Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.

(NewsNation) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty of two counts of transporting women for prostitution, including his ex-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, but was acquitted on the most serious charges of racketeering conspiracy.

The decision came after 13 hours of deliberation over three days in July 2025 by a jury consisting of eight men and four women.

Combs was charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

Formerly known as “Puff Daddy,” Combs was once considered one of the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the last three decades. The founder of Bad Boy Records has worked with artists such as Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112, and also created a fashion clothing line and a music-focused TV channel. 

Here’s a look at the sequence of events leading up to Combs’ trial:

Diddy arrested on felony charges and nightclub shooting

April 16, 1999

Combs, then 29 years old, was arrested on felony charges that he and two of his bodyguards assaulted Interscope Records executive Steve Stoute.

Stoute said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that Combs “burst into his office” and attacked him.

“One minute I’m in the middle of a meeting,” he told the Times. “The next minute, I’m down on the floor and Puffy and his guys are kicking and pounding me. One of them picks up a chair and throws it at me. Then Puffy throws my desk over, and they just walk out like nothing happened.”

Combs would end up pleading guilty to a lesser charge and be sentenced to a court-designated anger management program, though Stoute would later sue him and the two would settle out of court for $500,000.

December 1999

While partying at Club New York in Midtown Manhattan with his then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez, “Combs’ crew exchanged words with another clubgoer,” a New York Post article from 2011 said. Gunshots were fired.

Combs and Lopez fled in a Lincoln Navigator, and a gun was found in the car. He was charged with gun possession but was later acquitted.

Natania Reuben, who was at the club that night, said she saw Combs shoot her in the face. Reuben filed a $130 million lawsuit against Combs in 2008, which was settled in 2011.

“I watched him fire the gun,” Reuben said on social media in February 2024.

Sources told NewsNation’s Paula Froelich that Combs was very controlling of Lopez and put her in “uncomfortable situations.”

“He manhandled her, but it’s a little low to bring this all up now,” another person said.

Combs and Lopez broke up in 2001. A representative for Lopez declined to comment.

Witnesses speak out about Diddy

June 2004

Fashion designer Kimora Lee Simmons said in a  New York Magazine interview that she “said something to Combs and he threatened to hit her” while she was pregnant. The magazine wrote, “Combs eventually got down on his knees in public to apologize.”

February 2012

Combs allegedly threatened to blow up rapper Kid Cudi’s car after he learned the rapper was romantically interested in his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Kid Cudi’s car exploded in his driveway around the same time, according to a lawsuit later filed by Ventura.

Cudi later told The New York Times the story was true.

June 2019

Gina Huynh said on a podcast that Combs abused her during their five-year relationship.

“He stomped on my stomach really hard — like, took the wind out of my breath,” Huynh said on blogger Tasha K’s show, according to Page Six. “I couldn’t breathe. He kept hitting me. I was pleading to him, ‘Can you just stop? I can’t breathe.’” Huynh said in the interview that he paid her $5,000 to abort their baby, which she turned down.

December 2022

Singer Aubrey O’Day, part of girl group Danity Kane, said on an episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast that Combs fired her from the band because she “wasn’t willing to do what was expected of (her) — not talent-wise, but in other areas.” Danity Kane was founded on the show that Combs executive produced called “Making the Band.” Eventually, they signed on to Bad Boy Records with Combs.

Rolling Stone magazine wrote that O’Day said Combs would tell her “you’re not hot anymore” and that she didn’t “have any curves.”

“You know, I have such a love-hate with it all because I don’t think I would have been able to be so successful in so many other areas had I not been trained under Diddy,” she said on the podcast. “He was the hardest person that you can work for, and it was torture. And not the work part of it, but the other stuff — mind game. There was a lot of betrayal, there was a lot of lies.”

First lawsuit against Diddy by Cassie

Nov. 16, 2023

Ventura sued Combs, alleging in New York federal court that he brought her into his “ostentatious, fast-paced, and drug-fueled lifestyle” when she was just 19 and he was 37. In the lawsuit, Ventura detailed a yearslong relationship that included beatings and rapes, saying that a pattern of abuse began as soon as the relationship started.

