Diddy's Sex Trafficking Trial Pushed Back; New Criminal Indictment Hits Imprisoned Bad Boy Records Founder
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial for sex trafficking and more has been pushed back a week.
Originally set to start on May 5, Sean Combs' criminal matter in federal court in New York City will now begin on May 12.
More from Deadline
Sean 'Diddy' Combs: An Updated Timeline Of Charges, Allegations & Consequences The Rap Mogul Faces
Diddy Slams CNN For Allegedly Altering Cassie Ventura Beating Footage; Cable Newser Destroyed Original Video, Rapper Claims
Feds Hit Diddy With Forced Labor Claims In Sex Trafficking Case; Reject Move By Rapper To Suppress Digital Evidence
The change in the opening date came Friday in a hearing on the superseding indictment against Combs that prosecutors brought down last week. Now with forced labor added to the racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution claims facing the Bad Boy Records founder. Present in Judge Arun Subramanian's courtroom, as he has been for every hearing in the case since his arrest last fall, Combs entered a plea of 'not guilty' this morning — just like the 'All About the Benjamins' performer has before.
Lasting about an hour, Friday's hearing saw the U.S. Attorney's office and defense lawyers combative over potential witnesses for the trial and 2016 video footage broadcasted last spring of half-naked Combs beating then long-time girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a LA hotel hallway.
Mitzi Steiner from the SDNY revealed the feds have another 20 potential witnesses – as yet unidentified – who are 'incredibly frightened' at the thought of having their names disclosed to defense. Intimidation and fears of possible violent retribution from Combs and associates have come up numerous times before in the case. Yet, today, Judge Subramanian nevertheless ordered Steiner to turn over the potential witnesses IDs next week to the defense on a lawyers-eyes-only basis.
The revised indictment (read it here) says Combs coerced employees into 'forced labor,' including sex through intimidation, withheld pay, sleep deprivation and threats of firing. Employees were led to believe 'they would be harmed — including by losing their jobs — if they did not comply with his demands,' the indictment states. 'With respect to one employee, Combs used physical force, psychological harm, financial harm and reputational harm, and/or threats of the same to cause the employee to engage in sex acts with Combs.'
Arrested in a Manhattan hotel lobby in September, the Bad Boy Records founder is facing life in prison if found guilty in a trial previously set to start May 5.. The government alleges that Combs and his aides coerced women into marathon sexual encounters called 'freak-offs' with male and female prostitutes, drug use, threats of violence and imprisonment in the hotel rooms where the were staged and videotaped.
RELATED:
Prosecutors allege that Combs' business empire — which has fallen on hard times since the flood of allegations against him began in late 2023 — and the 'racketeering enterprise' at the heart of their case against the one-time rap hitmaker-turned-mogul were intertwined. The 'Combs Enterprise,' according to the indictment, served two purposes: operating 'a global business in the media, entertainment, and lifestyle industries,' and enabling its CEO, his deputies and associates 'to engage in unlawful acts' including sex trafficking and narcotics distribution.
Combs has denied the charges and, through his lawyers, has said all of the sexual encounters described in the indictment were consensual.
Months before he was first indicted, Combs already was scrambling to limit the damage from an assault video aired by CNN in May. The footage from 2016 showed Combs hitting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura — who is the 'Victim 1' in the federal indictment — and dragging her through a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Combs apologized via Instagram two days after CNN aired the hotel surveillance clip, saying he was 'disgusted' by his behavior. With Ventura sued Combs for abuse and assault in November 2023 and been met with an alleged $30 million settlement within 24 hours, the May 2024 apology was met with distain by the singer's attorneys at the time.
RELATED:
Subjecting that 2016 footage to near constant undermining since the criminal case began, Combs' lawyers on March 14 formally accused CNN of doctoring the clip by editing and speeding up footage for broadcast and then destroying the original video. 'This includes covering the timestamp and then changing the video sequence,' the lawyers wrote, adding that 'the CNN videos do not fairly and accurately depict the events in question.'
Speaking to Deadline on March 13, a CNN spokesperson denied the cable newser altered or destroyed the video. Combs, who repeatedly has been denied bail, is being held in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center as he awaits trial.
As well as the criminal case, Combs is accused in more than 25 other cases of assault, abuse, rape and more, with even more allegations and filings coming in week after week. Losing one of his key lawyers in the criminal case earlier this year, Combs also on February 12, sued NBCUniversal for $100 million in a defamation action over what he calls out as 'outrageous set of fresh lies and conspiracy theories' in the Peacock documentary Diddy: Making of a Bad Boy.
Best of Deadline
2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
'The White Lotus' Season 3 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Arrive On Max?
