Read the indictment against Sean 'Diddy' Combs

 

Inside the Trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs: The Charges, the Judge, and the Road Ahead

Read the indictment against Sean 'Diddy' Combs

The highly anticipated federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is now underway, and as the legal proceedings unfold, the music mogul faces serious accusations that could lead to a life sentence in prison. With multiple charges levied against him, Combs, who has been incarcerated since his arrest in September 2024, is fighting not only for his freedom but also for his reputation in an unprecedented legal battle.

The Charges Against Combs

Combs, a billionaire entrepreneur and influential figure in the music industry, is facing several grave accusations. The charges stem from a federal indictment filed in September 2024, which initially included counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors later added further sex trafficking and prostitution-related charges through a superseding indictment in April 2025.

The prosecution’s case alleges that from 2004 to 2024, Combs used his business empire to create a criminal enterprise involved in a wide range of illegal activities, including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, and bribery. They claim that Combs coerced women—sometimes in the presence of male prostitutes—into engaging in sex acts during events dubbed "Freak Offs." Prosecutors also allege that Combs filmed some of these acts and manipulated victims by offering career and financial opportunities, as well as using threats of violence.

The case includes disturbing accusations of drugging victims and forcing them into prolonged sex acts over multiple days. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Meet the Judge: Arun Subramanian

The trial is being presided over by Judge Arun Subramanian, a figure appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022. Subramanian, who took the bench in 2023, has spent much of his legal career as a civil litigator at the firm Susman Godfrey, and he also served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Subramanian’s appointment to this high-profile case follows the recusal of two previous judges. The case was initially overseen by Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky and later District Judge Andrew Carter. However, after Carter’s recusal, it was transferred to Subramanian.

The judge’s first major decision was to deny Combs' lawyers’ request for bail, a ruling consistent with those of the previous judges. His impartiality and legal expertise will be critical as the trial progresses.

Key Evidence: The Cassie Ventura Video

One of the most prominent figures in this case is Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend. In 2023, Ventura filed a civil lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of rape and years of abuse during their relationship. Combs denied the allegations, and the lawsuit was settled just a day after it was filed.

However, the case took a significant turn in May 2024 when CNN published a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura. The footage, which shows Combs dragging and striking Ventura, was released just days before Combs publicly apologized for his actions.

This video has become a focal point of the trial, with a judge ruling in April 2025 that it may be shown to the jury. It stands as a key piece of evidence in the prosecution's argument that Combs engaged in abusive behavior toward women.

The Civil Lawsuits: A Shadow Over the Criminal Case

Alongside the criminal trial, Combs is facing a number of civil lawsuits filed by alleged victims. These lawsuits, many of which involve claims from individuals who were minors at the time of the alleged incidents, accuse Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting them. Although these cases are separate from the federal criminal trial and will not be part of the proceedings, they contribute to the growing legal pressure on the mogul.

What’s Next?

As the trial moves forward, the legal battles surrounding Combs are far from over. If convicted on all charges, he could face a sentence of life in prison. The coming weeks will likely offer more insight into the case, with testimony from alleged victims, including Cassie Ventura, and other key witnesses that will shape the outcome of this high-stakes trial.

Combs’ legal team continues to maintain his innocence, and the defense strategy may include challenging the credibility of the accusations, particularly surrounding the claims of coercion and violence. As the trial continues, all eyes will remain on the courtroom, with the potential for life-altering consequences for the once-dominant figure in the entertainment world.