Combs’ attorney Ben Brafman said he “vehemently denies” the allegations.

Nov. 17, 2023

Combs and Ventura announced they had settled the suit. A news release said the two reached a deal to their “mutual satisfaction,” though the agreement terms were not disclosed.

The deal was reached “amicably,” Ventura said in a statement in which she thanked her family, fans and lawyers.

In his own statement, Combs said he wished “Cassie and her family all the best.”

2 more women say Diddy victimized them

Nov. 23, 2023

Two lawsuits were filed a day before the expiration of a New York law that allowed victims of sexual abuse a one-year window to file civil action, regardless of the statute of limitations.

Both filings described sexual assault, beatings and forced drugging by Combs in the early 1990s, when he was a talent director and party promoter in New York City.

One of the women, Joi Dickerson, said she was a student at Syracuse University when, while on a date, Combs “intentionally drugged” her, then brought her home and sexually assaulted her. Dickerson alleges Combs videotaped the assault and shared it with friends in the music industry, an act that contributed to her “severe depression.”

The other lawsuit was brought by an unnamed woman who said Combs and an R&B singer sexually assaulted her and a friend, then beat her several days later in an attempt to stop them from speaking out. In the latter attack, the suit said, Combs choked the woman, identified as Jane Doe, until she passed out.

A spokesperson for Combs denied these allegations.

More lawsuits against Diddy 

Dec. 6, 2023 

Combs is accused of the 2003 rape of a woman when she was a 17-year-old high school junior in a lawsuit. The woman, who filed the suit under a “Jane Doe” pseudonym, stated that Combs, his producing partner and a third man “sex trafficked and gang raped” her, according to Business Insider. She said the producing partner met her in Detroit, Michigan, where she lived, and flew her to Combs’ studio in New York City on a private jet. Combs and his producing partner, the lawsuit alleged, “plied Ms. Doe with drugs and alcohol,” getting her inebriated to the point she could not consent “to having sex with anyone, much less someone twice her age,” Business Insider reported.

On Instagram, Combs posted a statement saying he has “sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy.”

“Let me be absolutely clear,” he wrote. “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”

Feb. 26, 2024

A music producer filed a lawsuit in New York federal court, saying Combs sexually assaulted him and forced him to have sex with prostitutes.

The suit said there were repeated instances of unsolicited groping and sexual touching, and that the man had to work in a bathroom while Combs showered and walked around naked.

“We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies,” Combs’ attorney Shawn Holley said in a statement. “We will address these outlandish allegations in court and take all appropriate action against those who make them.”

March 4, 2024

The producer, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, amended his lawsuit with more allegations.

Feds raid Diddy’s properties

March 26, 2024

Federal Homeland Security agents and other law enforcement searched properties owned by Combs in California and Florida as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by New York federal authorities.

Aaron Dyer, Combs’ attorney, released a statement calling what happened a “gross overuse of military-level force.”

“Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way,” Dyer said. “There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

March 28, 2024

Reuben, the witness who said she watched Combs fire a gun at a New York nightclub years prior, said on “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” that learning about the raids has been “very cathartic.”

“I finally felt like justice will be done, justice will be mine and belong to all of his victims,” Reuben said.

Initially, Reuben said, she didn’t think she would be believed.

“In our society, we have respectability politics. There are people who want to be adjacent to power or a celebrity or money. There’s a hierarchy of respectability because (Combs) name was more motivated. He was believed, rather than a victim,” Reuben said.

March 30, 2024

A New York Post article said the investigation into Combs could expand to include the 1999 nightclub shooting.

Reuben said on NewsNation that she was willing to have a doctor remove part of the 9 mm bullet in her face so it could be used as evidence if needed.

Diddy investigation expands

April 2, 2024

Sources said the federal investigation into Combs had expanded, including a reinvestigation of a 1999 shooting in New York.

April 5, 2024

Combs’ son was accused of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit filed by a steward who worked on a yacht chartered by Combs. Combs was accused of aiding and abetting his behavior.

