USA Serious allegations: Sean Combs' mother defends her son

The mother of US rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs (54), who has been charged with numerous sex crimes and is currently in custody, has defended her son. The serious allegations have left her "shaken and deeply saddened", according to a statement released by Janice Combs via a law firm and made available to the German Press Agency. "It breaks my heart to see my son condemned - not for the truth, but for a narrative generated from lies."

Her son was not perfect, had made mistakes and had not always told the whole truth, it continued. But he deserved to be allowed to tell his side of the story before he was judged.

The musician, who has been one of the most successful rappers in the world in recent decades with hits such as "I'll Be Missing You" and "Bad Boy For Life", has been in custody for around two weeks. The rapper is accused of sex trafficking, organized crime and other offences. In addition, there are already several civil lawsuits for sexual abuse. Combs rejects the accusations.