A Complete Timeline of Diddy's Sex Crimes Allegations, Arrest and Verdict

Nearly two months after Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial began on May 12, 2025, in New York City, a verdict has been reached.

On July 2, Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering, though he was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution — a conviction that could result in a prison sentence up to 20 years.

The rapper first made headlines in November 2023, when his ex Casandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a bombshell lawsuit against him, alleging that the music mogul raped and sex trafficked her over the course of an abusive 10 years.

In a complaint filed against Combs in New York, she claimed that she was stuck in a decade-long “cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking” that included a 2018 rape after she tried to leave him, and multiple instances of domestic violence.

The lawsuit was resolved to their “mutual satisfaction” a day later but allegations from others of abuse, sex trafficking and gang rape followed.

In March 2024, Combs’ properties were raided by federal agents, which a Homeland Security Investigations representative told PEOPLE was “part of an ongoing investigation.” That September, Combs was arrested by federal agents and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Here’s everything to know about the timeline of Diddy’s sexual assault accusations, trial and verdict. 

November 16, 2023: Diddy’s ex Cassie accuses him of rape, sex trafficking and domestic violence in a lawsuit

On Nov. 16, Ventura filed a lawsuit in New York against Combs, whom she dated on-again-off-again from 2007 to 2018. In her complaint, she accused Combs of raping and abusing her over the course of their decade-long relationship. Once Ventura decided to fully end the relationship in September 2018 over dinner, she alleged Combs forced his way into her home and raped her. 

In a statement to PEOPLE, Combs’ lawyer Ben Brafman denied the allegations, which he called “offensive and outrageous.”

“Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. Ms. Ventura’s demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail,” Brafman said. “Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’ reputation, and seeking a pay day.”

In response, Ventura’s attorney Douglas Wigdor said in a statement: “Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all women who suffer in silence. Ms. Ventura should be applauded for her bravery.”

November 17, 2023: Diddy and Cassie settle lawsuit 

A day after Ventura filed her lawsuit, Combs and the singer announced they resolved the claims in the lawsuit to their “mutual satisfaction.” The parties added that there will be no further details publicly released about the terms of the agreement.

“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Ventura said in a statement. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”

Combs added, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best.”

Brafman clarified his client’s stance on the issue, telling PEOPLE in a statement, “Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”

November 23, 2023: Diddy is accused of sexual assault by another woman 

Days after settling his lawsuit with Ventura, Combs was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court. 

According to the court documents obtained by PEOPLE, a woman named Joi Dickerson-Neal accused Combs of drugging and raping her when she was a college student at Syracuse University in 1991. Attorneys for Dickerson-Neal claim she was the victim of “revenge porn” after the music mogul allegedly recorded the incident and shared the tape with others in the music industry.

At the time of the filing, which occurred as the New York State Adult Survivors Act window was about to close, Combs denied the allegations, claiming Dickerson-Neal fabricated the story.

“This last-minute lawsuit is an example of how a well-intentioned law can be turned on its head. Ms. Dickerson’s 32-year-old story is made up and not credible. Mr. Combs never assaulted her, and she implicates companies that did not exist. This is purely a money grab and nothing more,” a spokesperson for the rapper wrote in a statement to PEOPLE.

November 23, 2023: Diddy faces a third sexual assault lawsuit 

That same day, Combs was accused of sexual assault by a third woman, according to a lawsuit filed in New York County Supreme Court. In the lawsuit obtained by PEOPLE, a Jane Doe alleged that Diddy and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall took turns raping her and a friend in New York City more than 30 years ago.

“These are fabricated claims falsely alleging misconduct from over 30 years ago and filed at the last minute. This is nothing but a money grab. Because of Mr. Combs’ fame and success, he is an easy target for anonymous accusers who lie without conscience or consequence for financial benefit,” a spokesperson for Combs wrote in a statement to PEOPLE.  

The spokesperson added, “The New York Legislature surely did not intend or expect the Adult Survivors Act to be exploited by scammers. The public should be skeptical and not rush to accept these bogus allegations.”

PEOPLE attempted to contact Hall for comment, but he could not be reached.

November 28, 2023: Diddy temporarily steps aside as Revolt chairman

Shortly after, the hip-hop TV network Revolt, which Combs co-founded, released a statement via social media announcing that Combs would no longer serve as the network’s chairman. A representative for the rapper told PEOPLE the move was only temporary.

In a statement, the network wrote, “Sean Combs has stepped down from his position as chairman of Revolt. While Mr. Combs has previously had no operational or day-to-day role in the business, this decision helps to ensure that Revolt remains steadfastly focused on our mission to create meaningful content for the culture and amplify the voices of all Black people throughout this country and the African diaspora.”

The statement continued, “Our focus has always been one that reflects our commitment to the collective journey of Revolt — one that is not driven by any individual, but by the shared efforts and values of our entire team on behalf of advancing elevating and championing our culture — and that continues.”

December 6, 2023: Diddy is accused of sex trafficking and gang rape by a fourth woman

In early December, Combs was accused of sexual assault by a fourth victim. In a lawsuit filed in New York, a woman under the name Jane Doe accused the rapper, former Bad Boy Entertainment president Harve Pierre and a third individual labeled as “Third Assailant” of sex trafficking and gang rape when she was 17 years old. 

