024 on Diddy’s homes in California and Florida. The operations reportedly uncovered various electronic devices and around £7,000 in cash. Federal prosecutors maintain that these items qualify as property used in connection with unlawful activity.

The tapes became a focal point during Diddy’s trial, with former partner Cassie Ventura among those testifying. She and another unnamed witness alleged that Diddy used the threat of leaking sexual footage to exert control and pressure individuals into participating in explicit gatherings described as “freak-offs”, often involving drugs and hired sex workers.

Though cleared of the more severe racketeering and sex trafficking charges, Diddy was convicted on the lesser but still serious offences related to prostitution. His request to serve time at a minimum-security facility in New Jersey was denied, despite citing rehabilitation needs and proximity to family.

Diddy continues to maintain his innocence, asserting that all encounters were consensual and denying any use of coercion. His legal team has filed an appeal with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, seeking to overturn his conviction.