In an appearance at the US District Court in New York, Mr Combs was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. In an indictment that was unsealed at the same time, prosecutors alleged that he also engaged in kidnapping, forced labour, bribery and other crimes.

The USA Department of Justice states that suicide watch refers to the confinement of individuals for their protection, in this case from being a threat to themselves.