Sean Combs sexual misconduct allegations

File:Cassie Ventura (cropped).jpg in 2008]]

In May 2017, Cindy Rueda, who previously served as Combs's personal chef, filed a lawsuit against Combs in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, claiming, among other things, sexual harassment and retaliation.{{Cite news |last=Cullins |first=Ashley |date=May 8, 2017 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sued by Ex-Chef for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sean-diddy-combs-sued-by-chef-sexual-harassment-retaliation-1001540/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118005313/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sean-diddy-combs-sued-by-chef-sexual-harassment-retaliation-1001540/ |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |access-date=November 17, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount in February 2019.{{Cite news |date=February 20, 2019 |title=Diddy's Former Personal Chef Settles Work Claims Suit With Rapper |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/diddys-former-personal-chef-settles-work-claims-suit/3343/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118005312/https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/diddys-former-personal-chef-settles-work-claims-suit/3343/ |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |access-date=November 17, 2023 |website=NBC Los Angeles}}

Cassie Ventura, with whom Combs had a long-term relationship, filed a lawsuit against him on November 16, 2023, accusing him of rape, sex trafficking, and physical abuse.{{Cite news |last=Sisario |first=Ben |date=November 16, 2023 |title=Sean Combs Is Accused by Cassie of Rape and Years of Abuse in Lawsuit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/16/arts/music/sean-combs-diddy-cassie-rape-lawsuit.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116211433/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/16/arts/music/sean-combs-diddy-cassie-rape-lawsuit.html |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |access-date=November 16, 2023 |newspaper=The New York Times |type=Digital |no-pp=y}} The lawsuit also suggested that Combs was responsible for blowing up Ventura's then-boyfriend Kid Cudi's car.{{Cite magazine |last=Grow |first=Kory |date=November 16, 2023 |title=Sean Combs Accused of Rape by Singer Cassie in New Lawsuit |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sean-combs-cassie-abuse-allegations-lawsuit-1234883581/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117003652/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sean-combs-cassie-abuse-allegations-lawsuit-1234883581/ |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |access-date=November 17, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Combs and Ventura reached an undisclosed settlement the following day, and the lawsuit was dismissed.{{Cite news |last=Sisario |first=Ben |date=November 17, 2023 |title=Cassie Settles Lawsuit Accusing Sean Combs of Rape and Abuse |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/17/arts/music/cassie-diddy-sean-combs-settlement.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118035406/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/17/arts/music/cassie-diddy-sean-combs-settlement.html |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |access-date=November 17, 2023 |work=The New York Times}} Ventura later testified in court that she had received a $20 million settlement in the case.{{Cite news |last1=Jacobs |first1=Julia |last2=Coscarelli |first2=Joe |date=2025-05-14 |title=Cassie Settled Lawsuit Against Sean Combs for $20 Million |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/arts/music/diddy-cassie-settlement-amount.html |access-date=2025-05-17 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

On May 17, 2024, CNN released surveillance footage of Combs physically assaulting Ventura at the InterContinental hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, on March 5, 2016. This incident was among the allegations made in the lawsuit.{{Cite web |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Sandra |last2=Wagmeister |first2=Elizabeth |date=May 17, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs seen physically assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016 surveillance video obtained by CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/17/entertainment/sean-combs-cassie-ventura/index.html |access-date=May 17, 2024 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517173109/https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/17/entertainment/sean-combs-cassie-ventura/index.html |url-status=live }} On May 19, 2024, Combs issued a video apology on Instagram and Facebook, stating he was "truly sorry" and that his actions were "inexcusable".{{cite news |last=Dalton |first=Andrew |date=May 19, 2024 |title=Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable' |url=https://apnews.com/article/diddy-apology-cassie-video-4e6a81d3e9ab40fa229edef2fb8ad357 |accessdate=May 19, 2024 |work=Associated Press News |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519164025/https://apnews.com/article/diddy-apology-cassie-video-4e6a81d3e9ab40fa229edef2fb8ad357 |url-status=live }} Combs's assault of Ventura was stopped by hotel staff, while, after the episode, Combs, according to a federal indictment in September 2024, allegedly tried to bribe the staff.{{Cite web |last=Hernández |first=Salvador |date=September 19, 2024 |title=A wall of secrets may crumble as feds call out enablers of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' alleged sex crimes |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-09-19/sean-diddy-combs-sex-trafficking-allegations |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=September 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919103654/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-09-19/sean-diddy-combs-sex-trafficking-allegations |url-status=live }}

On November 23, 2023, two more lawsuits were filed. Liza Gardner alleged that Combs and Guy's Aaron Hall had both sexually assaulted her and her friend in 1990.{{Cite web |first1=Diana |last1=Dasrath |first2=Minyvonne |last2=Burke |first3=Nicole |last3=Childers |date=March 13, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old in the early 1990s |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sean-diddy-combs-accused-third-lawsuit-week-sexually-assaulting-woman-rcna126564 |access-date=October 1, 2024 |publisher=NBC News |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213160034/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sean-diddy-combs-accused-third-lawsuit-week-sexually-assaulting-woman-rcna126564 |url-status=live }} Additionally, Joi Dickerson-Neal alleged that, in 1991, Combs drugged and sexually assaulted her and shared the video of her sexual assault.

