Diddy sex trafficking trial: All you need to know

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the iconic rapper turned controversial, has been making headlines for disgraceful reasons of facing appalling accusations, ranging from ‘freak-offs’ parties to racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. The infamous rapper went from facing a lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, which he settled and was deemed innocent, to having more than 100 victims filing lawsuits on account of abuse.
The federal prosecutors launched a multi-layer case against Combs, and even proposed a plea that would deem the singer guilty. However, he rejected the plea, which has exposed him to having even dreadful punishment if the gavel bangs on declaring him guilty.
The trial begins May 5, and the opening statements will begin on May 12. In the span of a week, the jury will be selected with 12 people and 6 alternates from the New York residents based on who knows what about the case portrayed by the media.
Let’s take a look at the charges against the disgraced Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs:

Sex Trafficking and Coercion

In the indictment of Coercion and Trafficking, the prosecutors claim that Diddy led a criminal enterprise “whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.” The trafficking involved threats and coercion to fulfil his desires, according to Fox5.

Sexual Assault and Abuse

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been accused by his decade-long girlfriend, Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura, and several other victims of sexual assault. She accused him of physical abuse as well, and the tape from the hotel lobby where he was hitting her was leaked. Ventura even listed the drugs she was induced with by Diddy, according to USA Today.

Drug Distribution and the ‘Freak-Offs’

The ‘freak-offs’ were the parties held by the host, Combs, where multiple attendees engaged in explicit activities with the help of drugs and liquor. Prosecutors claim that he used to recruit young women for the parties while under the influence, and they were sometimes filmed without their consent. The victims allege that they were manipulated, drugged, and were unable to give full consent, according to Forbes.

Racketeering and Transportation to engage in prostitution

The prosecutors allege that Diddy knowingly transported victims across state lines with the intent of engaging them in prostitution. They also stated that he willfully transported multiple females and sex workers on multiple occasions, according to Fox5.

Surveillance, Harassment, and Witness Intimidation

Authorities claim that Diddy controlled his victims by promising them their careers with numerous opportunities. Additionally, he allegedly withheld financial support to threaten them and dictated how they looked, where they lived their lives, and controlled their health records, according to Fox5.