April 24, 2024

Brendan Paul, an assistant to Combs accused of being a drug mule in the lawsuit, pleaded not guilty to a drug charge in a South Florida court.

Diddy seen assaulting Cassie in hotel surveillance video

May 17, 2024

Hotel surveillance video from 2016 obtained by CNN appeared to show Combs violently attacking, kicking and shoving Ventura at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.

In the video, Combs is seen running in a towel after Ventura, who is standing in front of an elevator bank. He aggressively grabs and drags her down and then kicks her before picking up her luggage. He is then seen dragging her on the floor back to a hotel room as she braces her head.

The footage matched the description of a physical altercation Ventura detailed in her now-settled lawsuit against Combs. 

May 19, 2024

Combs posted an apology video to social media, admitting he beat Ventura in the hotel hallway in 2016.

Combs said he was “truly sorry” and his actions were “inexcusable” in the video posted to Instagram and Facebook.

“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” the music mogul said. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Combs said, adding, “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry.”

He did not address any other allegations.

Diddy’s legal team notified of federal investigation

July 3, 2024

Two sources familiar with the situation confirmed to NBC News that federal investigators were presenting evidence against Combs to a grand jury in the Southern District of New York.

10th civil suit filed against Diddy

July 4, 2024

Combs is named in a 10th lawsuit accusing him of sexual misconduct.

In her suit, a woman accuses Combs of grooming her for sex trafficking at his so-called “white parties” between 2004 and 2009.

Diddy hit with $100M judgment for alleged sexual assault

Sept. 10, 2024

Combs was hit with a massive $100 million default judgment after failing to dispute sexual assault allegations made in a lawsuit by a Michigan inmate.

Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, 51, filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting him at a party in Detroit in 1997.  

Combs was due to appear in Lenawee County Circuit Court for a virtual hearing Monday, but when he failed to show up, a judge awarded Cardello-Smith a default judgment.

Diddy arrested in New York

Sept. 16, 2024

Combs was arrested in Manhattan following a grand jury indictment.

Agnifilo, his attorney, issued the following statement: “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

He called Combs an “imperfect person,” adding: “To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts.”

Diddy indicted on 3 felony charges

Sept. 17, 2024

Combs was indicted by a grand jury in New York on three counts of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Prosecutors alleged Combs used the resources of his music empire to create “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.”

They characterized Combs as having a pattern of abusing women and detailed allegations of assault, abuse and prostitution. They also accuse him of using his employees to help him engage in these activities.

The indictment also says Combs will have to forfeit any and all assets acquired or maintained as a result of his alleged criminal acts, and that he must forfeit any property and personal property used to commit the crimes he is alleged to have participated in.

Combs was denied bail. His attorneys said they would appeal.

Sept. 18, 2024

In their appeal to a new judge after the first bail denial, Combs’ lawyers offered a $50 million bail package — using his mansion as collateral — in exchange for releasing him to home detention with GPS monitoring.

U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter ruled this was “insufficient” to ensure the safety of the community and the integrity of his case, however, and denies bail.

Combs’ attorneys said they would appeal the bail denial to the 2nd U.S. Circuit of Appeals.

11th suit filed against Diddy

Sept. 24, 2024

Combs was named in a lawsuit by Thalia Graves, who said the music mogul, along with his bodyguard, Joseph “Big Joe” Sherman, “viciously raped her” at the Bad Boy Records studio in the summer of 2001, according to court documents obtained by NewsNation local affiliate KTLA.

Attorney Gloria Allred alleged the assault was filmed and then shared without the victim’s consent, including selling it as pornography.

Diddy accused of sex trafficking woman

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Sept. 27, 2024

Attorney Ariel Mitchell-Kidd revealed horrific details about a 2018 incident between Combs and one of her new clients, who filed a police report at the time.

“She reached out to me a few weeks ago. She called me and told me about her assault and her escape,” Mitchell-Kidd said. “She was at a friend’s house who had industry ties, and Combs decided to come to the house.”

Mitchell-Kidd said her client learned that Combs was planning to traffic her once he arrived.

