All eyes are on Sean “Diddy” Combs as his high-stakes federal sex-crimes trial draws near. On May 1, attorneys for the music mogul will meet with federal prosecutors and Judge Arun Subramanian for a final pre-trial conference at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in Manhattan — just days before jury selection begins on May 5.
The upcoming hearing will address key unresolved issues, including:
Which expert witnesses will be permitted to testify
Finalization of the jury questionnaire
And Combs’ rejection of an alleged plea deal
This case has already drawn massive media attention — and for good reason. Combs was arrested in September 2024and charged with five felony counts, including:
Two counts of sex trafficking
Two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution
One count of racketeering under the RICO statute
Federal prosecutors allege that Diddy used intimidation, narcotics, and coercion to force victims — some identified as sex workers — into participating in what they described as “freak offs,” disturbing days-long sex marathons. According to the government, some of these events were filmed, and the footage may become key evidence in the trial.
These criminal charges are eerily reflective of the 70+ civil lawsuits already filed against the Bad Boy Records founder. The pattern of accusations — from sexual abuse and drugging to physical assault — spans more than three decades. Notably, Diddy reached a quick settlement in late 2023 with former girlfriend Cassie, just one day after her bombshell lawsuit dropped.
Despite the avalanche of legal pressure, Diddy continues to maintain his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
As the clock ticks down to what may be one of the most explosive celebrity trials in recent memory, questions swirl: Will prosecutors get to use graphic video evidence? Will more victims come forward? And why did Diddy reject the plea deal?
