Sean "Diddy" Combs sex trafficking trial: Charges, defence claims, trial timeline, and celebrity ties¡ªall you need to know

Sean ¡°Diddy¡± Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, P Diddy, and Diddy, is heading to court this week. Jury selection for his federal trial begins Monday, May 5, in New York. The music producer and entrepreneur, once known for shaping the careers of artists and building a billion-dollar brand, now faces explosive accusations after years of rumors and lawsuits.

What is Diddy being charged with?

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Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested on September 16, 2024, at a hotel in Manhattan, New York, following a grand jury indictment. He is currently being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn.

Diddy is being accused of sex trafficking, sexual assault, drug distribution, witness intimidation, and running a criminal operation (racketeering). Prosecutors say he used his fame and money to control and abuse women over nearly 20 years.

According to the 14-page indictment, Diddy held drug-fueled sex parties called ¡°Freak Offs¡± and pressured women to take part. Some were promised help with their careers if they went along with it, or cut off if they didn¡¯t. There are also claims of violence, including beatings and even dangling someone over a balcony.

¡°Combs relied on the employees, resources, and influence of the multi-faceted business empire that he led and controlled ¡ª creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice,¡± prosecutors allege.

What does Diddy say?

Diddy has denied all the charges. His lawyers say the sex was between consenting adults and that there was no abuse or criminal activity. In an April statement, Combs' legal team said the women accusing him were ¡°former long-term partners involved in consensual relationships,¡± adding that ¡°what happened was part of their private sex lives, based on consent, not force or pressure.¡±

How long will the trial last?

The trial is expected to last around eight weeks. After jury selection, opening statements will likely begin next week. Many witnesses are expected to take the stand.

Will Diddy's trial be televised?

No, federal trials can¡¯t be televised. Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom. But reporters will be there every day, and media outlets will provide updates, courtroom sketches, and legal analysis.

What about his celebrity ties?

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Diddy has been associated with many famous people, including Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Ashton Kutcher, Jay-Z, and Beyonc¨¦. None of them are part of the case, but most of them have distanced themselves from the now-disgraced rapper since his arrest last September.

What happens next?

If convicted, Diddy could face serious prison time. For now, the focus is on what happens in the courtroom. This is one of the biggest trials involving a celebrity in recent years, and many are watching to see how it ends.

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