Hip-hop icon Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to sex-trafficking charges and has been denied bail by a New York federal judge, who deemed him a “serious flight risk.” The 54-year-old musician and entrepreneur was arrested on Monday, accused of running a criminal enterprise since 2008 that involved using drugs and violence to force women into sexual acts, according to prosecutors.

The 14-page indictment charges Combs with racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for prostitution, carrying a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison if convicted.

During his court appearance, Combs, dressed in a black T-shirt and grey sweatpants, firmly declared his plea of “not guilty” when asked by US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky.

Prosecutors allege Combs used his status to lure women into “Freak Offs” — prolonged sexual encounters where he allegedly supplied controlled substances to keep victims compliant. Law enforcement found firearms, ammunition, and over 1,000 bottles of lubricant during raids on his Miami and Los Angeles homes six months ago. Semi-automatic rifles with defaced serial numbers were also seized.

Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has already filed an appeal against the bail ruling, with a hearing set for Wednesday. Agnifilo maintains that his client is innocent and the target of an “unjust prosecution,” stating, “He didn’t do these things. There’s no coercion and no crime.”