Sean Combs Faces Expanded Indictment as Trial Nears
Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty to an expanded federal indictment on April 14, 2025, facing five criminal counts including racketeering and sex trafficking as his May 5 trial date approaches. The hip-hop mogul appeared before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan, where prosecutors added allegations that he forced employees into a two-decade sex trafficking scheme.
The superseding indictment expands charges against the 55-year-old founder of Bad Boy Records, who has been detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since September 2024. Jury selection begins May 5, with opening statements scheduled for May 12, despite defense attempts to secure a two-month delay.
Legal Team Battles Over Evidence Access
Combs’ defense attorney Marc Agnifilo requested trial delays citing the prosecution’s handling of evidence, specifically emails the defense wants from an alleged victim identified as “Victim-4.” According to NBC News, Judge Subramanian denied the postponement, rejecting what he termed a “fishing expedition” for additional evidence.
The defense team’s 72-question prospective juror questionnaire seeks to probe attitudes about drug use, alcohol, sex, and violence. Prosecutors argue the extensive questionnaire exceeds reasonable bounds for jury selection.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s Fall of Diddy documentary footage emerged as contentious evidence, with the media giant claiming reporter’s privilege protection, though the judge ruled outtakes featuring potential witnesses admissible.
Accusations Span Two Decades
Prosecutors allege Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise through Bad Boy Entertainment from 2004 to 2024, compelling women to participate in recorded sexual performances dubbed “freak offs” with male sex workers transported across state lines.
The indictment details forced labor accusations, claiming Combs demanded long work hours, denied sleep, and threatened punishment for non-compliance. Reuters reports Agnifilo argued the “swinger” lifestyle is common, outlining a potential defense strategy.
Three alleged victims are prepared to testify, including “Victim-1,” identified as former girlfriend Casandra Ventura, whose 2023 lawsuit preceded the criminal investigation.
CNN Video Evidence Controversy
A hotel surveillance video showing Combs striking Ventura in 2016 has become central to pretrial disputes. Combs’ defense claims the CNN-broadcast footage is “misleading” and altered, allegations CNN forcefully denies.
Agnifilo characterizes the incident as evidence of a “toxic, loving 11-year relationship” rather than sex trafficking. Prosecutors contend the video substantiates their broader allegations of violence and coercion.
The defense strategy appears to frame consensual relationship behavior rather than criminal activity, with Agnifilo asserting the “freak offs” were voluntary.
Civil Lawsuits Compound Legal Challenges
Beyond criminal charges, Combs faces dozens of civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse. Deadline reports some cases have been dismissed, including a judge’s March 2025 dismissal of five charges in a $30 million sexual assault lawsuit.
Houston attorney Tony Buzbee leads multiple civil actions against Combs, though several cases have been dismissed for procedural issues including plaintiff anonymity.
The entertainment mogul rejected a plea deal, indicating his intention to contest all charges at trial despite facing potential life imprisonment if convicted.
Trial Preparations Intensify
With the trial weeks away, both sides finalize strategies. The prosecution estimates proceedings lasting eight to ten weeks, focusing on alleged systematic abuse across Combs’ entertainment empire.
Defense counsel maintains Combs “never forced anyone to engage in sexual acts against their will,” portraying allegations as consensual behavior mischaracterized for legal advantage.
As one of the entertainment industry’s most high-profile criminal cases approaches, the outcome could reshape discussions about power dynamics and accountability in media businesses.
