The controversial legacy of Sean “Diddy” Comb. This is what we know
Sean “Diddy” Combs faces federal sex crime charges. Here’s what we know about his controversial legacy:
NEW YORK – Sean “Diddy” Combs officially rejected a potential plea deal in front of a court judge at the final hearing prior to his highly anticipated federal sexual offence trial.
Last month, Combs made several appearances in court several times as federal prosecutors and a disgraceful hip-hop monk lawyer resolved the twists of what has already been shaped into one of the most closely guarded celebrity trials in recent memory. With most of the legal household chores out of the way, both parties met with Judge Arun Subramanian on May 1 in federal court in Lower Manhattan on May 1, at one final previous public meeting before Combs’ trial began on May 5.
The rapper was arrested in September and was later charged with assault, sex trafficking and transporting to engage in prostitution. He pleads not guilty to all five counts.
This is everything that happened in court:
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In court, the music tycoon was in good spirits.
Combs hugged and hugged the team, waving as he walked to the Daniel Patrick Moynihan US Court gallery.
At one point he bowed his head and scribbled a flashcard supported on his lap. – Patrick Ryan
Questions arose during an early pretrial hearing about whether Diddy rejected the plea agreement proposed by federal prosecutors. A week later, Subramanian received the response.
When asked by the judge, Combs had the option to sit down after he stood up and he replied, “I’m fine.” The judge asked if he had drugs and alcohol in the last 24 hours.
Subramanian asked if Combs’ mind was “clear today,” and Combs replied, “Yes, your honor.” The judge also asked if Combs had discussed the offer of plea with his team, and while Combs confirmed he had made it, the judge made clear whether he had rejected the plea deal. – Patrick Ryan
One of Combs’ lawyers raised the issue with attorney Lisa Bloom, a women’s rights lawyer and daughter of Gloria Allred, regarding comments in the BBC documentary.
Combs’ legal team calls Bloom’s actions “deeply interferes” multiple times, claiming they use the document to “enhance the client’s reliability.” The Combs team added that they “do everything they could” to speak with respect with Bloom.
When Subramanian asked Combs’ attorneys about whether Bloom violated the rules of professional conduct, Combs’ attorneys said she would never say that. The judge then reminded both law camps of rules surrounding professional conduct, including the court’s failure to tolerate violations, and reminded everyone of combs’ rights to fair trial. – Patrick Ryan
Federal prosecutors and combs lawyers have reached an agreement that potential ju judges bring one at a time to court, and are questioned one at a time. Media members are allowed to attend for this purpose, but both sides agreed that the ju candidate can join the sidebar of another room if particularly sensitive questions arise and the future ju appraiser is uncomfortable.
Subramanian worried that the ju apprentice selection process would take quite a bit of time, but federal prosecutors think it can make it work, as lawyers hope that as many as 150 potential ju apprentices and each survey will take 20-30 minutes. Prosecutors say that if they can quickly narrow down to 45 qualified ju apprentices, they don’t need to see all 150 potential ju apprentices. – Patrick Ryan
The May 1 hearing mainly discussed the choice of the ju judge, which begins on Monday, May 5th.
The prosecutor and Kushi defense team will narrow down until they pass 50 ju umpires per day and reach 45 eligible ju umpires. Combs’ attorneys ensured he was present for a segregated ju trial case to maintain his right to participate in his own trial.
The selection of ju judges in the combs case is scheduled to begin at 8am, with the goal being to reach 45 ju judges over three days, with both the prosecutor and the defense preparing to begin further statements on May 8th and 9th on May 12th. – Patrick Ryan
When will the Didy Trial begin?
Combs’ trial begins with the ju judge’s choice on May 5th, with the opening statement scheduled to begin on May 12th.
How can I watch Diddy’s trial?
Usually, cameras are not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings, so the exam will not be broadcast. USA Today reports the live from court.
What fees does Didi face?
Diddy is charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two transports engaged in prostitution and one assault.
Racketeering is the participation of organizations affected by Racketeer or illegal schemes under Rico as a way for the US government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using the RICO Act, which is generally intended to target multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors join “freak-offs” of threats and drugs, saying that Combs is claiming forced victims, some of whom are sex workers.
Combs’ charges reflect several claims in more than 70 civil lawsuits filed against the founders of Bad Boy Records. Allegations of sexual abuse, drugs and physical attacks spanned 30 years, including the lawsuit filed (and quickly resolved) by his ex-girlfriend, singer Cathy, in November 2023, leading up to his latest lawsuit in April 2025.
What was Diddy’s plea bargain?
At a pretrial meeting on April 25, prosecutors said Combs had refused to make a plea bargain. The lawyer did not share the terms of the judicial offer, but showed that she would like to confirm directly on combs that his lawyer had told him about the offer and that he had made a decision to decline it.
Subramanian has indicated that he will be asking Combs directly about the deal at the May 1 hearing.
Is Diddy in prison now?
Despite repeated attempts at bail, Combs was ordered to be detained in the Special Housing Unit at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn prior to trial. He has been in custody since his arrest on September 16, 2024.
The center is the same facility that holds UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter Luigi Mangione and disgraceful FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.
Contributors: Jay Stahl, Kimmi Robinson