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Sean Combs, the hip-hop mogul widely known as P Diddy and/or Puff Daddy, has found himself at the centre of a legal storm with serious criminal charges.
Arrested in September 2024, the music icon faces multiple allegations, including sex trafficking, drug possession, and firearms offences.
A criminal trial began in early May 2025; read on for all the latest news regarding the P Diddy trial and for an explainer of all the charges and allegations.
When will P Diddy’s trial take place?
Combs’ criminal trial began on May 5, 2025.
It’s being presided over by Judge Arun Subramanian.
As of June 12, 2025, the prosecution is still presenting its case.
Which celebrities have been named in the P Diddy trial?
Several celebrities have been mentioned during the trial:
Kid Cudi
Scott Mescudi, better known as Kid Cudi, testified on May 22, 2025.
Cudi was asked to testify as he dated Cassie Ventura – the prosecutors’ key witness and Combs’ ex-girlfriend – in 2011.
Prosecutors also alleged that, in a jealous rage, Combs broke into Cudi’s home in late 2011 and orchestrated a Molotov cocktail attack that set fire to Cudi’s car outside his Los Angeles residence in early 2012.
Usher and Ne-Yo
Dawn Richard testified on May 16, 2025 and said that she witnessed Combs assault Ventura.
She then alleged Usher and Ne-Yo also witnessed the assault.
Drake and Kim Porter
During the four days Cassie Ventura was on the stand, she said that Combs assaulted her the night before they attended Drake’s OVO Fest in 2013.
She also mentioned the late Kim Porter – Combs’ ex-girlfriend and mother of their three children.
Ventura claimed that she and Combs got involved “many years” before he split from Porter in 2007.
Why was P Diddy arrested?
Sean Combs, aka P Diddy, was arrested on September 16, 2024, at a New York hotel. He faces charges of sex trafficking, drug possession, and firearms offences as outlined in a 14-page indictment by the Southern District of New York.
What are P Diddy’s charges?
Combs faces three felony charges:
- Racketeering conspiracy: Engaging in illegal activities disguised as legitimate business.
- Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion: Includes a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
- Transportation for purposes of prostitution: Maximum sentence of 10 years.
The indictment alleges that from at least 2008, Combs used his music empire to run a criminal enterprise that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labour, and other crimes.
Why was P Diddy been denied bail?
Prosecutors argued that Combs poses a threat to the community and could intimidate witnesses, citing his history of alleged violence and coercion. Despite offering a $50 million bail package, his request for house arrest was denied multiple times, with the court finding no conditions would ensure community safety.
What allegations have been made against P Diddy?
The indictment details:
- “Freak offs,” drug-fueled sexual performances involving victims coerced into participation.
- Violence, threats, and abuse to maintain control over victims.
- Extensive use of resources to conceal crimes.
New lawsuits allege further sexual misconduct, including rape and molestation. Claims date back to 1991, with accusers including men, women, and minors.
What have P Diddy and his lawyers said?
Combs denies all allegations and has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, stated, “Diddy is an imperfect person but is not criminal.” Combs’ mother also defended him, decrying what she called a “public lynching” based on lies.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website.
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