On December 6, 2023, in a lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York, a Jane Doe alleged that, as a teenager, she was flown on a private jet from Detroit to New York by Bad Boy Records' then president Harve Pierre. While in New York, she claims she was gang-raped at a recording studio by Combs, Pierre, and a third assailant.

On February 26, 2024, producer Rodney Jones filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of sexually assaulting him during the time that he had worked for Combs, between September 2022 and November 2023.{{Citation | last=Rosenbaum | first=Claudia | year=2024 | title=What did Diddy do? A guide to every single lawsuit. | url=https://www.vulture.com/article/diddy-lawsuit-allegations-explainer.html | work=Vulture | access-date=October 8, 2024 | archive-date=October 8, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008073937/https://www.vulture.com/article/diddy-lawsuit-allegations-explainer.html | url-status=live }} Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. was mentioned in the sexual assault lawsuit brought against Sean Combs by Rodney Jones.{{cite news |first1=Diana |last1=Dasrath |first2=Phil |last2=Helsel |title=Producer who accused Sean 'Diddy' Combs adds Cuba Gooding Jr. to sexual assault, harassment lawsuit |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sean-diddy-combs-cuba-gooding-jr-sexual-assault-harassment-lawsuit-rcna145046 |publisher=NBC News |date=March 26, 2024 |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927162228/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sean-diddy-combs-cuba-gooding-jr-sexual-assault-harassment-lawsuit-rcna145046 |url-status=live }}

In May, a lawsuit by model Crystal McKinney accused Combs of sexually assaulting her in 2003.{{Cite web |first=Andrea |last=Cavallier |date=September 29, 2024 |title=All the allegations made against Sean 'Diddy' Combs |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/p-diddy-charges-arrest-sean-combs-party-b2620745.html |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=The Independent |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930093217/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/p-diddy-charges-arrest-sean-combs-party-b2620745.html |url-status=live }}

On May 23, 2024, April Lampros sued Combs in New York State court alleging battery, sexual assault, and negligent infliction of emotional distress between 1994 into the 2000s.

On June 10, 2024, Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, a convicted felon serving a prison sentence, filed a lawsuit in Lenawee County, Michigan, alleging that Combs had sexually assaulted him at a party in 1997. Due to Combs's failure to appear in court on the trial date of September 9, Cardello-Smith was awarded a default judgment of $100 million, while a temporary restraining order was issued against Combs preventing him from selling any assets.{{cite news |last=Yousif|first=Nadine |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Inmate awarded $100m in default judgement against Sean 'Diddy' Combs|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnvy45y9g47o |work=BBC |access-date=May 11, 2025}} Both were overturned on September 18 by the same judge, who ruled the lawsuit was not properly served to Combs and that it was not likely the plaintiff would prevail on the merits of the case due to the statute of limitations for sexual assault.{{Citation | last=Panian | first=David | date=September 19, 2024 | title=Lenawee County judge sets aside $100 million judgment against Sean "Diddy" Combs | url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2024/09/19/michigan-judge-sets-aside-judgment-sean-diddy-combs/75285433007/ | work=Detroit Free Press | access-date=May 11, 2025| archive-date=October 8, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008083828/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2024/09/19/michigan-judge-sets-aside-judgment-sean-diddy-combs/75285433007/ | url-status=live }}

On September 10, 2024, Making the Band's Dawn Richard filed a lawsuit against Combs alleging sex trafficking, sexual assault, sexual battery, false imprisonment, and more. In her complaint, Richard also confirmed she was a witness to the claims made in Ventura's lawsuit.{{Citation | vauthors=((York, U. D. C. for the S. D. of N.)) | year=2024 | title=Richard v. Combs et al | url=https://dockets.justia.com/docket/new-york/nysdce/1:2024cv06848/628103 | access-date=October 8, 2024 | archive-date=October 8, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008075744/https://dockets.justia.com/docket/new-york/nysdce/1:2024cv06848/628103 | url-status=live }}

On September 24, 2024, Thalia Graves filed a lawsuit against Combs alleging he and his head of security drugged her, bound her, and raped her in 2001 when she was 25 years old, and recorded the incident.{{cite news |last=Dalton |first=Andrew |date=September 24, 2024 |title=Woman alleges Sean 'Diddy' Combs raped her on video in latest lawsuit |url=https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-lawsuit-1e2b124ba85ebf1b4f1e93c8692aab4b |access-date=September 26, 2024 |work=Associated Press News |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926091511/https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-lawsuit-1e2b124ba85ebf1b4f1e93c8692aab4b |url-status=live }}

On September 27, a Florida model filed a lawsuit, as a Jane Doe, alleging Combs drugged, sexually assaulted, and impregnated her. Although she wound up having a miscarriage, she claimed that Combs's then-girlfriend, rapper Yung Miami, pressured her to have an abortion.{{cite news |last1=Groxford |first1=Rianna |last2=Kennelly |first2=Larissa |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs facing more allegations of sexual assault |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg56zdr1047o |publisher=BBC |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004044650/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg56zdr1047o |url-status=live }}{{Citation | last=Cummings-Grady | first=Mackenzie | date=September 27, 2024 | title=Diddy sued by woman who claims he got her pregnant, drugged and sexually assaulted her over the span of four years | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/diddy-sued-woman-drugged-assaulted-pregnant/ | work=XXL | access-date=October 8, 2024 | archive-date=October 8, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008084511/https://www.xxlmag.com/diddy-sued-woman-drugged-assaulted-pregnant/ | url-status=live }}