“It led to her being served a drink. She started to feel woozy. Combs sexually assaulted her with an inanimate object. … And then directed another gentleman to sexually assault her while he watched and pleasured himself,” Mitchell-Kidd said.

Mitchell-Kidd said her client managed to escape, running into the streets. A neighbor reportedly witnessed the escape.

Diddy adds 2 more attorneys

Sept. 30, 2024

Combs added two new additions to his legal team: powerhouse attorneys Anthony Ricco and Alexandra Shapiro.

Further, Combs’ legal team filed an appeal contesting a federal judge’s decision denying him bail, the third attempt to secure the rapper’s release from incarceration.

Lawyer says 120 more accusers will come forward

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Oct. 1, 2024

Tony Buzbee, a lawyer from Houston, said he was representing 120 people who plan to file lawsuits, saying they have experienced sexual misconduct from Combs, including 25 minors.

Erica Wolff, Combs’ lawyer, said in a statement to NewsNation that her client “emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors.”

Diddy accuser Adria English loses legal representation 

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Oct. 2, 2024

Ariel Mitchell-Kidd, ex-attorney for Sean “Diddy” Combs accuser Adria English, explained on “Banfield” why she requested to withdraw from her client’s case.

“We agreed that she would stop undermining me,” Mitchell-Kidd said. “Then she went behind my back and violated it again. So fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. That’s where we are.”

Former adult film actress Adria English alleged that from 2004 to 2009, the music mogul forced her to take drugs and have sex with guests at his New York and Miami mansions.

New judge assigned to federal case

Oct. 3, 2024

A new judge, U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian, was assigned to the case against Combs.

The assignment of a new judge could open the door for a third bail hearing. For the moment, Combs’ lawyers had not asked for such a hearing.

The family of Tupac Shakur hired an attorney to investigate a possible link between his 1996 murder and Combs. The man arrested last year for the killing in Las Vegas, Duane “Keffe D” Davis, has said Combs was involved in planning Shakur’s shooting death. Combs has long denied any involvement, and police in Las Vegas have said they never considered Combs a suspect.

Sexually explicit videos at risk of being sold

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Oct. 4, 2024

A young A-list celebrity who was secretly videoed having sex at one of Combs’ so-called “Freak Offs” was “horrified” at the possibility the video may become public, the New York Post first reported.

Two members of the celebrity’s inner circle told the Post the footage is being shopped around to media outlets.

Ariel Mitchell-Kidd, an attorney who represents one of Combs’ accusers, told NewsNation’s “Banfield” on Oct. 4 that one or two major news networks are in a “bidding war” for the footage.

“We’re sooner rather than later finding out, unless that person purchases the video themselves, which is really the goal of the people who have that video. If that person doesn’t want to purchase it, it’s going to go on the open market,” Mitchell-Kidd said.

The video reportedly shows Combs having sex with a younger male, the A-lister, whose faces are both visible, according to the Post.

Diddy’s mom: ‘My son is not the monster they have painted him to be’

Combs’ mother, Janice Smalls Combs, condemned the allegations against her son, likening the investigation to a “public lynching” rooted in “lies” for “financial gain.”

She acknowledged a video showing her son assaulting his former girlfriend in a hotel in 2016; Combs admitted to the assault in May, calling his actions “inexcusable.”

Diddy files bail appeal again

Combs filed his third appeal, asking to be released on bond in his sex abuse case as he awaits trial.

In new legal documents, obtained by NewsNation, Combs’ legal team argued he poses “no conceivable flight risk.”

Diddy’s lawyers blame DHS for leaks

Oct. 9, 2024

Combs’ attorneys accused the Department of Homeland Security of being behind “unlawful leaks that resulted in prejudicial pre-trial publicity” that would damage their client’s ability to get a fair trial.

They said the “most egregious” leak is security footage from the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles that shows Combs assaulting former girlfriend Ventura.

The lawyers asked for a hearing so the judge can assess the legal team’s allegations against DHS, not the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is prosecuting the case. They also sought a gag order to prevent any further releases.

