Federal prosecutors have initiated proceedings to establish that Sean “Diddy” Combs transformed his hip-hop business into a racketeering operation, forcing women to fulfill his sexual demands over two decades. The trial against Combs commenced in New York after jury selection and opening statements were delivered by the attorneys. Combs, wearing a white sweater and with hair now mostly grey, arrived at the courthouse surrounded by supporters. Judge Arun Subramanian is presiding over the trial, with Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey leading the prosecution and Teny Geragos representing the defense.
Geragos, Combs’ attorney, admitted that her client’s aggressive behavior due to alcohol, jealousy, and drugs could justify domestic violence claims but insisted such conduct does not justify charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs has pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Prosecutors claim Combs coerced women into drugged group sexual encounters, called “freak offs” or “wild king nights,” and threatened them with blackmail and physical abuse to maintain silence.
Cassie, identified as Casandra Ventura, was expected to testify, recounting a threat from Combs to release recordings of her intimate encounters if she defied him. The trial also includes surveillance footage showing Combs assaulting Cassie at a Los Angeles hotel, which prosecutors argue is critical evidence. Combs has been detained at a federal jail in Brooklyn since his arrest in September and faces at least 15 years in prison if convicted on all charges. The trial is anticipated to last two months.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/05/13/music-mogul-sean-diddy-combs-faces-15-years-in-prison-if-convicted-as-trial-begins-in-new-
