Diddy’s Sex Trafficking Trial Begins as Celebrities and Scandal Collide.
The federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs opened on May 5, 2025, in Manhattan federal court, setting the stage for what could become one of the most talked-about celebrity trials of the decade. As the courtroom filled, potential jurors were handed a striking list of nearly 200 celebrities whose names could surface during proceedings.
The charges against Combs, which include sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy, stem from disturbing claims that he and his associates coerced and threatened victims to satisfy his personal sexual desires. Known for decades as an entertainment powerhouse, Combs now faces the darkest chapter of his life. He remains in custody, having repeatedly been denied bail over fears of witness tampering, and has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The Celebrity Web Surrounding the Case
At the heart of the prosecution’s case is Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ former partner and the star witness. The pair met in 2005 after she signed with his music label and embarked on a tumultuous relationship that stretched until their final breakup in 2018.
Last year, Ventura accused Combs of systematic domestic abuse that left her “broken and isolated.” A 2016 hotel surveillance video, released by CNN in 2024, captured Combs violently assaulting her in a hallway. Footage showed him chasing, punching, and kicking Ventura before dragging her along the carpeted corridor. While Combs later offered what he called an apology, Ventura’s attorneys dismissed it as hollow and self-serving.
Jurors were questioned about any ties or knowledge of two upscale Manhattan hotels—The Essex House and The Peninsula—both allegedly sites of abuse.
The list of celebrities potentially referenced during trial reads like a pop culture who’s who:
Michael B. Jordan was rumored to have briefly dated Ventura in 2015, which insiders say angered Combs.
Mike Myers was unexpectedly named, possibly because of a 2002 Austin Powers joke about Combs.
Kid Cudi’s inclusion is speculated to stem from an infamous 2011 car explosion incident, long rumored to be linked to tensions with Combs, though no criminal charges followed.
Kanye West appeared on the list too, likely due to his collaborations with Combs, including a March 2025 track featuring Combs’ son King and singer Jasmine Williams.
Names like music producer Dallas Austin, choreographer Laurieann Gibson, and former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard, who alleges Combs physically abused her and others, were also noted.
A New Twist: A Missing Witness
Just as the trial began, federal prosecutors revealed that a critical accuser, referred to only as “Victim-3,” had vanished. Efforts to contact her or her attorney have failed. Her expected testimony reportedly would have detailed years of control and exploitation by Combs, casting a shadow over the prosecution’s strategy.
What Comes Next
The trial is scheduled to resume with opening arguments on May 12 and is expected to stretch across eight intense weeks. Testimony from multiple alleged victims, along with the controversial hotel surveillance footage and other evidence, will be introduced.
Diddy, once the face of music empires and luxury brands, now faces allegations that could define the rest of his life. As the case unfolds, the mix of serious accusations, celebrity drama, and courtroom spectacle has ensured that the world will be watching closely to see whether Sean “Diddy” Combs walks free or is held accountable.
