Warning: This article discusses allegations of sexual assault, which may be distressing to some readers.
Today, May 5, hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is set to go on trial due to a series of accusations that have emerged over the past thirty years.
Known for his role in launching the careers of notable artists such as Usher, Mary J. Blige, and the Notorious B.I.G., Diddy has recently found himself in the spotlight for troubling reasons following his arrest in September 2024.
On September 16, the 54-year-old was detained at the Park Hyatt hotel in Manhattan, New York, following an indictment by a grand jury.
Since then, Diddy has faced serious allegations from four individuals who have chosen to remain anonymous.
The artist, famous for ‘I’ll Be Missing You,’ has also been accused of hosting notorious parties known as ‘freak offs’. At these events, women were reportedly coerced into sexual activities, sometimes being recorded without consent, while Diddy and others allegedly observed.
The charges against Diddy include sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution.
It has been claimed that Diddy and his associates would intimidate victims by using incriminating video evidence or threats of physical harm to ensure their silence.
Prosecutors allege that multiple witnesses have accused Diddy of employing tactics to silence individuals, including choking, hitting, kicking, and dragging them by their hair.
The indictment further accuses Diddy of an incident involving someone being dangled from a balcony.
Diddy has denied all allegations and has entered a not-guilty plea. His lawyers argue that any sexual encounters were consensual.
Diddy’s lawyer previously informed UNILAD: “As Mr. Combs’ legal team has emphasized, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus.
“That said, Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors.
“He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.”
At a pretrial meeting on Thursday, April 29, Diddy indicated to the court that he declined a plea deal that would have resulted in a reduced sentence compared to what he may face if found guilty at trial.
Among the more unusual discoveries in this investigation are claims from officers about what was found during raids on Diddy’s residences.
His homes in Los Angeles, California, and Miami, Florida, were searched by Homeland Security agents last March as part of an ongoing investigation.
Authorities reported discovering 1,000 bottles of baby oil during these operations.
Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, elaborated to the New York Post on why federal prosecutors disclosed the discovery of a significant amount of baby oil and lubricant during the searches.
“I don’t think it was 1,000. I think it was a lot. I mean, there is a Costco right down the street. I think Americans buy in bulk, as we know,” he commented.
“And you know these are consensual adults doing what consensual adults do, you know, we can’t get so puritanical in this country to think that somehow sex is a bad thing because if it was there would be no more people.”
The process of selecting a jury for Diddy’s trial is slated to commence today, May 5, at a federal courthouse in Manhattan, with opening statements likely starting the following week.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson informed the court that the government’s presentation would take no less than three weeks.
Conversely, Diddy’s defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, estimated they would require one week for their defense.
The trial is projected to last at least eight weeks.
If found guilty on all counts, Diddy could face a significant prison sentence spanning several decades.