Diddy Gets His Day In Court

'Bad Boy' Diddy during a White-Out

The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, set to begin with jury selection today, in New York City’s Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse, is a high-profile federal case involving charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. 

Overseen by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, the trial stems from Combs’ arrest on September 16, 2024, and follows a series of civil lawsuits and a federal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse spanning decades. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and rejected a plea deal, facing a potential life sentence if convicted. 

Here’s a detailed overview:

• Combs faces five criminal counts: expanded through superseding indictments in January and April 2025. The charges allege he ran a criminal enterprise through his business empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, from 2004 to 2024.
• Sex Trafficking: Coercing at least three women into commercial sex acts using force, threats, and drugs during events called “Freak Offs,” often recorded and used as blackmail.
• Racketeering Conspiracy: Operating a network involving kidnapping, arson, bribery, forced labor, and witness tampering to maintain control and silence victims.
• Transportation for Prostitution: Transporting women and male sex workers across state lines for sexual performances.
• Forced Labor: Forcing employees to work long hours under inhumane conditions, using threats of physical, financial, and reputational harm.

Key Evidence includes a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, is central to the case. Prosecutors allege Combs paid $100,000 to suppress the footage. Other evidence includes seized videos of “Freak Offs” and over 96 electronic devices from searches at Combs’ residences and an airport.

Sean Combs's career spans multiple facets of the entertainment industry, evolving from a music producer and executive to a performer and actor. He is known for his work with artists like Notorious B.I.G., his founding of Bad Boy Records, and his television appearances.

Early Career (1990s):

• 1990-1996:
• Begins his career as a music producer and executive, working with various artists and establishing a foundation for his future success.
• Debuts as a lead performer with the hit single "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down," establishing him as a solo artist.

Rise to Fame (1990s-2000s):

• 1996-1998: "Puff Daddy" and his debut album "No Way Out" achieve massive success, solidifying his position in the music industry.
• 1999-2000: Releases "Forever," continuing his chart-topping success.
• 2001-2004: Transitions to the alias "P. Diddy" and releases "The Saga Continues," expanding his musical style and audience.

Later Career (2000s-2020s):

• 2005-2009 Continues as "Diddy," releasing "Press Play," which explores various genres.
• 2010-2013: Works on "Diddy – Dirty Money," ventures into acting, and explores various other business endeavors.
• 2014-2017: Releases "MMM," celebrates Bad Boy Records anniversaries, and continues to expand his brand.
• 2018-2024:.Releases "Love" and "The Love Album: Off the Grid," continuing to evolve his musical style and reach.

May 5, 2025: Jury selection is scheduled to begin for Combs’ trial.