Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Trial Starts in N.Y.C. with Opening Statements: Live Updates

Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused of sex trafficking and other crimes, and opening statements of his federal trial in Manhattan are expected to begin on Monday, May 12.

A 2024 federal indictment alleges that Combs used his influence in the music industry to manipulate and lure women, then forced them to take part in orchestrated sex acts at so-called “Freak Off” parties — some of which lasted for days.

According to the indictment, Combs used a range of controlled substances during parties to keep victims compliant — at times without their knowledge. Prosecutors describe him as the ringleader of a violent enterprise linked to allegations of kidnapping, arson, drug offenses and widespread sexual abuse.

Combs has pleaded not guilty. At a status conference before his trial, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said that his client was a “swinger” but not a sexual predator, according to Reuters and ABC News.

“There’s a lifestyle, call it swingers, that he was in that he thought was appropriate,” Agnifilo said, according to ABC. “The reason he thought it was appropriate is because it’s so common.”