On October 1, 2024, the Washington Post reported that a team of lawyers would be filing as many as 122 more lawsuits against Combs and persons related to Combs,{{Cite web |last1=Melas |first1=Chloe |last2=Planas |first2=Antonio |date=October 1, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs hit with a wave of 120 new sexual assault allegations |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/sean-diddy-combs-hit-wave-120-new-sexual-assault-allegations-rcna173474 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=NBC News}} covering assaults that took place during the 2000s and 2010s. Plaintiffs, twenty-five of whom were minors at the time of the alleged incidents, are both male and female. Tony Buzbee, one of the attorneys on the team, said most of the alleged assaults took place in New York State. Half of the alleged victims say they had reported the assault to police, to a doctor, or to the FBI. Some claim to have been drugged or offered hush money. Additional potential defendants other than Combs were also to be named in the lawsuits: "The names that we're going to name, assuming our investigators confirm and corroborate what we've been told, are names that will shock you", Buzbee stated at a press conference in Houston. "I'm talking here about not just the cowardly but complicit bystanders, that is those people that we know watched this behavior occur and did nothing. And I'm talking about the people that participated, encouraged it, egged it on. They know who they are."{{cite news |last1=Branigin |first1=Anne |last2=Scribner |first2=Herb |date=October 1, 2024 |title=120 additional sexual assault lawsuits to be filed against Sean 'Diddy' Combs |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2024/10/01/diddy-sexual-assault-lawsuit-victims-tony-buzbee/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001223459/https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2024/10/01/diddy-sexual-assault-lawsuit-victims-tony-buzbee/ |archive-date=October 1, 2024 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Buzbee filed the first six of these lawsuits in New York federal court on October 13, 2024.{{cite news |last1=Granville |first1=Samantha |last2=Hayes |first2=Christal |date=October 14, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs accused of sexual assault and rape in new lawsuits |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2eklxx9y1ro |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241021014036/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2eklxx9y1ro |archive-date=October 21, 2024 |access-date=October 14, 2024 |work=BBC News |publisher=}} Andrew Van Arsdale of the AVA Law Group, which is working with Buzbee, said they have heard from some 3 thousand people with abuse allegations against Combs, and the team is currently actively examining another 100 potential cases. Erica Wolff, a member of Combs's legal team, told the BBC that Combs "looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation".{{cite news |last1=Yousif |first1=Nadine |last2=Croxford |first2=Rianna |date=October 1, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs: More than 100 people to sue rapper |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg56em38g2vo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002001005/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg56em38g2vo |archive-date=October 2, 2024 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=BBC News |publisher=}}{{Cite news |last=Bekiempis |first=Victoria |date=October 16, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs asks judge for identities of accusers to be disclosed |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/15/sean-diddy-combs-judge-sex-trafficking-case-accusers |access-date=January 9, 2025 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}

On October 14, Combs faced six additional lawsuits from accusers.{{cite magazine |last1=Dillon |first1=Nancy |last2=Roundtree |first2=Cheyenne |date=October 14, 2024 |title=Sean Combs Sued by Six New Accusers — Including Teen Claiming Assault at White Party |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sean-combs-sued-jane-doe-alleging-2004-rape-manhattan-hotel-1235133042/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122144103/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sean-combs-sued-jane-doe-alleging-2004-rape-manhattan-hotel-1235133042/ |archive-date=November 22, 2024 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |publisher=}}{{cite web |first=Liam |last=Quinn |date=October 21, 2024 |url=https://people.com/sean-diddy-combs-accused-raping-girl-thirteen-crazed-look-eyes-8728160 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs Drugged and Raped 13-Year-Old Girl, Lawsuit Claims: 'Crazed Look in His Eyes' |work=People |access-date=October 22, 2024 |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121092239/https://people.com/sean-diddy-combs-accused-raping-girl-thirteen-crazed-look-eyes-8728160 |url-status=live }} On October 21, seven new lawsuits from accusers were filed against Combs.{{cite news |last1=Granville |first1=Samantha |last2=Aikman |first2=Ian |date=October 21, 2024 |title=Seven new lawsuits filed against Sean 'Diddy' Combs |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv29el24y4o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109170344/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv29el24y4o |archive-date=November 9, 2024 |accessdate=October 22, 2024 |work=BBC News |publisher=}} On October 28, two lawsuits were filed alleging that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted a 10-year-old boy in a New York hotel room, in 2005, following a planned audition, and that Combs and a bodyguard sexually assaulted a 17-year-old male during an audition for the MTV reality show Making the Band in 2008, which was executive produced and hosted by Combs.{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs accused in new lawsuits of sexually assaulting 10- and 17-year-old boys |url=https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-sexual-assault-lawsuits-df8e1f69e97d17c6bb59257c5714e694 |access-date=October 30, 2024 |website=AP News |archive-date=October 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241030230725/https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-sexual-assault-lawsuits-df8e1f69e97d17c6bb59257c5714e694 |url-status=live }}

