Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sex Trafficking Trial Begins: A Landmark Legal Battle in the Entertainment Industry

By Dominica Bernhard

The federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs officially began this week in a Manhattan courtroom, launching what could become one of the most consequential celebrity criminal trials in modern American history. The 55-year-old music mogul, fashion entrepreneur, and business magnate stands accused of orchestrating a sprawling criminal enterprise that exploited his fame and influence to traffic, abuse, and manipulate women over the course of two decades.

Opening a New Chapter in #MeToo-Era Reckonings

Combs, once celebrated for transforming the hip-hop landscape through Bad Boy Records and launching global brands like Ciroc and Sean John, is now at the center of a sweeping federal indictment that alleges he used his power and money to facilitate sex trafficking, intimidation, and violent sexual exploitation.

The case—being prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York—has been described by legal experts as a “potential watershed moment,” drawing comparisons to the trials of Harvey Weinstein, R. Kelly, and Jeffrey Epstein.

Details of the Indictment: “A Pattern of Abuse”

According to the 36-page indictment unsealed late last year, Combs is facing multiple counts, including:

Racketeering conspiracy under the RICO Act

Sex trafficking of adults and minors

Transportation of individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activity

Obstruction of justice

 Witness tampering and intimidation

Federal prosecutors allege that Combs organized and financed a secret network of sex parties—dubbed “Freak Offs”—in luxury homes and private hotels in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and international locations. The indictment claims women were lured with the promise of fame, modeling contracts, or music careers and then subjected to degrading sexual encounters, often involving drugs, surveillance, and coercion.

One victim, whose name has been redacted from public filings, claimed that she was 17 years old when she was first trafficked by Combs’ associates and kept in a state of “emotional captivity” for years.

Combs’ Defense: “All Encounters Were Consensual”

Attorneys for Combs have issued strong denials, calling the charges “sensationalized lies designed to destroy a Black business icon.” They argue that the sexual encounters were entirely consensual and that many of the claims come from disgruntled former partners, employees, or opportunistic individuals seeking financial gain.

Lead defense attorney Benjamin Brafman, who previously represented clients such as Dominique Strauss-Kahn and Martin Shkreli, stated, “Mr. Combs has built an empire from the ground up, and it is appalling to see his legacy targeted by falsehoods in a trial of innuendo and opportunism.”

The defense is expected to argue that the government’s evidence—largely composed of testimony from former associates and alleged victims—is unreliable and lacks forensic support.

An Anonymous Jury and Tight Security

Given the enormous public interest and potential risks to jurors, U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain approved the use of an anonymous and partially sequestered jury. Jurors will be transported to and from the courthouse under U.S. Marshals’ protection.  Security at the courthouse has been significantly heightened, with streets partially cordoned off and crowds of journalists, fans, and protestors gathering daily.  Opening statements are set to begin on May 12, and the trial is expected to last up to eight weeks.

Celebrity Witnesses and Public Scrutiny

Among the list of potential witnesses is Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former partner and singer who settled a separate civil lawsuit against him in 2023 alleging years of abuse. She may now testify in the criminal trial, offering crucial insight into the mogul’s behavior.

Also expected to appear or be referenced in court are various industry insiders, bodyguards, assistants, and performers who were allegedly aware of or complicit in Combs’ activities.  Some witnesses have requested anonymity or voice modulation technology to protect their identities, citing fear of retaliation from Combs’ loyal fan base or remaining business partners.

Impact on Business and Brand Empire

Since the charges surfaced, Combs’ business empire has unravelled rapidly:

Liquor giant Diageo terminated its decades-long partnership with Ciroc and DeLeón Tequila.

Hulu pulled a biopic series centered on his rise in the music industry.

Sean John, his once-celebrated fashion line, has ceased operations under his leadership.

Several universities and non-profits have returned donations tied to Combs.

Forbes magazine estimated Combs’ net worth at $800 million in early 2024; that number is now projected to have fallen by more than 60% amid canceled deals and mounting legal fees.

Broader Implications for the Music Industry

The trial has reopened conversations about unchecked power in the entertainment world, with many critics arguing that Combs’ alleged behavior thrived for years due to a culture of silence and complicity.

“This trial is not just about Sean Combs,” said Dr. Maya Ellison, a media ethics professor at Columbia University. “It’s about the structures that allowed—and even rewarded—his conduct for decades. It will force the industry to reckon with how it protects its stars while silencing their victims.”

Next Steps in the Legal Process

After jury selection concludes this week, both sides will present their opening arguments. Prosecutors have hinted that video recordings, financial documents, and cell phone data will be introduced to establish patterns of trafficking and abuse.  The court has not ruled out the possibility of live testimony from Combs himself, though legal analysts say that is highly unlikely given the risks of cross-examination.  If convicted on all counts, Combs faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in federal prison.

Dominica Bernhard is a freelance writer for Veritas Expositae.  You can reach her at dominica.bernhard@veritasexpositae.com