6 more lawsuits filed

Oct. 14, 2024

The first six of 120 lawsuits that Buzbee, the lawyer from Houston, warned of were filed in New York federal court. Among the allegations detailed in the filings is one saying Combs sexually assaulted a 16-year-old.

Attorneys for Combs told NewsNation the rap mogul “has never sexually assaulted anyone — adult or minor, man or woman.”

“The press conference and 1-800 number that preceded today’s barrage of filings were clear attempts to garner publicity. Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts, their legal defenses, and the integrity of the judicial process.  In court, the truth will prevail,” they said.

Diddy accused of raping 13-year-old: Lawsuit 

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Oct. 21, 2024

Seven new lawsuits were filed against Combs, including one alleging the rape of a 13-year-old girl.

The lawsuit alleges that a 13-year-old girl, who was invited to a party by a limousine driver after the Video Music Awards in Manhattan in September 2000, was raped by a “male celebrity” and then by Combs — as individuals identified only as “Celebrity A,” a male, and “Celebrity B,” a female, watched.

Diddy accused of raping 10-year-old boy: Lawsuit

Oct. 28, 2024

Combs was accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy, according to a new complaint, Variety reported.

In a separate lawsuit, a male accuser said he was sexually assaulted by Combs in 2008 while auditioning for “Making the Band” at 17 years old.

Court witness says he saw 8 sex tapes with at least 2 celeb minors

Oct. 31, 2024

Investigative court witness Courtney Burgess exclusively told NewsNation’s “Banfield” he was given 11 flash drives containing at least eight sex tapes involving eight celebrities.

Burgess testified before the Combs grand jury in the Southern District of New York. Among the eight celebrities who were Combs’ victims, two to three were minors, according to Burgess.

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Criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos, whose daughter represented Combs, said he’s “not buying” Burgess’ allegations.

“I think the prosecutors think he failed the smell test, and I suspect the prosecutors brought him in front of the grand jury because I don’t think anyone is buying what he’s selling,” Gergaso said on “CUOMO.”

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Combs court witness Courtney Burgess asked to return to grand jury

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Nov. 7, 2024

Burgess was asked to return to the grand jury in the Southern District of New York to testify a second time, according to his lawyer.

Mitchell, Burgess’ attorney, said her client believed the purpose of a gag order request was to silence Burgess. “We truly believe that Combs is aware that the things that Courtney has talked about and the things on the flash drive were definitely real events,” Mitchell said on “Banfield.” “That’s the last thing that Combs would like out about him.”

Combs sued for 1996 assault outside NYC club

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Nov. 11, 2024

In another lawsuit, Sean “Diddy” Combs and his security team were accused of physically assaulting an Atlanta man outside a New York City club in 1996. 

DeWitt Gilmore, a writer who goes by the pen name Relentless Aaron, exclusively told NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield on Monday that he and two friends were leaving an NYC nightclub when Combs, driven by his bodyguard, pulled up and began ridiculing him.

Shots were allegedly fired, and Gilmore and his friends fled the scene.

Combs accuser: Children dressed as ‘Harajuku Barbies’ at ‘Freak Off’ party

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Nov. 12, 2024

A woman told TMZ she attended a Diddy “Freak Off” party in 2018 where children were present. Tanea Wallace, an aspiring singer-songwriter, spoke with TMZ as part of their new documentary, “TMZ Presents The Downfall of Diddy: Inside the Freak Offs.”

She said she was invited to Combs’ party by a Saudi prince who flew her from Los Angeles to Miami. Combs’ legal team denies Wallace’s accusations.

5 new lawsuits, including alleged teen sexual assault

Nov. 19, 2024

Five new lawsuits accusing Combs of sexual abuse were filed by Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee, according to court documents obtained by NewsNation.

One woman alleged that at 18 years old, she was drugged and coerced into performing oral sex on Combs and his bodyguard outside a Halloween party at a New York City nightclub in 2001.

Another woman said that at 17 years old, she attended a Fourth of July party in 2004 where Combs sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious, according to the lawsuit.

Combs asks to be released on bail

Nov. 22, 2024

Combs appeared in court for a hearing regarding his release on bail.

