The high-profile federal trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs commenced on May 12, 2025, in New York City, with opening statements setting the stage for a case that has drawn intense public scrutiny.
Combs, charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, faces allegations of orchestrating a criminal enterprise that exploited women over two decades. He has pleaded not guilty, and the trial, expected to last approximately two months, marks a pivotal moment in addressing accusations that have reshaped his public image.
The trial, held at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse, follows a week of jury selection that proved challenging due to Combs’ celebrity status. Judge Arun Subramanian swore in 12 jurors and six alternates on May 12, after questioning nearly 100 potential jurors to ensure impartiality. Many jurors acknowledged awareness of a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway, which prosecutors intend to present as evidence.
Despite defense efforts to suppress the video, it was deemed admissible, though Combs’ attorneys claim it was manipulated and reflects a consensual relationship. The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson, opened by alleging that Combs used his “power and prestige” to coerce women into drug-fueled sexual performances, termed “Freak Offs,” often without their full consent. Johnson described a 20-year pattern of violence, including arson and bribery, facilitated by Combs’ inner circle.
The defense, represented by attorney Marc Agnifilo, countered that Combs’ actions were part of a consensual “swingers” lifestyle, arguing that the women involved participated willingly and that some accusers have financial motives. Agnifilo acknowledged instances of domestic violence, particularly with Ventura, but framed them as mutual, denying any coercion or trafficking.
The defense has enlisted jury consultant Linda Moreno, known for her work on high-profile cases, to help navigate the complex jury dynamics. Prosecutors plan to call key witnesses, including Ventura, identified as Victim-1, and a male escort, though concerns have arisen about Victim-3’s potential absence despite a subpoena. The trial’s outcome hinges on the credibility of these testimonies and physical evidence, such as items seized from Combs’ homes during 2024 raids.
Combs, who has been detained since his September 2024 arrest, appeared in court wearing a gray sweater and khaki pants, showing visible signs of stress after multiple failed bail attempts, the most recent involving a $50 million package. Prosecutors cited risks of witness tampering, pointing to Combs’ alleged use of other inmates’ phone accounts to evade monitoring.
The case has drawn comparisons to other #MeToo-era trials, with Combs facing a mandatory 15-year sentence if convicted, potentially up to life imprisonment. The trial’s early proceedings underscore the challenge of balancing Combs’ public persona with the gravity of the charges, as both sides prepare to present evidence in a case that could redefine accountability in the entertainment industry.