The high-profile federal trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs has begun in Manhattan, where he faces serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution. The proceedings, expected to last at least eight weeks, mark a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of sexual misconduct within the entertainment industry.

Prosecutors allege that over a span of more than two decades, Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise that exploited women through coercion, drug-facilitated assaults, and other forms of abuse. Central to the prosecution's case are events referred to as "Freak Offs," where women were allegedly lured under false pretenses, drugged, and coerced into non-consensual sexual acts, often filmed without their consent. The indictment details a pattern of behavior involving intimidation, bribery, and physical violence to silence victims and witnesses.

Among the anticipated witnesses is Combs' former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, who previously accused him of rape and physical abuse. A 2016 surveillance video purportedly showing Combs assaulting Ventura is expected to be presented as evidence. Additional testimonies are anticipated from other alleged victims and former employees who claim to have witnessed or facilitated the misconduct.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, asserting that any sexual encounters were consensual and part of a "swinger" lifestyle. His legal team plans to challenge the credibility of the accusers, suggesting financial motives and questioning the reliability of their accounts. They also intend to portray his relationship with Ventura as "mutually violent," aiming to mitigate the impact of her testimony.

Jury selection concluded with 12 jurors and 6 alternates sworn in. Combs remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, having been denied bail multiple times due to concerns over potential witness tampering and flight risk. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years to life in prison.
The trial is being closely watched as it unfolds, shedding light on allegations of systemic abuse within the music industry and the broader implications for accountability and justice.