Diddy Criminal Trial Set To Start May 5

Sean "Diddy" Combs is set to face trial starting May 5, 2025, in Manhattan federal court on five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs, 55, was arrested on September 16, 2024, in New York City following a federal investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). 

The charges stem from allegations that Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise through his business empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to facilitate sexual abuse, exploitation, and other crimes over two decades, from 2004 to 2024. The indictment accuses Combs of using his wealth, influence, and control over his businesses to coerce and manipulate victims, primarily women, into participating in illicit activities.

Key Allegations and Charges:

• Racketeering Conspiracy: Prosecutors allege that Combs led a criminal organization involving employees, security staff, and associates who enabled and concealed his abusive conduct. This includes crimes like sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice. The racketeering charge carries a potential life sentence.
• Sex Trafficking (Two Counts): Combs is accused of forcing at least three female victims into commercial sex acts through violence, threats, and coercion. One count relates to "Victim-1" (2009–2018), and a newer count, added in April 2025, involves "Victim-2" (2021–2024). Allegations include transporting women across state lines for sexual performances called "Freak Offs."
• Transportation to Engage in Prostitution (Two Counts): These charges allege Combs arranged for women and male sex workers to be transported across state lines to participate in "Freak Offs," described as elaborate, recorded sexual performances involving coercion, drugs, and intimidation.
• Forced Labor (Added in March 2025): A superseding indictment claims Combs subjected employees to inhumane working conditions, using threats of physical, financial, and reputational harm to force compliance, including compelling one employee to engage in sex acts.

Jury selection begins May 5, 2025, with opening statements set for May 12. The prosecution expects a three-week case, while the defense anticipates one week.