How Jon Gries' Return To 'The White Lotus' Could Shape Season 3
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
34 minutes ago
- Newsweek
List of Celebrities Mentioned in Diddy Trial and What Was Said
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has referenced over a dozen of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, as testimony continues in the fourth week of proceedings. Why It Matters Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. What To Know While the names of many celebrities have been mentioned during Combs' trial, none are accused of any wrongdoing in connection with the criminal case. Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the Fragrance Foundation FiFi Awards on May 27, 2009. Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the Fragrance Foundation FiFi Awards on May 27, 2009. zz/Raoul Gatchalian/STAR MAX/IPx Kid Cudi Rapper Scott Mescudi, who goes by the stage name Kid Cudi, has been mentioned several times during the Combs trial. He also testified during the second week of proceedings. Mescudi started dating Cassie Ventura in 2011. Ventura dated Combs from 2007 to 2018. Mescudi said that he did not realize that Ventura and Combs were still together when they started dating. Mescudi alleged that Combs broke into his house in 2011 after he discovered Ventura's relationship with Mescudi. Mescudi also testified about a 2012 incident where his car caught fire in the driveway of his home. He said he asked to meet with Combs after the incident because he "knew he had something to do with it." The defense objected to the statement, and it was stricken from the record. Dawn Richard Dawn Richard, a former member of the girl group Danity Kane, also testified in Combs' trial. The group was formed on the reality show Making the Band. Combs was an executive producer of the show. Richard said she saw Combs attack Ventura as she was making eggs at Combs' home in Los Angeles. "He came downstairs screaming, belligerent," Richard said. She said Combs grabbed the skillet and tried to hit Ventura with it. Combs then grabbed Ventura's hair and dragged her upstairs, Richard testified. Michael B. Jordan The defense questioned celebrity stylist Deonte Branch about Ventura's relationships with other men while she was dating Combs, including actor Michael B. Jordan Nash said Ventura and Jordan were "dating, talking, getting to know each other." Prince Combs' former assistant, who used the pseudonym "Mia" during her testimony, stated that she attended a party at singer Prince's house with Ventura around 2011 or 2012. Mia said she convinced Ventura to go to the party even though Combs told them to stay home. She said they danced, hung out with friends, and Prince performed on a table. Mia saw Combs, who previously used the stage name "Puff," walking into the party. She and Ventura "booked it" outside the house. "Puff caught up to Cass and had her on the ground," Mia testified. Prince's security intervened. Rihanna Ventura's makeup artist, Mylah Morales, testified that she also worked for Rihanna for 13 years. During cross-examination, the defense showed Morales photos where she had done Ventura's makeup. This included a photo of Ventura, Rihanna and Ryan Lewis attending an awards show. Usher Richard said she saw Combs punch Ventura in the stomach at a restaurant in 2010 while other celebrities were present, including Usher. "She immediately bent over, [Combs] told her to leave," Richard said. "No one intervened." Ne-Yo Richard testified that singer Ne-Yo was also present when Combs punched Ventura at a restaurant in 2010. Nicki Minaj Ventura testified that she was given access to contacts in the music industry during her relationship with Combs. She said she recorded a song with Nicki Minaj. Lil Wayne Ventura said she also recorded a song with Lil Wayne while she was in a relationship with Combs. R. Kelly In a January 2019 message shown in court, Mia told Combs she had a nightmare where he rescued her after she was trapped in an elevator with singer and convicted sex offender R. Kelly. Chris Brown The defense questioned Ventura about an alleged encounter with singer Chris Brown during her testimony. "Do you remember the incident where he suspected you of dancing with Chris Brown?" defense attorney Anna Estevao asked Ventura. Ventura said she did not remember the incident, but she "was not dancing" with Brown. Mike Myers Prior to working for Combs, Mia worked as a personal assistant for comedian Mike Myers. Madonna Mia testified that she worked for Madonna for eight months after her employment with Combs ended. "I was hired to lead her film industry. It morphed into multiple roles," Mia said. Mick Jagger The defense questioned Mia about her time spent with various famous individuals during her employment with Combs. In messages to Combs shown in court, Mia described some of these encounters. One instance she recalled was spending a night in Paris with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. Jennifer Lopez In messages shown in court, Mia mentioned how Jennifer Lopez would not stay out with her and Combs. Morales also worked as a makeup artist for Lopez. Leonardo DiCaprio Mia said she once witnessed Combs playing poker with actor Leonardo DiCaprio. In a message, Mia wrote that Combs said the actor "does not know" anything about the game. Combs told her that he won $650,000, while DiCaprio won $10,000. Chadwick Boseman Mia messaged Combs in 2020 following the death of Chadwick Boseman. "Thinking of you with Chadwick Boseman," she wrote. Mia said Combs had been auditioning for the role of James Brown in the Get On Up biopic, which Boseman ultimately landed. Britney Spears Ventura said Britney Spears was among the celebrities in attendance at her 21st birthday party. She said the high-profile guests were there because of Combs. "That was all him. I didn't know them," Ventura said. 50 Cent Capricorn Clark, Combs' former assistant, testified about an instance where she accompanied Combs to do press at MTV. She said 50 Cent was there that day and Combs "had an issue with 50 