Sean “Diddy” Combs, the American rap mogul, will stand trial on May 5, 2025, for sex trafficking and racketeering charges, a US judge ruled, according to a BBC report.
Combs, 54, appeared in court wearing prison attire as the judge discussed imposing a gag order to prevent attorneys and prosecutors from publicly discussing the case.
Family members, including his six children and mother, attended the hearing. Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, mouthed “I love you” to his relatives and made prayer gestures during the proceedings, the BBC reports.
The trial, set to take place in Manhattan, is expected to last about four weeks. Prosecutors said they would need three weeks to present their case, while the defence estimated one week.
According to the BBC, Combs faces criminal charges of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes using firearms or threats of violence. A raid on his Los Angeles mansion reportedly uncovered supplies allegedly intended for use in orgies, including drugs and large quantities of baby oil.
The BBC notes that in addition to the criminal case, Combs faces multiple civil lawsuits accusing him of rape and assault. Some allegations date back to 1991, with accusers claiming assaults occurred when they were minors.
The rapper’s legal troubles began when his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, sued him for alleged violent abuse and rape in late 2023. That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount shortly after filing.
Combs has consistently denied all allegations, stating on social media in December: “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
The BBC reports that Combs is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and was denied bail after a judge deemed him a “serious flight risk”. His lawyers are appealing this decision, arguing that Combs has agreed to “restrictive conditions” to prevent him fleeing.
If convicted, Combs could face up to life in prison on the racketeering charge and a minimum of 15 years for sex trafficking, according to the report.
The trial will be open to the public, though cameras are not permitted in federal courtrooms. The BBC notes that prosecutors say their investigation remains “active and ongoing” and have encouraged potential victims to contact authorities.
Read more:
