The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Sean Combs, known by his rapper alias P. Diddy (previously Puff Daddy), has taken the media world by storm over the last few years. Unfortunately, it isn’t his music that has caused a stir.
Combs has been facing a range of allegations since 2017, but these allegations escalated in 2023 and 2024. In May 2025, the now infamous trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs began. Join us here at Crime+Investigation as we dive deeper into the charges, the trial, the outcome, and the future for the once infamous rapper.
Who is Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs?
Harlem-born Sean Combs began interning at Uptown Records in New York in 1990. His reputation for throwing wild parties began around this time. These parties, dubbed 'Diddy Parties', would become subject to scrutiny in the years to follow due to the nature of the allegations against Combs.
The allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
There have been numerous allegations of sexual misconduct against Sean Combs over the years, beginning back in 2017. These allegations stretch back to 1990 through to 2023, making for more than two decades' worth of potential accusations.
Along with 10 civil lawsuits regarding sexual misconduct and abuse, Combs was also accused of sexual harassment, rape, sexual abuse of children and sexual assault via drug facilitation.
These allegations ramped up towards the end of 2023, as four women accused Combs of sexual misconduct. One of these women was Cassie Ventura, an R&B singer and the former girlfriend of Combs.
Ventura accused Combs of several sexual assault and abuse incidents over a ten-year period, as well as trafficking, rape and physical assault. Various other claimants also stepped forward with allegations of sexual abuse against Combs.
The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
The trial of Sean Combs began on 5th May 2025 in New York at the Federal District Court, Lower Manhattan. He faced five felony charges, which were as follows:
- Two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution: One of these charges related to Cassie Ventura, while another was for an unnamed woman referred to as Jane. This change carried a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
- Two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion: Again, these two charges were brought forward by Ventura and Jane. A conviction with this charge carried a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. The maximum sentence is life imprisonment. Another woman, given the pseudonym Mia, was also an alleged victim who gave evidence alongside Cassie and Jane.
- One count of racketeering conspiracy: The prosecutors on the case argued that Combs had been the leader of a significant crime enterprise for over 20 years. Allegations were made that Combs used his business as a cover for crimes such as sex trafficking, distribution of drugs, bribery and more. This charge faced a potential life sentence.
Combs pleaded not guilty to all of the charges put against him. The prosecution during the trial claimed that Combs was able to use his fame and money to entice women to attend the aforementioned Diddy Parties.
Once there, he would allegedly coerce them into performing sexual acts while under the influence of drugs. There were allegations that Combs would blackmail the women with the release of sex tapes and cutting off financial support if they told anyone. Combs himself did not testify during his trial.
The verdict
The jury began their deliberation on 30th June 2025. It took them three days to come to a conclusion, but the result was not straightforward. The verdict was mixed. On 2nd July 2025, Sean Combes was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, putting him in violation of the Mann Act. He was found not guilty of two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of racketeering conspiracy.
Combs was denied bail and at the time of writing, he is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. His next sentencing is scheduled for 3rd October 2025.
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