Cent." Suge Knight Ventura testified that she told Combs not to do "anything stupid" when he went to confront Marion Hugh "Suge" Knight Jr. She said Damion "D-Roc" Butler informed Combs that Knight was at a local diner. Combs "quickly packed up and drove down there," Ventura said. Ventura said Combs and a bodyguard put on black clothing and armed themselves. When he got back, she said Combs would not tell her what happened or if he met Knight at the diner. What People Are Saying Cassie Ventura, during her testimony about Sean Combs' planned confrontation of Suge Knight: "I was crying. I was screaming 'Please don't do anything stupid.' I was just really nervous for them, what it meant, what they were going to do." Scott Mescudi, during his testimony about why he broke up with Cassie Ventura: "The drama was just getting out of hand." What Happens Next The trial, currently in its fourth week, is expected to last eight to 10 weeks. Combs is facing life in prison if convicted. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Nick Offerman says he and ‘Parks and Recreation' cast ‘heartbroken' over shooting death of Jonathan Joss
Nick Offerman has spoken out about the shooting death of his 'Parks and Recreation' costar, actor Jonathan Joss. 'The cast has been texting together about it all day and we're just heartbroken,' Offerman said in a statement to People. 'Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.' CNN has reached out to reps for Offerman for additional comment. On 'Parks and Recreation,' Joss played the tribal elder of the Wamapoke Native American tribe and owner of the Wamapoke Casino. He was fatally shot near his homeover the weekend, according to police in San Antonio, Texas. Police were dispatched Sunday to a location on Dorsey Drive in San Antonio, Texas, for a reported shooting in progress, where officers found Joss, 59, 'near the roadway of the location' and 'attempted life saving measures,' authorities said. The actor was pronounced dead by emergency service responders. A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder and an investigation is ongoing, police said. Joss' husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales confirmed his death in a text message to the Associated Press. He said he and Joss were approached and threatened by a man with a gun while checking the mail at Joss' home, which in January was damaged by a fire that also killed their three dogs. 'Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. When the man fired Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,' de Gonzales said. He and Joss, who married in February, had previously faced 'openly homophobic' harassment, de Gonzales said. The person who killed Joss yelled 'violent homophobic slurs' before opening fire, he added. 'He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other,' de Gonzales said. 'Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that the Mr. Joss's murder was related to his sexual orientation,' San Antonio police said in a statement posted to social media on Monday night. Beyond his work on 'Parks and Recreation,' Joss voiced the character of John Redcorn on 'King of the Hill.' Some of his other credits include appearances in 'Ray Donovan,' 'Tulsa King' and the 2016 film 'The Magnificent Seven.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Diddy's Former Assistant Recalls Dream She Had About Diddy And R. Kelly While On The Stand
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former assistant, testifying under the name 'Mia,' concluded her testimony in his ongoing federal sex trafficking trial on Monday (June 2) after delivering emotional and, at times, contradictory revelations. As she was cross-examined for the third day, Mia revealed how she once viewed the music mogul not only as her employer — but as her 'protector,' even once dreaming of him saving her from fellow disgraced star, R. Kelly. According to Mia, the dream came in early 2019, just weeks after the death of Combs' ex-girlfriend, Kim Porter, and days after the harrowing Surviving R. Kelly docuseries aired. In a text to Combs at the time, Mia shared the details of the nightmare, where she was trapped in an elevator with R. Kelly — until Diddy came to her rescue. The moment added to the complicated relationship Mia says she had with the 55-year-old, which she now describes as manipulation, trauma, and abuse. Mia has accused Diddy of multiple instances of sexual assault and physical violence during her time working for him. Yet even after she left his employment, she admitted on the stand that she continued to stay in touch — especially during vulnerable times. When asked why she would maintain a relationship with someone she claims caused her such pain and suffering, Mia said she was 'brainwashed.' She added, 'Nobody acted like what was happening to me was wrong.' She, however, admitted to internalizing shame and blame, particularly after the Bad Boy founder allegedly threatened to expose their sexual relationship to his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura. During the trial, defense attorney Brian Steel pointed to messages and moments between Diddy and Mia that painted a far more cordial, and perhaps affectionate, relationship between them. His cross-examination aimed to cast doubt on Mia's testimony by highlighting the contradictory continued connection she had with Diddy during and after her employment. Despite some calling her testimony bluff, Mia maintained her stance that she felt trapped in a series of emotional 'highs and lows.' According to her, that cycle made it difficult to see the relationship for what it truly was until much later. Diddy is facing serious federal charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. If convicted, the 55-year-old music mogul could spend the rest of his life in prison. More from Could Diddy Have Played James Brown In 'Get On Up' Biopic Over Chadwick Boseman? Ray J Accuses "C*nt" Suge Knight Of Sexually Assaulting Men Behind Bars Bill Maher Talks Cassie's "Enthusiastic Consent" To Freak Offs, Staying With Diddy For Career
