Diddy's Trial: Opening Statements Reveal Starkly Different Accounts

Diddy's Trial Begins: Allegations of Sex Trafficking and Coercion The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering began on May 12, 2025, in a New York courtroom. The prosecution's opening statements detailed disturbing allegations of sexual assault and coercion against two alleged victims, one identified only as "Jane." Prosecutor Emily A. Johnson stated, "To the public, he was Puff Daddy, a cultural icon, a businessman, larger than life. But there was another side to him, a side that ran a criminal enterprise." The prosecution presented evidence of alleged physical violence and drug use to control the victims. The defense, led by Sean Combs' attorney, Teny Geragos, countered that the accusations relate to Combs' private life and that domestic violence does not equate to sex trafficking. Geragos stated, "This was a relationship, although toxic at times, like every other relationship, it was not based on coercion. It was not based on force." The trial is expected to feature testimony from both alleged victims and is likely to attract considerable public attention.