Federal prosecutors have begun their case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging that he transformed his hip-hop business into a racketeering enterprise that coerced women into fulfilling his sexual demands over a period of two decades. The trial commenced on Monday in New York, following jury selection and opening statements from both sides.
Combs, who arrived at the courthouse shortly before 9 am local time, was dressed in a white sweater and displayed a noticeable shift in hair color from jet-black to predominantly grey. He greeted his legal team warmly and signaled support to the crowd of supporters gathered in the courtroom. Among those present were Combs’ mother and several of his children, who were escorted past the throngs of onlookers into the building.
Trial proceedings and defense arguments
The trial is being overseen by US District Judge Arun Subramanian, with Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey leading the prosecution, while Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson delivered the opening statements. Representing Combs is New York attorney Marc Agnifilo, with Teny Geragos providing the defense’s opening remarks.
Attorney Teny Geragos acknowledged that Combs’ aggressive behavior, often fueled by alcohol, jealousy, and drugs, might warrant allegations of domestic violence. Nevertheless, she contended that such conduct does not justify the charges of sex trafficking and racketeering lodged against him. Geragos advised jurors that while they may find Diddy to be a “jerk” and disapprove of his “kinky” sexual practices, he is not on trial for being unpleasant or for his sexual preferences.
The 55-year-old artist has pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment, which includes one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts related to transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Diddy coerced women into participating in drug-fueled group sexual encounters, which he referred to as “freak offs,” “wild king nights,” or “hotel nights.” Furthermore, they claim that he used threats, blackmail, and physical abuse—such as choking, hitting, and dragging—to silence these women.
“If she defied him again, he would release recordings of her having sex with a male escort—souvenirs of the most humiliating nights of her life,” Johnson stated.
Key testimonies and evidence
One of the key witnesses expected to testify is Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura. In 2023, she filed a lawsuit against Combs, which was settled swiftly but subsequently ignited a law enforcement investigation and led to a multitude of additional lawsuits with similar allegations.
The sex parties, central to the prosecution’s claims of sexual abuse, were reportedly financed by Diddy’s company, occurring in hotel rooms both domestically and internationally. Prosecutor Johnson indicated that Combs’ staff tailored the hotel environments to his liking, complete with specialized lighting, extra linens, and lubricants.
In a pivotal moment of the trial, jurors were shown surveillance footage from a March 2016 incident at a Los Angeles hotel, where Combs allegedly assaulted Cassie. The footage depicts Cassie near hotel elevators when Combs attacks her, forcibly throwing her to the ground, kicking her, and dragging her back toward their room. Following the release of this video by several US broadcasters last year, Diddy expressed remorse, stating he was “disgusted” by his actions.
If convicted on all counts, Diddy faces the possibility of 15 years in prison. He has been held at a federal facility in Brooklyn since his arrest in September, with the trial expected to continue for approximately two months.