In December 2024, Combs, along with Jay-Z, were accused in a civil lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jay-z-accused-civil-lawsuit-raping-13-year-old-girl-2000-sean-diddy-co-rcna183376 |title=Jay-Z accused in a civil lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000 along with Sean 'Diddy' Combs |date=December 8, 2024 |last=Melas |first=Chloe |publisher=NBC News |access-date=December 8, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208235317/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jay-z-accused-civil-lawsuit-raping-13-year-old-girl-2000-sean-diddy-co-rcna183376 |url-status=live }} The lawsuit against Combs and Jay-Z was dropped in February 2025.{{Cite news |last=Kim |first=Juliana |date=2025-02-15 |title=Woman drops suit accusing Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Jay-Z of raping her when she was 13 |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/02/15/nx-s1-5298646/jay-z-sean-diddy-combs-rape-lawsuit-dropped |access-date=2025-05-15 |work=NPR |language=en}}

In the same month, Combs was accused of raping and sexually assaulting three men,{{Cite web |last=Granville |first=Samantha |date=December 13, 2024 |title=Three men accuse Sean 'Diddy' Combs of rape and sexual assault in new lawsuits |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1mre8mpemxo |access-date=December 14, 2024 |website=BBC News}} of committing sexual battery against a former male employee,{{Cite web |last=Stahl |first=Jay |date=December 24, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs sued by former male employee for sexual battery, according to reports |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/12/24/sean-diddy-combs-employee-sexual-battery/77203509007/ |access-date=December 25, 2024 |website=USA TODAY}} and of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman,{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Melissa |date=December 26, 2024 |title=Woman claims she was 'lured' to Sean 'Diddy' Combs' party through radio contest |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/woman-claims-was-lured-sean-diddy-combs-party-radio-contest-rcna185444 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=NBC News}} in separate suits against him.

In January 2025, Combs was sued by a woman who claimed that he had sexually assaulted her when she was a 16-year-old babysitter in September 2000. Rolling Stone reported that there were over forty lawsuits against Combs.{{Cite magazine |last1=Dillon |first1=Nancy |last2=Roundtree |first2=Cheyenne |date=January 13, 2025 |title=Sean Combs Raped 16-Year-Old Babysitter, New Lawsuit Claims |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sean-diddy-combs-rape-16-year-old-babysitter-lawsuit-1235233976/ |access-date=January 13, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}{{cite web |title=Prosecutors add two new victims to Sean Combs case |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ye9lgnk5zo |website=BBC News |date=January 31, 2025|access-date=February 2, 2025}}

On March 25, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security raided Combs's properties in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami using a Southern District of New York search warrant in connection with an unspecified ongoing investigation.{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Maanvi |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Federal agents raid multiple properties of Sean 'Diddy' Combs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/25/sean-diddy-properties-raided-homeland-security |access-date=October 3, 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326021056/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/25/sean-diddy-properties-raided-homeland-security |url-status=live }} Federal agents confiscated computers and other electronic devices.{{Cite web |first=Eric |last=Resendiz |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Diddy responds to raids at LA, Miami homes; electronics seized by Homeland Security agents |url=https://abc7news.com/sean-diddy-combs-raid-homeland-security-news/14574067/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007105940/https://abc7news.com/sean-diddy-combs-raid-homeland-security-news/14574067/ |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=ABC7 San Francisco}} Recovered in the raids were narcotics like Ketamine, Ecstasy, GHB,{{Cite news |last=Do Couto |first=Sarah |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer tries to explain rapper's 1,000 baby oil bottles |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10776111/sean-diddy-combs-1000-bottles-baby-oil-accusations/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004160914/https://globalnews.ca/news/10776111/sean-diddy-combs-1000-bottles-baby-oil-accusations/ |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |work=Global News}} three illegally modified AR-15 rifles, and "more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant".{{Cite web |first=Sheila |last=Flynn |date=September 25, 2024 |title=1,000 bottles of baby oil and 'freak offs': Sean 'Diddy' Combs and the rise of his 'criminal enterprise' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/diddy-baby-oil-lubes-freak-offs-house-bathroom-raid-b2618500.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The Independent |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930100158/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/diddy-baby-oil-lubes-freak-offs-house-bathroom-raid-b2618500.html |url-status=live }}

According to the Miami Herald, federal agents questioned Combs at Opa-Locka Airport on March 25, 2024. The agents seized a number of electronic devices before allowing him to leave for his planned vacation to Antigua and Barbuda.{{Cite news |first=Mark |last=Savage |work=BBC News |date=March 28, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs: Who is the US rapper accused of sex trafficking? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68676287 |access-date=October 3, 2024|archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328212917/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68676287 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |first1=Grethel |last1=Aguila |first2=Jay |last2=Weaver |first3=Omar |last3=Rodríguez Ortiz |title=What did agents find when they raided Diddy's mansion? Where is the mogul? What to know |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article287100960.html |work=Miami Herald |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925235541/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article287100960.html |url-status=live }}

