The sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs commences today (5 May) in New York City, marking the beginning of a high-profile case that has gripped both the entertainment world and the public. Music mogul, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, 55, is facing a series of serious allegations, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and a range of other criminal offences. Jury selection begins today (May 5) while opening statements are expected on 12 May. Diddy has been in custody since September 2024 after being denied bail and has maintained his innocence, rejecting a plea deal during his most recent pre-trial hearing.

According to the charges brought against him, Combs is accused of orchestrating a longstanding criminal operation, dating back as far as 2004, with the assistance of employees and close associates. The alleged crimes include sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, bribery, obstruction of justice, and even arson. Initially charged in September with one count each of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking through force, fraud or coercion, and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution, a revised indictment in April added two further charges. These included an additional count of sex trafficking and another of transportation for prostitution.

Prosecutors claim Combs engaged in a sustained pattern of abuse, targeting women and other individuals with verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual violence. The indictment alleges he manipulated women into engaging in sexual acts, sometimes alongside male sex workers, under coercive circumstances. These individuals were reportedly flown across the country to participate. The trial is set to take place on weekdays, running from Monday through to Friday. District Judge Arun Subramanian will preside over the case. Although the proceedings are currently anticipated to last around eight weeks, this timeframe may shift depending on how the trial unfolds.

As Combs is being prosecuted under federal criminal law, the use of electronic media in the courtroom is strictly prohibited. According to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53, unless specifically allowed by statute or court rules, photography and the live broadcasting of court proceedings are not permitted during the trial. Combs has rejected all allegations, declined a plea agreement, and maintains that he is innocent. In a statement issued in April, his legal representatives referred to the claimants as “former long-term partners who were engaged in consensual relationships with him. What occurred was part of their private sex lives, based on mutual consent, not coercion.”

Sean Combs could be sentenced to life imprisonment if found guilty of the racketeering charge. A conviction for sex trafficking carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. The offence of transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. The trial is expected to draw intense media attention in the coming weeks as more details emerge.