The selection of jurors commenced on Monday in the sex trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, the musician accused of offenses related to alleged “freak offs.”
The federal inquiry into Combs was partly triggered by a civil suit filed in 2023 by his former partner, Casandra Ventura (Cassie), alleging physical abuse and rape. Although this case was quickly settled, numerous other individuals subsequently filed lawsuits against the 55-year-old, making similar accusations of sexual assault.
Combs was taken into custody last September following allegations of racketeering, drugging, and coercing women into sexual acts with him and others. Combs has denied these accusations and rejected a plea agreement.
A conviction could result in a life sentence for the music executive.
During a pre-trial hearing, Combs’ legal team requested a two-month delay to prepare for the proceedings, but U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian denied this request.
Numerous individuals have accused Combs of sexual abuse, with some plaintiffs in civil suits claiming they were as young as 10 years old when the alleged assaults occurred. Here’s what is known so far.
What has happened so far?
On September 16, Combs was arrested on allegations of abusing, threatening, and coercing women and others to satisfy his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his behavior, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors assert that Combs engaged in kidnapping and sex trafficking, exploiting his celebrity status to attract women before forcing them into nonconsensual activities. It is alleged that some victims were drugged with substances like ketamine or ecstasy to facilitate these activities with Combs.
During a raid on his Beverly Hills mansion in March 2024, federal agents discovered illegal drugs and firearms, along with over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, and other materials reportedly used for the “freak offs.”
While many accusers have chosen to remain anonymous, some have publicly shared their accounts. These include former adult film star Adria English, model and actress Crystal McKinney, and music producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones Jr.
Jones accused Combs of attempting to “groom” him into having sex with another man and forcing him to hire sex workers and engage in sexual activities with them.
Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest on Sept. 16.
This March, a charge of forced labor was added to the case against Combs. A month later, prosecutors added two new sex trafficking charges, as well as an additional charge for transportation to engage in prostitution.
What about Cassie’s case against Diddy?
Combs settled Ventura’s civil lawsuit just a day after it was filed. While Combs denied the allegations, in May 2024, footage emerged from a Los Angeles hotel hallway showing Combs punching and kicking Ventura in 2016. Subsequently, Combs released a video statement on Instagram acknowledging his abusive behavior.
Can you watch the trial?
No. Due to the federal criminal charges against Combs, the use of electronic media is prohibited.
A statute from 1946 prohibits photography and broadcasting in federal criminal courtrooms to protect the defendant’s right to a fair trial. R. Kelly’s federal trial on similar charges was also not televised.