Combs was arrested by U.S. Homeland Security investigators in Manhattan on September 16, 2024, after a grand jury indicted him.{{Cite news |first1=Ben |last1=Sisario |first2=Julia |last2=Jacobs |title=Sean Combs Arrested in Manhattan After Grand Jury Indictment |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/16/arts/music/sean-combs-diddy-indicted.html |work=The New York Times |date=September 17, 2024 |archive-date=October 2, 2024 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002191723/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/16/arts/music/sean-combs-diddy-indicted.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author=Homeland Security Investigations |title=Sean Combs Charged in Manhattan Federal Court With Sex Trafficking, Additional Federal Offenses Following HSI New York Investigation |url=https://www.dhs.gov/hsi/news/2024/09/17/sean-combs-charged-manhattan-federal-court-sex-trafficking-additional-federal |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=Homeland Security |date=September 17, 2024 |archive-date=October 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002154202/https://www.dhs.gov/hsi/news/2024/09/17/sean-combs-charged-manhattan-federal-court-sex-trafficking-additional-federal |url-status=live }} He was charged with sex trafficking and racketeering.{{Cite news |last=Helmore |first=Edward |date=September 17, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail in sex-trafficking and racketeering case |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/sep/17/sean-diddy-combs-indictment-charges |access-date=October 3, 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}} Combs pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance at a Manhattan federal courthouse on September 17, 2024.{{Cite web |first1=Larry |last1=Neumeister |first2=Michael R. |last2=Sisak |first3=Jennifer |last3=Peltz |date=September 17, 2024 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs jailed by judge after sex trafficking indictment |url=https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-arrested-court-5d570cab4625ca5f9dd16dfd7df4437c |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=AP News}} During this court appearance, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky denied Combs bail and ordered him to remain in federal custody. On September 18, a second judge, Andrew L. Carter Jr., denied bail due to concerns about potential witness threats and intimidation, despite the offer of a $50 million bond by Dobb's attorney. The defense also proposed restricted travel, restrictions on female visitors, and home detention among other conditions of release, all of which were rejected.{{Cite web |last1=Katersky |first1=Aaron |last2=Brennan |first2=David |last3=Reinstein |first3=Julia |last4=Pezenik |first4=Sasha |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail again in sex trafficking indictment |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/sean-diddy-combs-set-bail-appeal-hearing-sex/story?id=113800021 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=ABC News |archive-date=October 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003130200/https://abcnews.go.com/US/sean-diddy-combs-set-bail-appeal-hearing-sex/story?id=113800021 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Scannell |first1=Kara |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs is denied bail for a third time |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/27/entertainment/sean-diddy-combs-denied-bail-third-time/index.html |access-date=December 4, 2024 |website=CNN Entertainment |date=November 27, 2024 |archive-date=November 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129015700/https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/27/entertainment/sean-diddy-combs-denied-bail-third-time/index.html |url-status=live }} Combs remains incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/05/05/sean-diddy-combs-charges-jail-time-explained/83387758007/|title=Which charges does Sean 'Diddy' Combs face – and could he go to jail?|first=Anna|last=Kaufman|publisher=USA Today|date=May 5, 2025|accessdate=May 5, 2025}}

On October 10, 2024, New York federal judge Arun Subramanian set May 5, 2025 as the starting date of Combs's trial.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/10/10/diddy-jail-court-hearing-live-updates/75597105007/|title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial date set for sex crimes charges|first=Edward|last=Segarra|work=USA Today|date=October 10, 2024|accessdate=October 10, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-indictment-court-149b784f3f6b37a84afa6081f2a904e6|title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial set for May|first1=Larry|last1=Neumeister|first2=Michael R.|last2=Sisak|work=Associated Press News|date=October 10, 2024|accessdate=October 10, 2024|archive-date=October 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010072431/https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-indictment-court-149b784f3f6b37a84afa6081f2a904e6|url-status=live}}

On February 21, 2025, Anthony Ricco, one of Combs's defense attorneys, withdrew from the case. Ricco filed a motion in New York federal court to step down, citing an inability to continue effectively representing Combs. He did not specify reasons beyond referencing discussions with Combs's lead counsel, Marc Agnifilo. The withdrawal requires judicial approval to become official.{{cite web | last1=Kaufman | first1=Anna | last2=Moorman | first2=Taijuan | title=Diddy lawyer quits: Embattled music mogul loses part of legal team | website=USA TODAY | date=February 21, 2025 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/02/21/sean-combs-diddy-lawyer-quits/79423969007/ | access-date=February 21, 2025}}