The defense team argued Combs would not be able to adequately prepare for the trial and review evidence using the technological facilities at the jail and should be released on bail. They proposed conditions, including putting one of Combs’ homes up as collateral and using GPS monitoring.

Prosecutors said Combs has already been attempting to intimidate witnesses behind bars and that his release would pose a danger to women and could result in witness tampering.

Judge denies Diddy’s bond request

Nov. 27, 2024

The New York federal judge overseeing Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal case ruled to deny bail for the third time on the music mogul’s bond request.

Combs had been detained for more than two months on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force and transportation to engage in prostitution.

He was denied bail in September and later in November, when the judge deemed Combs a flight risk because of his money and connections. A redacted letter addressed to the judge claimed attorneys found “even more new information that warrants reopening the bail proceedings.”

Anonymous Diddy accuser revealed as ex-wife of NHL player

December 6, 2024

The ex-wife of an NHL hockey player came forward, revealing herself as one of the anonymous accusers who filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs. 

Anna Kane, who was married to NHL player Evander Kane until 2021, said Combs’ lawyer demanded in legal filings that she use her name, which forced her to go public, according to TMZ. 

“I had hoped to use a pseudonym in pursuing justice for what happened to me as a teenager. Defendants demand that I use my name was an attempt to intimidate me, but I am not intimidated. I am prepared to proceed and hold accountable those who have harmed me,” she said in a statement to TMZ. 

Kane filed a federal lawsuit in December 2023 alleging Combs, Bad Boy Records executive Harvey Pierre and a third “assailant” gang-raped her when she was 17 after trafficking her across state lines in 2003.

Jay-Z accused of raping 13-year-old in 2000 with Diddy

December 8, 2024

Rap mogul and entrepreneur Jay-Z was accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000, alongside Combs.

The victim, identified as “Jane Doe,” alleges that the pair of stars assaulted her at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty, NBC News first reported. She was invited by a limousine driver after the Video Music Awards in Manhattan in September 2000.

Originally filed in October 2024, the suit named only Combs. Sunday’s amended complaint identifies Jay-Z as “Celebrity A,” who was accused of raping the 13-year-old while “Celebrity B,” a female, watched.

Court documents also accuse Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, of being present during “many such instances.”

“He believes he is above the law. He is not,” the filing reads. “His close friend Shawn Carter has been with Combs during many such instances described herein. Both perpetrators must face justice.”

The record executive released a lengthy statement in response to the complaint. In it, Carter claims the lawyer behind the 13-year-old accuser’s suit attempted to blackmail him.

Lawyer Tony Buzbee responded to Carter’s statement in a social media post, accusing the rapper of bullying and harassing both him and his client.

Buzbee said he would “let the filing speak for itself and will litigate the facts in court, not in the media.”

Radio contest winner alleges assault at 2006 party

Dec. 20, 2024

LaTroya Grayson filed a lawsuit alleging Combs drugged and sexually assaulted her at a party in 2006.

She gave an exclusive interview on NewsNation’s “Banfield,” saying she won a nationwide radio contest for an all-expenses-paid trip to New York and an invitation to a “black party” hosted by Combs. The morning after the party, she said she woke up in the hospital and received a call from a woman who told her not to say anything.

Diddy says ‘Freak Off’ videos prove his ‘innocence’

Jan. 15, 2025

Combs’ lawyers said nine video recordings depicting sex acts that are being used as evidence against him actually prove his “innocence” because they show consensual sex between willing adults.

“Contrary to what the government has led this Court and the public to believe, the so-called ‘Freak Offs’ were private sexual activity between fully consenting adults in a long-term relationship,” defense attorneys said in a legal filing. 

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Diddy accused of sexually assaulting 16-year-old babysitter

Jan. 15, 2025

Combs was sued for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in 2000, adding to a growing list of lawsuits filed against the music producer. 

An accuser identified as Jane Doe said in a lawsuit that Combs raped her when she was a high school student. 

The accuser said she lived in Manhattan and came in contact with Combs after a babysitting job in an apartment building where “a well-known woman whom the defendant was in a relationship also resided,” according to Rolling Stone. 

