Diddy’s federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial is underway in New York. The Bad Boy Records founder has remained in prison since his arrest last September, though not without several attempts at successfully arguing for an early release.
In the days leading up to the start of jury selection in the case, court filings revealed that Diddy had made some additions to his legal team. Below, Complex takes a look at what you need to know as this much-discussed case begins.
What is Diddy charged with?
Diddy has been accused of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
“As alleged in the Indictment, for years, Sean Combs used the business empire he controlled to sexually abuse and exploit women, as well as to commit other acts of violence and obstruction of justice,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said when first announcing the initial indictment in September. “Today, he is charged with racketeering and sex trafficking offenses. If you have been a victim of Combs’ alleged abuse – or if you know anything about his alleged crimes – we urge you to come forward. This investigation is far from over.”
How long is the trial expected to last?
Jury selection begins Monday, May 5. Opening statements are slated for one week later, May 12. The widely held assumption is that the trial will continue for eight weeks, possibly longer.
How much jail time is Diddy facing?
Racketeering conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, as does sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. The latter carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years. For transportation for purposes of prostitution, Diddy is looking at a maximum possible sentence of 10 years. Put another way, Diddy could end up being sentenced to decades behind bars, or life, if convicted as charged.
Is Cassie going to testify?
Yes. In April, it was reported that Cassie, who previously accused Diddy of rape in a quickly settled 2023 lawsuit, was “prepared to testify under her own name” as one of Diddy’s alleged victims. The 2016 hotel assault surveillance footage, meanwhile, has remained a source of disagreement between the two sides in this case.
What has Diddy said about the allegations?
Diddy has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. In response to a superseding indictment in March, for example, Marc Agnifilo, an attorney for Diddy, reiterated his client’s past statements.
“Mr. Combs has said it before and will say it again: he vehemently denies the accusations made by the SDNY,” Agnifilo said at the time. “He looks forward to his day in court when it will become clear that he has never forced anyone to engage in sexual acts against their will. Many former employees stand by his side, prepared to attest to the dedication, hard work, and inspiration they experienced while helping build groundbreaking, award-winning businesses.”