On November 24, 2023, Macy's announced that they were pulling all Sean John clothing from their department and online stores, effectively ending their partnership with Combs.{{Cite web |last=Grant |first=Shawn |date=November 24, 2023 |title=Macy's Beginning to Remove Diddy's Sean John from Stores and Website |website=The Source |url=https://thesource.com/2023/11/24/macys-beginning-to-remove-diddys-sean-john-from-stores-and-website/|access-date=December 14, 2023}} Four days later, Combs stepped down as chairman of Revolt TV.{{Cite web |last=Leach |first=Kamaron |date=November 28, 2023 |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Named in Abuse Suits, Leaves Revolt Media Role |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-28/sean-combs-named-in-abuse-suits-leaves-revolt-media-role |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250109035833/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-28/sean-combs-named-in-abuse-suits-leaves-revolt-media-role |archive-date=January 9, 2025 |access-date=November 28, 2023 |website=Bloomberg}} Tsuri, Nuudii System, Fulaba, and House of Takura all ended their affiliations with Combs's e-commerce business, Empower Global.{{Cite web |first=Alex |last=Ross |date=December 12, 2023 |title=Brands Cut Ties with Sean 'Diddy' Combs' E-Commerce Business After Multiple Sexual Assault Allegations |url=https://people.com/companies-cut-ties-with-sean-diddy-combs-online-business-after-assault-allegations-8415093 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214173425/https://people.com/companies-cut-ties-with-sean-diddy-combs-online-business-after-assault-allegations-8415093 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=People}}{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=Marc |date=December 11, 2023 |title=Diddy Reportedly Loses 18 Brand Partnerships Amid Assault Allegations |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/business/diddy-brand-partnerships-assault-allegations-1234830510/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214173426/https://www.vibe.com/news/business/diddy-brand-partnerships-assault-allegations-1234830510/ |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=Vibe}}{{Cite magazine |last1=Dillon |first1=Cheyenne |last2=Roundtree |first2=Nancy |date=December 10, 2023 |title=18 Companies Flee Sean Combs' Latest Business as Allegations Mount |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sean-diddy-combs-assault-accusations-fallout-empower-global-1234921058/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224005544/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sean-diddy-combs-assault-accusations-fallout-empower-global-1234921058/ |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}

Hulu cancelled production for a planned reality series that centered on Combs and his family. A spokesperson for Hulu's parent company, The Walt Disney Company, said that "the show was in the nascent stages and is not currently in production".{{Cite web |last1=Dasrath |first1=Diana |last2=Burke |first2=Minyvonne |date=December 14, 2023 |title=Reality TV show about Diddy's family is pulled amid sexual assault lawsuits |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/reality-tv-show-diddys-family-pulled-sexual-assault-lawsuits-rcna129705 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215000357/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/reality-tv-show-diddys-family-pulled-sexual-assault-lawsuits-rcna129705 |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 15, 2023 |website=NBC News}} On December 23, 2023, the Recording Academy decided to "re-evaluate" Combs's invitation to the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Inman |first=DeMicia |date=December 13, 2023 |title=Recording Academy "Evaluating" Diddy's Grammy Invitation Following Assault Accusations |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/recording-academy-evaluating-diddys-grammy-invitation-1234831481/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224005544/https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/recording-academy-evaluating-diddys-grammy-invitation-1234831481/ |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |website=Vibe}} He was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album for The Love Album: Off the Grid, but did not attend the ceremony.{{Cite magazine |last=Millman |first=Ethan |date=January 12, 2024 |title=Diddy Will Not Attend the 2024 Grammys Amid Sexual Abuse Claims: Report |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sean-diddy-combs-not-attending-grammys-2024-1234946067/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226083607/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sean-diddy-combs-not-attending-grammys-2024-1234946067/ |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |access-date=February 9, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}

During a live performance in November 2023, pop singer Kesha changed the opening lyric of her 2009 hit "Tik Tok" from "wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy" to "wake up in the morning feeling like just me".{{Cite magazine |last=Bowenbank |first=Starr |date=November 19, 2023 |title=Kesha Removes Diddy's Name From 'TiK ToK' Lyrics Onstage After Cassie Lawsuit |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kesha-removes-diddy-name-tik-tok-lyrics-cassie-lawsuit-1235494946/ |access-date=September 27, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}} At a Coachella performance with Reneé Rapp in April 2024, Kesha changed the lyric to "wake up in the morning like fuck P. Diddy".{{cite news |access-date=April 27, 2024 |work=Variety |author=Horowitz, Steven |date=April 14, 2024 |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/kesha-fuck-p-diddy-renee-rapp-coachella-1235971176/ |title=Kesha Changes 'Tik Tok' Lyrics to 'F— P. Diddy' During Surprise Appearance at Reneé Rapp's Coachella 2024 Set}} She has also stated in interviews that she plans to permanently perform the Coachella version of the lyrics, and has encouraged fans to learn this version of the song to sing along at concerts.{{Cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=May 10, 2024 |title=Kesha Says She's Permanently Changing Diddy Lyric in 'Tik Tok': 'I Know What I Stand For' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kesha-says-fuck-p-diddy-lyric-change-tik-tok-permanent-1235680652/ |access-date=July 11, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}

By April 2024, Combs's radio airplay and streaming figures decreased by 88% and 51.8% respectively.{{Cite web |last=Fekadu |first=Mesfin |date=May 20, 2024 |title=Streaming Activity for Sean "Diddy" Combs Drops Following Assault Allegations |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/sean-diddy-combs-streaming-activity-drops-assault-allegations-1235904374/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729051229/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/sean-diddy-combs-streaming-activity-drops-assault-allegations-1235904374/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Zellner |first=Xander |date=April 1, 2024 |title=Diddy's Radio Airplay Plummets After Sexual Abuse Allegations & Federal Agent Home Raids |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/diddy-radio-airplay-plummets-allegations-home-raids-1235646418/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}} In May 2024, Australian radio personality Stav Davidson and Sussan Ley, deputy leader of the Australian Opposition, called for a boycott or permanent ban of Combs's music from streaming services and radio.{{Cite web |last=Woods |first=Aleia |date=May 21, 2024 |title=Australians Are Calling for Diddy's Music to Be Banned From Their Radio Stations |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/australians-diddy-music-ban-radio-stations/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |website=XXL Mag |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729051229/https://www.xxlmag.com/australians-diddy-music-ban-radio-stations/ |url-status=live }} Fitness brand Peloton Interactive removed Combs's music from its fitness classes and playlists, after initially announcing that it would "pause" the usage of his music.{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2024 |first=Favour |last=Adegoke |title=Peloton Cuts Ties With Diddy Over Assault Video, Bans Use Of Rapper's Music |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/peloton-cuts-ties-diddy-over-130058703.html |access-date=July 29, 2024 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729045357/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/peloton-cuts-ties-diddy-over-130058703.html |url-status=live }}

