Opening statements are scheduled to begin today, Monday, May 12, 2025, in the high-profile federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The trial is taking place at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in New York and is expected to last approximately eight weeks.

🔍 Charges and Allegations

Combs, 55, faces five federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Prosecutors allege that over two decades, Combs operated a criminal enterprise through his music empire to exploit women sexually. The indictment details events referred to as “Freak Offs,” where women were allegedly coerced into drug-fueled sexual encounters, sometimes recorded without consent.

A central piece of evidence is a 2016 security video purportedly showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Ventura is expected to testify during the trial.

🧑‍⚖️ Defense Position

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense team argues that the activities in question were consensual and part of a “swingers” lifestyle, asserting that the prosecution is mischaracterizing his personal life.

👥 Jury and Trial Proceedings

The jury, consisting of 12 members and 6 alternates, was finalized this morning. Opening statements are scheduled to follow. The trial is not being publicly broadcast, but it has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendant and the serious nature of the allegations.

If convicted on all counts, Combs faces a minimum of 15 years to life in prison.

For live updates and more detailed coverage, you can follow the proceedings here: