Sean “Diddy” Combs, the renowned music mogul, faces a federal trial on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025, in Manhattan federal court. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stem from an indictment alleging that he orchestrated elaborate events involving coerced and forced sexual activities.
Combs has remained in custody since his indictment in September 2024, after multiple judges denied his requests for bail, citing concerns about potential witness tampering and threats to the integrity of the case. Prosecutors have described the evidence against him as “voluminous,” including seized digital devices and surveillance footage. Among the allegations is a widely publicized video from 2016 showing Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura. Combs’ legal team has accused federal agents of leaking this video to the media to damage his reputation, though prosecutors have denied such claims.
In addition to the criminal charges, Combs faces multiple civil lawsuits alleging abuse and misconduct over decades. Some of these claims involve accusations of violent assaults, exploitation, and the use of controlled substances to facilitate non-consensual acts. Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing over 100 alleged victims, has called the case a long-overdue reckoning.
The trial is expected to draw significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the allegations and the extensive history of the accusations. The prosecutors have indicated the possibility of additional charges as their review of the evidence continues.
