- Sean “Diddy” Combs faces serious charges of sex trafficking and abuse, with jury selection beginning for his trial.
- Key witnesses, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie, are expected to testify about years of alleged manipulation and violence.
- If convicted, Combs could face decades in prison, with the trial expected to last at least eight weeks.
First Witnesses in Diddy’s Sex Trafficking Trial
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial is about to begin, with key witnesses set to testify in the coming days. Among them is Cassie Ventura, his ex-girlfriend, who previously filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of years of physical and sexual abuse. Her testimony could prove pivotal in revealing the alleged abuse she endured. Prosecutors may also call former employees and associates to testify about Combs’ alleged pattern of manipulation, coercion, and violence. Their accounts aim to establish what prosecutors describe as a long-running scheme of misconduct.
Jury Selection Begins for Diddy’s Sex Trafficking Trial
Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to stand trial in New York for serious charges. Jury selection begins on Monday, and it could take several days. Once a jury is selected, opening statements and testimony will follow next week. This marks the start of a high-profile legal battle for Combs.
Combs Faces Grave Charges of Sex Trafficking and Abuse
Combs is accused of using his business empire to manipulate women. A 17-page indictment has charged him with sex trafficking and operating a racketeering scheme. Prosecutors claim Combs coerced women into participating in drug-fueled sexual acts with male sex workers, known as “Freak Offs.” These events allegedly took place over two decades. Prosecutors allege Combs leveraged his power to coerce women—dangling career opportunities while threatening to blacklist those who resisted. His inner circle reportedly enabled this pattern, with employees and associates allegedly facilitating his misconduct.
Violence and Control Tactics Alleged
The indictment also details violence used to maintain control over the women. Combs and his associates allegedly used beatings, kidnapping, and even arson to intimidate women. One shocking claim involves Combs allegedly dangling a person from a balcony. These violent acts were meant to instill fear and prevent women from resisting Combs’ demands. The prosecution argues that these actions were part of a consistent pattern of abuse and intimidation.
Combs and His Lawyers Deny the Allegations
Combs and his defense team deny all accusations of abuse and trafficking. They argue that the sexual encounters were consensual and that no one was forced to participate in anything. His lawyers claim there was no criminal conspiracy, and they reject the idea of a racketeering operation. They aim to show that everything that occurred was voluntary and not part of an illegal plan.
The Trial Will Take Several Weeks
The trial, expected to last at least eight weeks, will feature detailed arguments from both sides. Prosecutors will claim Combs exploited women using his wealth and influence, while his defense team will maintain his innocence. The high-profile case is sure to draw intense scrutiny from media and the public as it unfolds.
A Long History of Legal Trouble
This isn’t Combs’ first legal trouble. In 1999, he and his bodyguards assaulted an Interscope Records executive with a champagne bottle and a chair. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and completed anger management classes. That same year, authorities connected him to a nightclub shooting involving his then-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez. Though a jury acquitted Combs, his entourage member, rapper Jamal “Shyne” Barrow, was convicted and served nearly nine years in prison.
In 2015, Combs faced assault charges after allegedly attacking a man with a kettlebell at UCLA. He maintained self-defense, and prosecutors later dropped the case. Yet despite this history, the current trial stands as the most severe legal threat of his career.
Combs Faces Potential Decades in Prison
If convicted, Combs faces decades of prison time. The charges against him are severe. The court will have to decide whether his actions fit the accusations of sex trafficking and violence. The outcome could change his career and personal life forever. This trial is a significant moment in his legal history, and it could have far-reaching consequences.