What is Diddy being charged with?

While Diddy has been hit with a multitude of allegations from various parties over the last year, this trial revolves around charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested for the charges on Sept. 16, 2024.

According to the indictment, Diddy used his wealth and influence to facilitate a sex trafficking ring while using violence and coercion to protect his reputation while maintaining his operations. Prosecutors allege that Diddy led a “criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.”

More specifically speaking, he is accused of hosting “freak-offs,” sex parties in which Diddy arranged for the transportation and attendance of commercial sex workers. Prosecutors allege that Diddy used drugs, “force, threats of force, and coercion” to make alleged victims engage in sex acts with said male commercial sex workers.

Diddy is also accused of committing acts of violence and coercion against several women. According to the federal indictment, freak-offs were recorded and allegedly used as collateral to influence victims.

What is Diddy’s defense?

According to CNN, one of Diddy’s defense attorneys,Teny Geragos, used her opening statement to claim that, “This case is about voluntary adult choices made by capable adults in consensual relationships.”

How much time is Diddy facing?

If Diddy is convicted on the racketeering charge, he could face life in prison. He also faces minimums of 10 years and 15 years in prison for the transportation to engage in prostitution and sex trafficking charges.

Who is on the Jury?

According to The New York Post’s Ben Kochman, the jury consists of eight men and four women. Of the jury members, four are white, while the rest are people of color.

Who are the witnesses?

Diddy’s former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, better known as singer Cassie, is expected to testify that Diddy subjected her to years of physical and emotional abuse. She was signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Records. Cassie filed a civil suit against Diddy for said abuse in November 2023, and it was settled out of court one day later.

Who are the lawyers?

Prosecutors: The prosecution team is made up of Emily A. Johnson, Mitzi Steiner, Madison Reddick Smyser, Christy Slavik and Maurene Comey. Comey famously led the case against Ghislaine Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years for helping operate Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operations.

Diddy’s Lawyers:Predictably, Diddy’s defense team is a formidable one that includes Brian Steel (Young Thug’s defense team, YSL Trial), Nicole Westmoreland (YSL case), Marc Agnifilo (Luigi Mangione’s defense team, United Healthcare CEO shooting) and Teny Geragos (Agnifilo’s Agnifilo Intrater law firm). Steel was recently immortalized when Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR named a song after him. He helped facilitate a plea deal for his most famous client, Young Thug, to avoid a lengthy prison sentence for the YSL RICO case in Atlanta.