The federal sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs began in Manhattan with jury selection, marking the latest chapter in the dramatic downfall of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has been detained at a federal jail in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024 after judges denied him bail over concerns that he could flee or attempt to influence witnesses.
If convicted on all counts, Combs could face life imprisonment.
Once regarded as one of the entertainment industry’s most powerful figures, Combs built a business empire that extended beyond music through Bad Boy Records, media ventures including Revolt TV, and numerous fashion and beverage investments. His career, however, has been overshadowed by a growing number of allegations of sexual misconduct and violence that culminated in the federal criminal case.
Jury Selection Begins
Jury selection started Monday before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court. Prospective jurors were questioned about whether they could remain impartial in a trial expected to include violent and sexually explicit evidence.
The judge informed potential jurors that Combs had pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent under the law.
By the end of the first day, roughly half of the initial jury pool had been excused for reasons ranging from scheduling conflicts to concerns that their prior opinions or experiences could affect their impartiality. Jury selection was expected to continue before opening statements and testimony begin.
During the proceedings, Combs appeared in civilian clothing consisting of a sweater over a white collared shirt and gray slacks after receiving permission from the court to forgo prison attire. His hair and beard appeared almost entirely gray after months in detention.
At one point during jury selection, Combs requested a brief recess, telling the judge, “I’m sorry, your honor, I’m a little nervous today.”
Because federal courts prohibit live television coverage, courtroom sketch artists are providing visual representations of the proceedings.
Prosecutors Allege Long-running Criminal Enterprise
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs operated a criminal enterprise spanning approximately two decades that exploited women through coercion, intimidation, violence, and sexual abuse.
According to the indictment, prosecutors claim Combs organized events known as “Freak Offs,” in which women were allegedly manipulated or coerced into participating in drug-fueled sexual encounters with male sex workers. The indictment alleges that these encounters were sometimes recorded while Combs watched or masturbated.
Prosecutors contend that Combs relied on employees and associates within his business organization to facilitate and conceal the alleged activities, leading to racketeering conspiracy charges in addition to sex trafficking offenses.
The indictment further alleges that when victims resisted his demands, Combs and members of his entourage resorted to intimidation and violence, including beatings, kidnapping, and arson. Prosecutors also allege that on one occasion he dangled a person from a balcony.
Defense Says Relationships Were Consensual
Combs and his legal team have denied the allegations, arguing that the government is attempting to criminalize consensual adult relationships.
His attorneys maintain that any group sexual activity involving Combs occurred with the consent of all participants and did not constitute sex trafficking or racketeering.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo has acknowledged that Combs was “not a perfect person” and that his personal life involved drug use and toxic relationships. However, he has argued that these issues do not amount to the crimes charged by federal prosecutors.
Hotel Surveillance Video as Key Evidence
Several prospective jurors indicated they had seen media coverage featuring surveillance footage from a Los Angeles hotel in 2016 that appears to show Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura.
One potential juror described the footage as “damning evidence” and was subsequently dismissed from consideration.
The hotel video has become one of the prosecution’s most significant pieces of evidence after it surfaced publicly. Combs later acknowledged the incident and apologized for his behavior.
Ventura filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in late 2023, alleging years of abuse, including physical violence and rape. That lawsuit was settled shortly after it was filed, although the settlement did not constitute an admission of wrongdoing.
High-profile Legal Troubles
The federal prosecution follows a series of civil lawsuits accusing Combs of sexual assault, abuse, and misconduct dating back several decades. He has denied those allegations.
Prosecutors argue that the current case involves more than isolated incidents, alleging instead that Combs led an organized criminal enterprise that used his wealth, influence, and business network to facilitate abuse and silence victims.
The trial is expected to last approximately two months and is widely viewed as the most significant legal challenge of Combs’ career.
