Opening statements in the high-profile trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs began Monday, May 12, 2025, in federal court in Manhattan. The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul faces serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Allegations in the Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial

Prosecutors allege that Combs used his vast business empire to coerce women into participating in drug-fueled sex performances, referred to as “freak offs.” These shocking accusations also claim that Combs used threats, violence, and intimidation tactics such as guns, kidnapping, and arson to control his victims and protect his reputation.

The indictment paints a disturbing picture, stating that Combs “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires.” Federal prosecutors further contend that the mogul utilized his powerful influence to conceal his criminal behavior for decades.

Diddy Pleads Not Guilty

Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, is facing a potential life sentence if convicted. He is being held without bail in a Brooklyn jail as his trial proceeds. The jury, composed of 12 New Yorkers and six alternates, will determine his fate.

Trial Timeline and Expectations

The trial, which is expected to last at least eight weeks, will see federal prosecutors present evidence and testimony from multiple witnesses, including victims who have accused Combs of sexual abuse and exploitation.

As the trial unfolds, the public and legal experts will closely watch the proceedings for developments, with Combs’s defense team ready to contest the charges and dispute the allegations brought against him.

Stay tuned for further live updates on this landmark trial.