What are the main charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs?

Sean "Diddy" Combs is currently facing serious federal criminal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. These charges stem from allegations that he used his extensive business empire and influence to facilitate and conceal a pattern of abuse, sexual exploitation, and coerced sex acts over many years. Prosecutors allege he led a "criminal enterprise" that relied on employees to carry out his illicit activities.

What is the "Combs Enterprise" mentioned in the indictment?

The "Combs Enterprise" is described in the indictment as an ongoing organization led by Sean Combs, involving various entities within his business empire (such as Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises, and Combs Global), as well as individuals employed by and associated with these businesses, and other known and unknown associates. The purpose of this alleged enterprise was to facilitate Combs' sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct through various criminal acts including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.

What are "Freak-Offs" or "Hotel Nights" and how are they relevant to the case?

"Freak-Offs" or "Hotel Nights" are terms used by witnesses to describe drug-fueled sex marathons involving male and female sex workers, allegedly coerced by Sean Combs. Witnesses, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman testifying as "Jane," described participating in these events where Combs would reportedly watch, direct, masturbate, and sometimes film them. Prosecutors claim these events were part of the criminal enterprise's activities, while the defense argues they were consensual sexual activities and not criminal. Evidence seized from Combs' properties, such as large quantities of baby oil, lubricants, drugs, and lingerie, are presented by the prosecution as items used during these "freak-offs."

Who are some key witnesses who have testified against Diddy?

Key witnesses who have testified in the trial include his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, whose initial lawsuit brought many of the allegations to light, and a woman identified as "Jane," another former girlfriend who alleges coercion into sex sessions with escorts. Other significant testimonies came from Dawn Richard, a former member of Diddy-backed groups, who described his frequent violence towards Cassie; Cassie's mother, Regina Ventura, who testified about Diddy's threats to release explicit sex tapes of her daughter; and former personal assistant Brendan Paul, who detailed purchasing drugs for Combs and the "loyalty" culture within his companies. Male exotic dancers also testified about sexual encounters with Combs and Cassie, with one noting Cassie's occasional discomfort.

What is the defense's main argument in response to the charges?

Sean Combs' defense team has pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges, asserting that all sexual encounters were consensual and that his accusers willingly participated in "Freak-Offs." His lawyers argue that prosecutors have "badly exaggerated" the charges, twisting his drug use and "swinger lifestyle" into a sex trafficking and racketeering case. They claim there is "thin proof" that any employees willingly participated in crimes and have challenged the government's portrayal of the "sex marathons" as criminal acts, emphasizing the invasion of Combs' "most intimate personal affairs." The defense chose not to call any witnesses.

Has Sean Combs been released on bail?

No, Sean Combs has been denied bail multiple times since his arrest in September 2024. He has been held in detention in New York, with judges citing "compelling evidence of Combs’s propensity for violence" and "a serious risk of witness tampering." Prosecutors also claimed that Combs attempted to "corruptly influence witness testimony" and manipulate potential jury members. Despite his legal team offering a $50 million bond and proposing restricted travel and other conditions, all requests for bail have been rejected.

What other legal actions and public reactions has Diddy faced?

Beyond the criminal charges, Sean Combs has faced dozens of civil lawsuits from alleged victims, including accusations of sexual abuse, drug-facilitated sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and sexual harassment, with incidents dating from 1990 to 2023. These lawsuits were filed by both men and women, with some accusers as young as 10 at the time of the alleged incidents. Publicly, several radio stations have pulled his music, and brands have cut ties with his e-commerce business. Howard University revoked his honorary degree, and he returned the key to New York City after Mayor Eric Adams requested it. Documentaries about the allegations, such as "The Downfall of Diddy" and "Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy," have also been released.

What is the current status of the trial?

Jury selection for Sean Combs' trial began on May 5, 2025, and opening statements and witness testimony commenced on May 12, with Cassie Ventura being the first prosecution witness. After several weeks of testimony, both the prosecution and defense concluded their cases by June 24, 2025. Closing arguments were delivered on June 26 and 27, and the case is expected to go to the jury for deliberation on June 30, 2025. Combs did not testify in his own defense.