Diddy hit with new suits while jailed on sex-trafficking charges

Feb. 4, 2025

A John Doe plaintiff said Combs sexually assaulted him at a 2015 party in Los Angeles after he was enticed with talk of a potential recording contract.

Doe, then 23, said he was drugged and woke up to a scene of group sex, with Combs allegedly groping him. 

Feb. 14, 2025

A woman said Combs threatened then sexually assaulted her at Club Playhouse in Los Angeles, according to a complaint filed in New York State Supreme Court, reported People.

Lawsuit against Jay-Z, Diddy dismissed by accuser’s attorney

Feb. 14, 2025

The lawsuit accusing Jay-Z and Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000 was dismissed by the accuser’s attorney.

The voluntary dismissal filing, obtained by Variety, said the accuser “hereby gives notice that the above-captioned Action is voluntarily dismissed, with prejudice.” 

Prejudice prevents the accuser, identified only as “Jane Doe,” or her lawyers, from refiling the lawsuit as it was first written.

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Would Diddy take a plea deal? Maybe, lawyer says| Banfield

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Would Diddy take a plea deal? Maybe, lawyer says| Banfield

Diddy lawyer quits, no reason given

Feb. 21, 2025

One of Combs’ lawyers, Anthony Ricco, stepped down after discussions with lead counsel Marc Agnifilo.

“Although I have provided Sean Combs with the high level of legal representation expected by the court, under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs, consistent with the ABA Standards for Criminal Justice,” Ricco stated.

Diddy accused of ‘forced labor’ in latest indictment

March 7, 2025

U.S. prosecutors amended an existing federal indictment against Combs, accusing the rapper of “forced labor.”

Lawyers argued Combs forced his employees to work long hours and would threaten those who did not aid his alleged trafficking ring.

Odell Beckham Jr. and Druski accused in assault with Diddy

March 10, 2025

NFL player Odell Beckham Jr. and comedian Druski are named as members of Combs’ “entourage” accused in the sexual assault of a woman in 2018.

In an October lawsuit, Ashley Parham alleged she was drugged and gang-raped by Combs and members of his entourage at a private home in the Bay Area. 

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Cassie Ventura to be named at Diddy's trial despite NDA | Banfield

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Diddy suit thrown out after accuser refused to identify herself

April 2, 2025

The judge dismissed a case against Combs filed in October 2024. The accuser, listed as “Jane Doe,” originally alleged Combs attempted to sexually assault her in 1995 at a party in New York City after she thwarted his unwanted advances.

Jane Doe’s attorney filed for her to stay anonymous in January. Combs denied the accusations.

Diddy rejects plea deal with feds

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Diddy rejected plea deal from Feds, prosecutor says | NewsNation Now

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Diddy rejected plea deal from Feds, prosecutor says | NewsNation Now

April 25, 2025

Combs rejected a plea deal from the federal government, a prosecutor said at a pre-trial hearing.

Diddy’s trial begins

May 5, 2025

The trial against Combs in a Manhattan federal courthouse opened with jury selection. Some jurors were removed due to their opinions about the video depicting Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, Ventura, in a hotel hallway.

May 12, 2025

Witness testimony began in the trial against Combs. First, a former hotel security guard testified about the 2016 incident with Ventura that was captured on video.

Next, a male escort testified about how he was paid by Combs to have sex with Ventura. The escort said he witnessed Combs assault Ventura on at least one instance.

Cassie testifies against Diddy

May 13, 2025

Ventura said her relationship with Combs was abusive and controlling, often fueled by jealousy. She explained she would participate in sex parities called “Freak Offs,” and her music career suffered because of it.

May 14, 2025

Ventura detailed the 2016 attack that was caught on video that took place in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. She said she was forced to change clothes the night of a movie premiere to help cover up bruises from that attack.

May 15, 2025

Combs’ defense team began its cross-examination, pointing to loving text messages she sent Combs, claiming she was the one who initiated some of the “Freak Offs.”

