Sean Combs trial will begin next week: NPR

Sacha Pfeiffer, host:

The sex trafficking trial of hip-hop tycoon Diddy's comb begins next week in New York City. Combs has been in custody since his arrest last September. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and the music industry will closely monitor the trial. Not long ago, the long and influential career of combs was celebrated. NPR's Isabella Gomez Sarmiento has been following the allegations against him – and warned that the story contains a description of sexual assault. Hi Isabella.

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, Byline: HI, Sasha.

PFEIFFER: What exactly is hair combing?

Gomez Sarmiento: To answer, we have to go back for a few years, when Combs is in a real career. You may remember his career going back to the 1990s, so some listeners may know better about him as Puff Daddy or P Diddy. But if we fast forward to 2022, he won the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. The following year, New York City Mayor Eric Adams granted Combs the key. I mean, he is really at the top of the competition and has been a key player in the music and media industry for decades, so he has gained all of this recognition. In November 2023, he was nominated for a Grammy Award and then quickly gained reputation. Combs' former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, filed a civil lawsuit claiming Combs was trafficked throughout her relationship, raped and violently defeated her. She claimed the abuse lasted for more than a decade and that Combs employees helped him cover it up. Now Combs denies all of Ventura's allegations, but the next day they settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount, and the charges were so shocking that Combs' reputation did not really rebound.

Pfeiffer: Isabella, you said Ventura filed a civil lawsuit. So, please explain how the comb ends up being criminally charged in prison.

Gomez Sarmiento: Yes, yes. After Ventura stepped up, many people filed civil lawsuits against Comb, alleging very similar abuse, which Comb has been denied. But like you said, these are not criminal charges. Then, in March 2024, federal law enforcement officers raided several properties related to the comb. They confiscate weapons, electronics, all kinds of things. Two months later, CNN acquired and released a hotel surveillance video showing a comb kicking and hitting Ventura. This is an event that started in 2016 and combs are released online.

(The sound of archive recording)

Sean Combs: I am unforgivable for the behavior of this video. I take full responsibility for the actions in this video. I'm very disgusted.

Gomez Sarmiento: Combs was arrested in New York City in September 2024. The federal government accused him of sexual trafficking, transportation for prostitution and extortion plots, essentially claiming that he used his business to promote and cover up sex crimes for more than a decade. There was a hotel incident described in the criminal prosecution, although it did not mention Ventura, prosecutors pointed out that the video believed the comb should not be released because his actions could be violent. The judge finally syncs with them, and the comb is still in custody, awaiting this trial.

Pfeiffer: Once his trial begins next week, it can make it possible for us to make a difference.

Gomez Sarmiento: Yes. Several alleged victims are expected to testify against the comb, which most likely include those who filed civil lawsuits against the comb. CNN videos will be considered evidence. And, you know, Combs' lawyers kept his innocence. They say all these encounters were voluntary. But if he is convicted, if the jury finds him guilty of all charges, he can spend the rest of his life in prison.

Pfeiffer: That's Isabella Gomez Sarmiento from NPR. Thanks.

Gomez Sarmiento: Thank you.

(Soundbite by Badbadnotgood and Ghostface Killah Song, “Street Knowledge”)

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