Jury selection has commenced in the highly anticipated federal sex trafficking trial of American music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing allegations of prolonged abuse involving coercion, violence, and drug-fueled encounters.
According to the AFP, the 55-year-old artist, known for his influential role in popularizing hip-hop and his ventures in fashion and alcohol industries, is currently detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Centre.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including a racketeering conspiracy count under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated a pattern of abuse spanning years, using threats and controlled substances to pressure victims into participating in sexual acts. His legal team, however, argues that the relationships were consensual and reflective of Combs’ “swinger” lifestyle.
“The government is trying to paint an extravagant personal life as a criminal enterprise,” Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, told the court.
According to the prosecution, a plea bargain was offered but rejected by Combs. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.
Central to the case is Combs’ former partner, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is expected to testify. A surveillance video from 2016, reportedly showing Combs assaulting Ventura, is likely to be admitted in court, despite ongoing legal disputes over its quality.
Prosecutors also referenced disturbing “freak-off” gatherings — parties allegedly organized by Combs involving sex workers and narcotics, sometimes filmed without consent. These events, according to federal attorneys, were not isolated incidents but part of a broader scheme of exploitation.
In 2023, Ventura filed a civil suit accusing Combs of rape and a decade of abuse, which was settled swiftly. However, the lawsuit triggered a wave of similar allegations from other men and women.
“This trial could be a turning point in how the music industry addresses sexual misconduct,” said Caroline Heldman, co-founder of the Sound Off Coalition, an advocacy group focused on sexual violence in the entertainment industry. “If justice is served, it might empower more survivors to speak out.”
Combs, who once graced red carpets and headlines for his celebrity status, now appears aged and weary during court proceedings. Jury selection is expected to conclude by May 12, with the trial estimated to span eight to ten weeks.