On June 7, 2024, Howard University announced that it was revoking Combs's honorary doctorate. They also returned his $1 million donation and terminated his pledge agreement.{{cite news |last1=Frehse |first1=Rob |last2=Respers |first2=Lisa |last3=Campbell |first3=Josh |last4=Wagmeister |first4=Elizabeth |title=Howard University revokes Sean Combs' honorary degree and terminates $2 million gift and pledge agreement |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/07/entertainment/sean-diddy-combs-howard-university/index.html |access-date=June 8, 2024 |publisher=CNN |date=June 7, 2024 |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608043528/https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/07/entertainment/sean-diddy-combs-howard-university/index.html |url-status=live }} Nine days later, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the rescinding of Combs's key to the city, which he had been awarded in September 2023.{{Cite web |first=Mirna |last=Alsharif |date=June 16, 2024 |title=Diddy returns key to NYC after request from Mayor Eric Adams |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/diddy-returns-key-nyc-request-mayor-eric-adams-rcna157397 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |publisher=NBC News |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711010517/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/diddy-returns-key-nyc-request-mayor-eric-adams-rcna157397 |url-status=live }} On June 28, 2024, the offices of Miami-Dade County district attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle revoked Sean "Diddy" Combs Day, a city-wide holiday in Miami Beach, Florida inaugurated in his honor on October 13, 2016.{{Cite magazine |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Diddy Day in Miami Beach Is No More |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/diddy-day-miami-beach-revoked-1235720123/ |access-date=July 11, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711010517/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/diddy-day-miami-beach-revoked-1235720123/ |url-status=live }}

As of late 2024, a few radio stations, like Boston's Jam'n 94.5 (owned by iHeartMedia) and California’s 93.5 KDAY (owned by Meruelo Group), had pulled off Diddy's music, while others, such as syndicated iHeartMedia, would allow each station to decide.{{cite news |last=Cheyenne |first=Angelica |date=September 20, 2024|title=P.Diddy's music will no longer be played on certain radio stations following his arrest |url=https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/pdiddys-music-no-longer-played-706894|work=Daily Mirror|location=United States |access-date=May 11, 2025}}

Throughout 2024, TMZ released a docu-series, centering on the allegations, titled the Downfall of Diddy.{{Cite web |last=Kilkenny |first=Katie |date=January 4, 2025 |title=Investigating Diddy: All of the Documentary Projects Released or in the Works |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/sean-diddy-combs-documentaries-1236098719/ |access-date=January 6, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

Also in September, Netflix announced the development of a television documentary miniseries centering on the allegations, titled Diddy Do It, which would be executive produced by 50 Cent, who stated that proceeds from the project would be going to victims of sexual assault and rape.{{Cite web |last=Hailu |first=Selome |date=September 25, 2024 |title=50 Cent Sets Diddy Abuse Allegations Docuseries at Netflix: 'It's a Complex Narrative Spanning Decades' (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/diddy-sexual-assault-allegation-doc-50-cent-netflix-1236012610/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Variety|archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926094631/https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/diddy-sexual-assault-allegation-doc-50-cent-netflix-1236012610/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=September 25, 2024 |title=50 Cent's Documentary Surrounding Diddy's Abuse Allegations Is Coming to Netflix |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/50-cent-diddy-documentary-netflix-1235784030/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=October 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003011152/https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/50-cent-diddy-documentary-netflix-1235784030/ |url-status=live }}

On January 3, 2025, Peacock released a trailer to a documentary, also centering on these allegations, titled Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy. The documentary was released on January 14, 2025, and included singer Al B. Sure! speaking on camera about Kim Porter for the first time.{{Cite web |last=Dolak |first=Kevin |date=January 14, 2025 |title='Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy' Documentary Reveals New Details From Al B. Sure! and Alleged Gang Rape Victim |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/diddy-the-making-of-a-bad-boy-documentary-al-b-sure-gang-rape-victim-1236108173/ |access-date=January 15, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

On January 28, 2025, Investigation Discovery released a 5-part documentary series titled The Fall of Diddy.{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Tracy |title=A new Sean Combs doc reveals fresh allegations: Biggest takeaways from 'The Fall of Diddy' |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-01-28/fall-of-diddy-doc-allegations-revelations |website=Los Angeles Times |date=January 28, 2025|access-date=February 2, 2025}}

