The commencement of the proceedings, set to last up to 8 weeks, could mark a pivotal moment for the music industry and the shadowy circles that have long surrounded it
As of May 12, 2025, Sean «Diddy» Combs’ federal trial has officially commenced in Manhattan, marking a pivotal moment in a case that has captivated public attention. The 55-year-old music mogul faces serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors allege that over two decades, Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise involving the coercion and abuse of women, facilitated by his entourage and employees across his business ventures.
🧵🚨: I’ll be posting updates today on X about Sean «Diddy» Combs sex trafficking trial.
The jury has been finalized and opening statements are underway. The jury is 8 men and 4 women.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and his defense attorneys have previously…
The trial began with opening statements and the commencement of witness testimonies. Key evidence includes a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs allegedly assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura. The prosecution contends that such incidents were part of a broader pattern of abuse, while the defense maintains that all interactions were consensual and part of a «swinger» lifestyle.
The case has drawn significant media attention, with potential celebrity witnesses such as Kanye West, Michael B. Jordan, and Kid Cudi mentioned during jury selection. Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, faces a minimum sentence of 15 years if convicted on all charges. The trial is expected to last at least eight weeks, with the possibility of life imprisonment if he is found guilty.
Despite the public interest and media frenzy, the trial will not be televised. However, we’ll tell you where to follow real-time updates on the case.
Homeland Security Officers gather outside the Southern District of New York Federal Court, as jury selection begins in Sean «Diddy» Combs’ federal sex crimes trial in New York on May 5, 2025. Jury selection begins Monday in New York in the blockbuster federal sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean «Diddy» Combs, who stands accused of years of harrowing abuse. kena Betancur / AFP
Where to watch Diddy’s Trial?
News agencies like Reuters will be reporting live from outside the courthouse with real-time coverage of any developments related to Diddy’s trial. You can follow the live stream via this YouTube link.
While not many other broadcasts are permitted, several reputable news outlets are providing comprehensive coverage, such as Vulture, People or FOX.
Trial Overview
The trial began with jury selection, drawing from a pool of approximately 600 potential jurors. Combs appeared in court in professional attire, a departure from his previous jail uniform.
Prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated events known as «freak-offs,» involving coerced sexual acts, drugs, and filmed activities. Key evidence includes surveillance footage purportedly showing Combs assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who is expected to testify.
People wait in line outside the Southern District of New York Federal Court, as jury selection begins in Sean «Diddy» Combs’ federal sex crimes trial in New York on May 5, 2025. Jury selection begins Monday in New York in the blockbuster federal sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean «Diddy» Combs, who stands accused of years of harrowing abuse. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)
The defense maintains that all encounters were consensual and denies the existence of a criminal enterprise. The trial is expected to last at least eight weeks, with opening statements scheduled for May 12.
Stay tuned to the aforementioned outlets for ongoing coverage and updates on this high-profile case.
PRISA MEDIA USA, INC, expressly reserves the right to reproduce and use the works and other services accessible from this website by machine-readable media or other suitable means.
USA
ES
MX
CO
CH
PA
ARG
CR
GUA
EC
RD
