Sean "Diddy" Combs' Sex-Trafficking Trial Begins Today with Jury Selection in New York

NEW YORK, May 5, 2025 — The highly anticipated federal trial of hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs commences today in downtown Manhattan, with jury selection marking the start of a case that has drawn intense public scrutiny. Combs, 55, faces five criminal counts, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted on all charges, he could face life in prison.

The trial, United States v. Combs, centers on allegations that Combs used his vast business empire, including Bad Boy Records, to orchestrate a decades-long scheme of sexual abuse and coercion. Prosecutors allege Combs coerced women into participating in drug-fueled, recorded sexual performances dubbed "Freak Offs," often involving male sex workers transported across state lines. The indictment claims Combs maintained control over victims through threats, violence, and financial manipulation, with some employees subjected to forced labor under inhumane conditions.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and vehemently denied the allegations, with his legal team asserting that the sexual activities were consensual and reflective of a "swingers" lifestyle. His attorneys, led by Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, have argued that the prosecution is attempting to criminalize consensual relationships and have accused the government of targeting Combs due to his status as a prominent Black figure. They also sought to dismiss a charge under the Mann Act, claiming it has racist origins, but the motion was denied.

Key developments leading up to the trial include a federal judge’s ruling on April 25, 2025, allowing a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura, to be admitted as evidence. The video, first aired by CNN, has been a focal point of controversy, with Combs’ team alleging it was manipulated—a claim CNN has denied. Ventura, identified as "Victim-1" in the indictment, is expected to testify under her real name, while three other alleged victims—referred to as Victim-2, Victim-3, and Victim-4—will use pseudonyms to protect their identities. Additional witnesses, including a male sex worker and a business associate, are also slated to testify.

On May 1, 2025, Combs rejected a plea deal from federal prosecutors, opting to proceed to trial. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, presiding over the case, confirmed the decision during a hearing, noting that a conviction at trial could result in a harsher sentence than the plea offer. The trial is expected to last eight to ten weeks, with opening statements scheduled for May 12 after jury selection, which began today with prospective jurors completing questionnaires.

Combs has been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest on September 16, 2024, after multiple unsuccessful bail attempts. Posts on X describe the facility’s conditions as "hell on earth," highlighting the challenging environment Combs has faced while awaiting trial. The case has also been fueled by dozens of civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and abuse, though these are separate from the criminal proceedings. A high-profile civil suit involving allegations against Combs and Jay-Z was dropped in February 2025.

The trial, held at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse, will not be televised, per federal court rules, with courtroom visuals likely limited to sketch artists. CNN and other outlets plan to provide extensive coverage from inside and outside the courtroom.

17GEN4.com