Sean "Diddy" Combs has consistently refuted the serious allegations leveled against him in multiple civil lawsuits, labeling them as "sickening" and asserting that they originate from individuals seeking financial gain. In a statement provided to the BBC regarding the federal criminal charges, Diddy's lawyer emphasized, "Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone - man or woman, adult or minor."
In a notable legal development, Diddy's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss a segment of the federal indictment, specifically the charge of transportation to engage in prostitution. The defense argued that Combs was being unfairly targeted due to his race. During a hearing in New York, held just a week prior to the scheduled trial, his attorneys presented a defense claiming that the rapper led a lifestyle as a swinger and maintained that he was not a criminal. They asserted that Diddy believed it was acceptable to have multiple sexual partners, including sex workers. At the same hearing, prosecutors disclosed that Combs had turned down a plea deal.
Reporting from court, Pratiksha Ghildial noted that during pre-trial hearings, Sean Diddy Combs’ legal team sought a two-month delay to prepare and review additional evidence. However, Judge Arun Subramanian denied this request, asserting that Combs had sufficient legal representation to prepare adequately in time. Throughout the pre-trial hearings, Combs exhibited a calm demeanor, occasionally smiling and waving at those present in the courtroom. Initially seen in light tan prison attire, the judge has now permitted him to don non-prison clothing, a change expected to be evident in the upcoming trial.
Jury selection for the trial is set to commence today and may extend throughout the week, as the court works to narrow down hundreds of potential jurors. The trial will officially begin once a panel of twelve jurors and six alternates is established. Prosecutor Emily Johnson informed the judge that the government anticipates requiring three weeks to present its case, while Diddy’s legal team indicated they would need one week for their defense. Although the trial will be open to the public, it will not be streamed online.
In the ongoing federal criminal case, Combs faces multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Many of the most severe allegations stem from the racketeering conspiracy charge, which encompasses accusations of kidnapping, drugging, and coercing women into sexual activities, allegedly using firearms or threats of violence. A raid conducted at his Los Angeles mansion resulted in the discovery of supplies purportedly intended for orgies, including drugs and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all these charges.
In addition to the federal case, Combs is confronted with numerous individual lawsuits from individuals alleging that he drugged, raped, or assaulted them, often claiming he intimidated them into silence. Diddy has categorically denied these allegations, asserting that the claimants are merely individuals pursuing a quick financial settlement.
Sean "Diddy" Combs, also known by various monikers including Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love, burst onto the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. His early success in the music industry included launching the careers of renowned artists such as Mary J. Blige and Christopher Wallace, famously known as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G. Combs’ music label, Bad Boy Records, became a cornerstone of hip-hop, nurturing talents like Faith Evans, Ma$e, 112, Mariah Carey, and Jennifer Lopez.
Beyond music, Combs has established a prolific business career, including a lucrative partnership with British drinks company Diageo to promote the French vodka brand Cîroc. In 2023, he released his fifth studio album, The Love Album: Off The Grid, and celebrated his first solo Grammy nomination. Additionally, he was honored as a Global Icon at the MTV Awards.
