Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' atmosphere of alleged abuse revealed in witness testimony

USA Today

22-05-2025

Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' atmosphere of alleged abuse revealed in witness testimony
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' drug-fueled atmosphere of alleged abuse is being further revealed as more witnesses take the stand in his ongoing criminal trial.
A select group of witnesses returned to Manhattan court on May 22 as prosecutors continue to build their case against the embattled hip-hop mogul. The previous day, federal agent Gerard Gannon appeared for testimony and described the massive March 2024 raid on Combs' Miami mansion, during which authorities found illegal drugs, weapons and more.
Gannon was joined by psychologist Dawn Hughes, who explained the complexities of physical, sexual and psychological abuse, as well as George Kaplan, a former assistant alleging a hostile work environment under the Bad Boy Records founder.
Scott Mescudi, better known as rapper Kid Cudi, will also take the stand in the coming days. Combs allegedly threatened the musician after he and Diddy's former girlfriend Cassie Ventura Fine dated briefly over a decade ago.
Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.
Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges.
Why is Diddy on trial?
Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling lawsuit that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry.
He was arrested in September 2024 and has been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
What is racketeering?
Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity.
Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors claim they have video of.
Where can I watch the Diddy trial?
The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings.
USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom.
Contributing: USA TODAY staff
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.