Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will stand in court after being charged with three felonies
Warning: This article discusses sexual assault and domestic abuse, which some readers may find distressing.
The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is set to commence today, 5 May, in New York, with the music mogul facing multiple serious charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
It has been nearly eight months since the renowned record producer was arrested, and now, the Grammy-winning artist is finally set to stand trial after being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Combs has been denied bail multiple times during his incarceration and recently turned down a last-minute plea deal. When asked by Judge Arun Subramanian if he was rejecting the plea deal from prosecutors, Combs responded firmly: “Yes, I do, your honor. Thank you.”
His defense attorney continues to assert his innocence, with plans to fight the charges in a trial expected to last between eight to ten weeks.
Diddy’s arrest and indictment
On September 16, 2024, Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in a Manhattan hotel room following an indictment by a grand jury.
Combs’ legal team asserted that the Bad Boy Records co-founder had voluntarily relocated to New York in preparation for the charges, emphasizing that “These are the actions of an innocent man with nothing to hide,” and that he eagerly awaits the opportunity to clear his name in court.
Several lawsuits have been filed, accusing Combs of numerous incidents and felonies spanning a 25-year period.
What has Diddy been charged with?
The 55-year-old entertainment mogul faces three serious charges in a 14-page indictment issued by the Southern District of New York (SDNY):
- Racketeering conspiracy
- Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion
- Transportation to engage in prostitution
The charges are linked to sex trafficking, drug possession, and firearms offenses. Racketeering and sex trafficking carry the potential penalty of life imprisonment.
According to the indictment, since 2008, Combs allegedly “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.”
It further asserts that Combs utilized his influence within the music industry to establish a “criminal enterprise,” involving crimes such as forced labor and arson.
Authorities reportedly seized approximately 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant from Combs’ properties in Miami and Los Angeles during raids, which they claim were connected to the artist’s alleged “freak-off” parties.
The day after his arrest, Combs pleaded not guilty to all charges and was denied bail. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, stated: “Mr. Combs is a fighter. He’s going to fight this to the end. He’s innocent.”
Diddy is looking at life behind bars (Bryan Steffy/WireImage/Getty Images)
What has Diddy said in response to the charges?
After his arrest, Diddy’s legal representative told LADbible: “As Mr. Combs’ defense team has consistently stated, he cannot address every unfounded accusation amid what has turned into a sensationalized media spectacle.”
The statement continued, emphasizing, “Mr. Combs vehemently denies any claims of sexual abuse, including allegations involving minors. These accusations are false and defamatory. He is eager to prove his innocence in court, where the truth will be revealed through evidence, not conjecture.”
This declaration came after Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee hinted that additional lawsuits would soon be filed, representing around 120 alleged victims.
Following his arrest, Combs was also denied bail, which had been set at $50 million (£37.8 million).
What other accusations have been leveled against Diddy?
In the aftermath of his arrest, a series of allegations have surfaced, including multiple accusations of rape and sexual assault against the music mogul.
Reports suggest that Combs’ alleged criminal network was concealed under the guise of his music empire. Among the accusations is a notable lawsuit filed by his former partner, singer Cassandra Ventura, better known as Cassie.
Cassie is expected to serve as a key witness in the trial. In 2023, she accused Diddy of rape and a decade of physical and emotional abuse. The case was settled the following day, but CCTV footage surfaced showing Diddy dragging Cassie by her hair in a California hotel. Despite his legal team’s attempts to exclude this footage from the trial, the court ruled it admissible.
Diddy’s felonies could land him in prison for life (Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images for Sean “Diddy” Combs)
How long could Diddy spend in prison?
If found guilty of the three felony charges, Combs could face life imprisonment.
Racketeering conspiracy, involving illegal activities disguised as legitimate business, carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion also carries a life sentence, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison.
The third charge, transportation for the purpose of prostitution, has a maximum sentence of 10 years, meaning the music mogul could be facing multiple life sentences.
Will Diddy’s trial be televised?
Diddy’s trial will not be televised. As he is facing federal criminal charges, the presence of ‘electronic media’ in the courtroom is prohibited by a law established in 1946.
According to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53, broadcasting and photographing a federal criminal trial are not permitted.
Federal civil trials, however, have more flexible guidelines, and media coverage is determined by the discretion of the judge.
A jury of 12 will be selected today, and the opening statements are scheduled for May 12.
Featured Image Credit: Bryan Steffy/WireImage/Getty Images