Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial begins in NYC
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Diddy performs at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on Nov. 7 in London, England. Photo: Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Sean Diddy Combs
Jury selection for the sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs opens Monday in New York City.
Why it matters: Combs faces several charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, with prosecutors alleging he "abused, threatened and coerced" women and those around him for decades.
Catch up quick: Combs, who has been jailed since September, has pleaded not guilty.
- The trial is expected to last at least eight weeks, per the Associated Press.
- If convicted, he could spend decades in prison.
Driving the news: Prosecutors originally charged the Grammy-winning artist with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution last year.
- A superseding indictment filed weeks before his trial brought two additional counts, including sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.
The big picture: Prosecutors wrote that Combs created a "criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in" crimes such as "sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice," according to the September indictment.
- They allege he and his associates wielded his "power and prestige" to "intimidate, threaten, and lure female victims," who then under "force, threats of force, and coercion" engaged in elaborate, extended sex acts with male sex workers.
- Combs' staff and business associates were involved in organizing and facilitating the so-called "Freak Offs," prosecutors said. That included arranging travel, booking hotel rooms and stocking them with "supplies," like "controlled substances," baby oil and extra linens.
- Prosecutors say he maintained control over victims through many means, such as physical violence and promises of career opportunities, and used recordings he kept as collateral to ensure their silence.
Zoom out: Combs has faced a wave of sexual assault and abuse allegations, including from his ex-partner Cassie, an R&B singer who was signed to his label.
- Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, said in a 2023 lawsuit that Combs had beaten and raped her — allegations Combs denied. The suit was quickly settled.
- Last year, CNN published surveillance video of a 2016 incident showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway. He issued a public apology after the video went viral.
The other side: Combs' attorneys say that he has had "complicated relationships with significant others as well as with alcohol and drugs" but that the encounters described in the indictment were all consensual.
What we're watching: Opening statements are slated to begin May 12.
Go deeper: Sean "Diddy" Combs slammed with 120 new sexual assault allegations
