The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, a prominent rapper and music mogul in the US, is set to start in New York with jury selection on Monday. He faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Combs also faces numerous civil lawsuits from individuals accusing him of using his power to drug, assault, rape, intimidate, and silence others. He has pleaded not guilty and dismissed the lawsuits as attempts “for a quick payday.”
Combs, known by several stage names, emerged in the hip-hop scene in the 1990s and had a successful early career, helping launch the careers of prominent artists like Mary J. Blige and Biggie Smalls. His music label, Bad Boy Records, became significant in the rap industry and he had a successful business career outside of music, including a deal with Diageo to promote Cîroc vodka. In 2023, he released his fifth album and earned his first solo Grammy nomination.
The federal criminal case accuses Combs of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. The lawsuit details serious allegations of kidnapping, drugging, and coercing women into sexual activities. A raid on his Los Angeles mansion reportedly found supplies intended for use in orgies, known as “freak offs.” Combs also faces multiple lawsuits accusing him of rape and assault. His legal team denies these allegations, stating they are “clear attempts to garner publicity.”
Combs’ legal issues began with a lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who accused him of violent abuse and rape. The lawsuit was settled quickly, with Combs maintaining his innocence. Since then, many more people have filed lawsuits accusing Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. His controversial history with Ms. Ventura resurfaced when CCTV footage showed Combs kicking her in a hotel hallway in 2016. He apologized for his behavior but denied the allegations of sexual assault and trafficking.
Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest on September 16, 2024. His lawyers have argued for his release due to the jail’s “horrific” conditions, but a judge denied the request, deeming Combs a “serious flight risk.” Prosecutors accuse him of breaking prison rules by contacting potential witnesses.
The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on Monday, with the main trial starting afterward. Prosecutors expect to present their case over three weeks, and the defense anticipates needing a week for their case. The trial will take place at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan courthouse in lower Manhattan before US District Judge Arun Subramanian and is expected to be open to the public. If convicted, Combs faces up to life in prison on the racketeering charge, a minimum of 15 years on the sex trafficking charge, and a maximum of 10 years for transportation for purposes of prostitution.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qz32wzeego
