Sema Fonkem 05/05/2025

55-year-old Sean “Diddy” Combs trial starts today at the  Manhattan federal courthouse with a jury selection that will determine if he is guilty or if he should walk away a free man.

Diddy who is one of the most successful hip hop artist and music mogul from the United States of America has been criminally charged with racketeering, two sex trafficking charges and two charges for transportation across state lines to engage in prostitution. He also faces several civil lawsuits which include drugging, rape, assault and intimidation of his victims.

So far, Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and he has also turned down a plea deal offered by the US government prosecutors. If Diddy accepted the plea deal, that will mean he is guilty of all charges, Bad Boy Group will be confirmed a criminal organisation and the government can confiscate all his assets. 

Diddy is still at the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York where has been held since his arrest on the 16th of September 2024. 

Sean Combs who also went through the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Love and Brother Love emerged in the music scene in the early 1990s. He was highly noticed for his shiny suits, rap style, expensive music videos and the ‘Diddy bop’ dance moves. Diddy’s career can not go without mentioning the launch of Mary J. Blige and Notorious B.I.G’s career. His Bad Boy Records also signed and produced notables such as Mase, 112, Faith Evans and Mariah Carey.

Two years ago, Diddy celebrated his 53rd birthday at his $61Million mansion in Beverly Hills, USA. He also celebrated 30 years career in the music and entertainment industry. Diddy also succeeded in the fashion industry with his Sean John clothing and the promotion of popular vodka brand Cîroc.

After denying all allegations, Diddy is now set to defend himself in front of 14 jurors eight months after his arrest. If found guilty, Diddy may face life behind bars due to the nature of the charges. The trial will not televised because of a procedural rule passed in 1946 which bans the use or presence of electronic media during trials that involve federal criminal charges.