{{Main|Trial of Sean Combs}}

{{Infobox court case

| name = United States v. Combs

| court = United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

| image = USDCSDNY.svg

| imagesize = 80px

| full name = United States v. Sean Combs, a/k/a "Puff Daddy," a/k/a "P. Diddy," a/k/a "Diddy," a/k/a "PD," a/k/a "Love"

| docket = [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69167625/united-states-v-combs/ 1:24-CR-00542]

| italic title = no

}}

On April 18, 2025, a bid by Combs's lawyers to delay the trial for two months was denied by the judge because the request was submitted too close to the start date.{{cite news |title=Sean (Diddy) Combs loses bid to delay sex-trafficking trial set to start in May |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/diddy-combs-trial-delay-1.7514045 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |work=CBC News |agency=Thomson Reuters |date=April 18, 2025}} On May 5, Combs's trial began in the Federal District Court in Lower Manhattan, with the process of jury selection.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/05/05/diddy-trial-updates-day-1/83253222007/|title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial latest updates: Judge questions potential jurors|first1=Anna|last1=Kaufman|first2=Patrick|last2=Ryan|publisher=USA Today|date=May 5, 2025|accessdate=May 5, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1416949/sean-diddy-combs-trial-jury-selection-begins|title=Sean "Diddy" Combs' Sex Trafficking Trial Begins Jury Selection: What to Know About the Case|first=Sydney|last=Kerr|publisher=E News|date=May 5, 2025|accessdate=May 5, 2025}} Opening statements and witness testimony began on May 12,{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/sean-diddy-combs-trial-live-updates/?id=121656142|title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial updates: Prosecution calls first witness|first1=Aaron|last1=Katersky|first2=Mason|last2=Leib|publisher=ABC News|date=May 12, 2025|accessdate=May 12, 2025}} with Cassie Ventura first on the stand for the prosecution.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2025/05/12/diddy-trial-live-updates-sean-combs-sex-trafficking-case/|title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs's sex trafficking trial begins with witness testimony, opening statements|newspaper=Washington Post|url-access=subscription|date=May 12, 2025|accessdate=May 12, 2025}} On May 22, Judge Subramanian said the trial should "wrap up" by July 4.{{cite news|last1=Rosner|first1=Elizabeth |last2=Griffith|first2=Janelle |last3=Asma-Sadeque|first3=Samira|url=https://people.com/judge-says-diddy-s-trial-should-wrap-by-july-4-as-next-witnesses-are-revealed-11740566 | title=Judge Says Diddy's Trial Should Wrap by July 4 — as Next Witnesses Are Revealed|work=People|date=May 22, 2025|accessdate=May 23, 2025}}

Free Puff or Free Diddy is a phrase, primarily stylized in all-caps, meant to show support towards Sean Combs (better known as Diddy or Puff Daddy) amongst his allegations of sexual misconduct.{{cn|date=June 2025}} The phrase is based on the notion that Sean Combs is innocent or that the allegations made towards him are false.{{cn|date=June 2025}}

Around May 5th, many people would display support for Sean Combs by wearing black shirts with "FREE PUFF" or "{{not a typo|FREE $DIDDY}}" printed in white.{{cite news |last1=Dolak |first1=Kevin |title="Free Puff" T-Shirts Outside of Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial May Be Part of a Paid Protest |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/free-puff-t-shirts-diddy-trial-may-be-paid-protest-1236223890/ |access-date=28 May 2025 |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |date=21 May 2025}} According to a interview between Emilie Hagen and a female Free Diddy protestor, the female protestor was told that she'd be paid $20 an hour by someone passing out the shirts if she wore them.{{cite news |last1=Schladebeck |first1=Jessica |title=Sean 'Diddy' Combs responds to Kanye West's 'Free Puff' campaign, clothing collab |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/02/08/diddy-kanye-west-free-puff-tweet-merch/ |access-date=28 May 2025 |work=New York Daily News |date=8 February 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Ahmed |first1=Tufayel |title=Kanye West Tweets 'Free Puff' Amid Diddy Legal Woes, Launches Sean John Collaboration to Support Him |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kanye-west-tweets-free-puff-amid-diddy-legal-woes-launches-sean-john-collaboration-to-support-him/ |access-date=28 May 2025 |publisher=US Weekly |date=7 February 2025}} Kanye would even go to claim that allegations directed at Sean Combs were part of a conspiracy theory perpetrated by Hollywood "elites", and urged Donald Trump to free Combs.{{cite news |last1=Srivastava |first1=Aditi |title='Free Puff': Kanye West urges Trump to free 'my brother' Diddy from jail |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/free-puff-kanye-west-urges-trump-to-free-my-brother-diddy-from-jail-101738901082759.html |access-date=28 May 2025 |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=7 February 2025}} Diddy himself would even thank Kanye, whilst calling Kanye his brother. Kanye would later double down on these claims and release a video call with Christian Combs, Diddy's son, with a caption reading "A SON TO HIS DAD FOR EVERY SON WHO DAD IS LOCKED UP WRITE OR WRONG {{sic}}".

• Diddy parties
• {{slink|She Knows (J. Cole song)|Controversy}}
• {{slink|Piers Morgan Uncensored|Criticism}}
• #MeToo movement; allegations against figures in the music industry

{{Reflist|2}}

{{Sean Combs}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Combs, Sean sexual misconduct allegations}}

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