In the filing obtained by PEOPLE, the Jane Doe claimed that Pierre approached her at a lounge in Michigan and convinced her to take a private jet with him and Third Assailant to Combs’ recording studio in N.Y.C. Once she arrived, she alleged she and was given drugs and alcohol before being “viciously gang raped,” the lawsuit claimed. 

Pierre has yet to respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on either allegation.

December 6, 2023: Diddy speaks out about sexual assault allegations 

That same day, Combs denied the allegations against him in a statement to PEOPLE. “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy,” he said.

The mogul added, “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”

February 26, 2024: Diddy is accused of sexual assault by a record producer

On Feb. 26, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, a former producer and videographer for Combs filed a lawsuit in New York federal court alleging that the rapper previously sexually harassed, drugged and threatened him while he was working with Combs on his Love album from September 2022 to November 2023.

Jones is seeking $30 million in damages. In March 2025, a judge dismissed the majority of his claims.

March 25, 2024: Diddy’s home is raided by federal agents

On March 25, Combs’ properties in L.A. and Miami were raided by federal agents.

“Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available,” a Homeland Security Investigations representative said in a statement to PEOPLE.

These actions came amid sex trafficking allegations in two of the five lawsuits.

May 17, 2024: Video of Diddy assaulting Cassie in 2016 is released

Surveillance video showed Combs grabbing, shoving and kicking Ventura during a 2016 altercation that matches allegations she made in the settled lawsuit filed in November 2023.

In the surveillance video, released by CNN on May 17, Ventura exits a hotel room and walks toward an elevator as Combs chases after her with a towel around his waist. When he reaches her, Combs is seen grabbing her by the neck and tossing her to the ground. While Ventura lies on the ground, Combs turns to violently kick her as he grabs her purse and suitcase.

“The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light,” Ventura’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

September 10, 2024: Diddy is accused of sexual and verbal assault by Dawn Richard

Dawn Richard filed a complaint in New York federal court alleging that Combs sexually and verbally abused her for nearly 10 years.

She further claimed that Combs owes her an estimated $3.5 million in “unpaid salaries and royalties” for the first two albums released by Danity Kane and “unpaid wages for touring on over 100 dates.”

Richard also alleged that she and former Diddy — Dirty Money member Kalenna Harper witnessed Combs physically assaulting multiple women, including Ventura.

Combs’ attorney, Erica Wolff, told PEOPLE in a statement in response to the lawsuit: “Mr. Combs is shocked and disappointed by this lawsuit. In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now manufactured a series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a pay day — conveniently timed to coincide with her album release and press tour.”

Harper then spoke out about Richard’s claims, writing in an Instagram Stories post on Sept. 13 that they “should not be interpreted as a universal truth applicable to everyone involved.”

“It’s important to understand that while I was present in some of the same professional settings mentioned, many of the allegations and incidents described in this suit are not representative of my experiences, and some do not align with my own truth,” she wrote.

September 16, 2024: Diddy is indicted and arrested in New York City

After a source confirmed to PEOPLE that Combs had been arrested at a Manhattan hotel, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams released a statement confirming that the rapper had been taken into custody by federal agents based on an indictment that was sealed at the time.

Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said in a statement to PEOPLE that his client was “an innocent man with nothing to hide.”

“We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Agnifilo said. “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community. He is an imperfect person but he is not a criminal.”

September 17, 2024: Diddy’s indictment is unsealed

According to documents obtained by PEOPLE when Combs’ indictment was unsealed, the rapper was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Prosecutors accused Combs of manipulating women into participating in his “freak offs,” which allegedly involved flying in women and sex workers to the party’s location. They claimed that he “ensured participation” in these events by providing narcotics and threatening participants’ livelihoods. They also accused him of assaulting multiple women going back to 2009.

Supplies allegedly used for the “freak offs” were found when authorities raided Diddy’s homes in Miami and L.A., including 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.

May 12, 2025: Diddy’s trial begins in New York City

Opening statements began at the federal courthouse in Manhattan on May 12. Members of Combs’ family, including his children, were in attendance as the proceedings began.

The prosecution revealed that not only would Ventura be testifying against Combs, but so would a woman named Jane, who accused Diddy of forcing her to participate in his “freak offs,” along with his former personal assistant, Mia, who accused him of sexual assault.

May 13, 2025: Cassie begins testifying in Diddy’s trial

Ventura took the stand on day two of the trial, though her testimony continued over the next four days.

While she testified, jurors were shown the footage of Combs hitting and kicking her at the elevator bank of the International Hotel, and Ventura said the footage was taken when she attempted to escape during a “freak off” session with a male escort.

“At that point, all I could think about was getting out of there safely,” she said.

She also claimed that Combs “controlled a lot of my life,” and allegedly forced her to have sex and perform degrading acts with other men, which he recorded and described as “blackmail materials.”

July 2, 2025: The jury reaches a verdict in Diddy’s trial

After Combs’ attorney rested his case on June 28, 2025, the jury began deliberating on July 1.

The following morning, a verdict had been reached. Combs was found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering, though he was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs could be facing up to 20 years in prison if he receives the maximum sentence for each count.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.