Sean “Diddy” Combs will face trial on May 5, 2025, on federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution. The case against the hip-hop mogul has been building since his arrest in September, following allegations that he orchestrated and recorded coerced sex acts at gatherings known as “freak offs.” Combs, who pleaded not guilty, has been denied bail twice and remains in custody while awaiting trial. His defense team, led by Marc Agnifilo, has requested a gag order, accusing federal agents of leaking information to the media to sway public opinion. Prosecutors counter that the defense is trying to exclude incriminating evidence, such as a 2016 video showing Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

Cassie Venture (left), with Sean Combs.

The prosecution has presented a large amount of evidence, including “several terabytes” of electronic data and 96 devices seized from Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami. Prosecutors have already submitted a full set of search warrants and Combs’ phone data but noted that it may take longer to recover information from some devices, as a few were found damaged. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson said the government plans to complete discovery by the end of the year, with another hearing scheduled for December 18. Johnson added that the trial could extend beyond three weeks if a superseding indictment is filed.

Combs’ legal team has maintained that their client is innocent, with lawyer Erica Wolff stating that Combs “categorically denies” all allegations of sexual abuse, including those involving minors. The charges have only added to Combs’ mounting legal woes, as he faces a wave of lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct. The legal battle has drawn widespread attention, especially after Combs settled a civil case last year in which Cassie Ventura accused him of rape and abuse. Despite the mounting pressure, Combs’ family remains supportive, with his mother and children attending the most recent court hearing.