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As of May 17, 2025, music star Sean “Diddy” Combs is on trial in New York City. He is facing serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting people for prostitution.
He says he is not guilty and is being held in jail in Brooklyn during the trial, having been denied bail despite offering huge securities. It is thought that he has been refused bail because the prosecution believes there is a danger of potential witnesses being intimidated.
The case against Combs mainly depends on the testimony of his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura. She spoke in court for four days. Ventura says that during their 11-year relationship, Combs abused her. She described being forced into sex acts while on drugs, often with other people involved.
She said that male prostitutes were hired to have sex with her while Combs watched. Sometimes these sessions lasted for hours, or even for days.
She says these events were sometimes recorded without her consent. She also says Combs hit her, including in a 2016 incident caught on a security camera.
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, admits that Combs had a bad temper and was violent at times. But he says the sex acts were agreed to by everyone and do not count as trafficking or racketeering.
Another singer, Dawn Richard, told the court that she saw Combs attack Ventura in 2009. She said he beat her and dragged her by the hair. Richard also said Combs tried to scare people into staying quiet.
Prosecutors say Combs used his fame and power to control and abuse women. They have shown security video, played witness statements, and described how he used threats to stop victims from speaking out.
The trial is not over yet. The jury is expected to hear testimony from several more people in the coming weeks. It is unclear whether Combs intends to testify in his own defense.
If Combs is found guilty of all the charges, he could spend 15 years to life in prison.
Sources: Court TV, Washington Post, news agencies.
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