Prosecution demands judge keep Cassie off stand next week

May 16, 2025

Overnight, the prosecution sent a letter to the judge, saying the defense was pushing for Ventura, who was eight months pregnant, to return to the stand on Monday. Prosecutors cautioned that, since she was close to her delivery date, this could put the case at risk for a mistrial if she were to go into labor over the weekend.

The judge encouraged Combs’ attorneys to wrap up their cross-examination on Friday so the prosecution has an opportunity for a redirect.

Former Danity Kane member testifies in Diddy’s trial

May 19, 2025

Combs’ trial resumed with testimony from Dawn Richard, who is his former protégé. Richard was a member of Danity Kane, a music group created by Combs on his reality show “Making the Band.”

Richard said Combs would “punch her, choke her, drag her, slap her in the mouth. I saw him kick her, punch her in the stomach.”

Richard sued Combs in 2024, accusing him of physical abuse, groping and psychological abuse when they worked together.

Diddy’s former personal assistant says he told Cassie to leave

May 20, 2025

Combs’ former personal assistant, David James, took the stand again, answering questions from prosecutors. James worked for Combs from 2007 to 2009.

James has testified that an employee of Combs told him, “This is Mr. Combs’ kingdom. We’re all here to serve him.” He also said Combs had described Ventura as “moldable.”

He allegedly told Ventura she needed to leave Combs after seeing how the rapper allegedly treated her. But she responded, “I can’t. I can’t get out. You know, Mr. Combs oversees so much of my life.

Federal agent who planned raid on Diddy’s Miami home takes stand

May 21, 2025

Special agent Gerard Gannon of Homeland Security Investigations, who helped plan the raid on Combs’ home in Miami in 2024, took the stand.

Two of Combs’ properties were searched in 2024. Gannon said the agents who raided his home in March 2024 used an armored vehicle to get through Combs’ security gate. They also had teams on boats, with about 80 to 90 federal agents deployed.

Prosecutors released dozens of photos from the Miami raid, including images of guns, drugs, baby oil and sex toys.

Graphic content warning: Some images include explicit material. 

Parts of two AR-15 rifles found on the property were shown to the jury. Teny Geragos, Combs’ attorney, questioned the measures taken during the raids.

Diddy assistant continues testimony; Kid Cudi takes the stand

May 22, 2025

Another former assistant of Combs resumed his testimony Thursday. George Kaplan worked for Combs from 2013 to 2015 and was going to invoke the Fifth Amendment before a plea deal with prosecutors. Prosecutors said Kaplan could still be prosecuted for perjury if he lies.

Kaplan told the court he saw Combs assault Ventura on his private plane in 2015 on a trip to Los Angeles. When asked why he didn’t step in, he said he didn’t want to lose his job. However, he allegedly gave his three-month notice after seeing Ventura with a black eye following the incident.

After Kaplan, Kid Cudi took the stand. He was escorted into the courtroom by U.S. Marshals and agents from Homeland Security.

Cudi claimed he had dated Ventura for a brief time in 2011, after they met in 2008. Prosecutor Emily Johnson asked him whether anyone else had been involved with Ventura when they were together, and he said that Combs was.

Diddy’s former assistant testifies he threatened her

May 27, 2025

Combs’ former assistant, Capricorn Clark, testified that Combs threatened her on the first day of her employment, asking about her prior employment with Suge Knight.

“He told me that he didn’t know that I had anything to do with Suge Knight and if anything happened, he would have to kill me,” Clark testified.

Clark was the third former assistant to testify against Combs, and worked for him from 2004 to 2012.

Jury unable to reach verdict on racketeering charge

July 1, 2025

After just two days of deliberations, a 12-member jury told the judge they reached a verdict on four of five counts against Combs.

The jury reached a verdict on the sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges, but was unable to come up with a unanimous vote on the racketeering charge.

In a note to Judge Arun Subramanian, the jury said, “There are jurors that are unpersuadable on both sides” regarding the racketeering charge.

Subramanian reasoned it was too soon to give up on reaching a verdict on all counts. So rather than taking a partial verdict, he instructed the jury to keep deliberating, but to “not surrender” their personal opinions. 

Diddy jury reaches verdict

July 2, 2023

One day later, jurors found Combs not guilty on the charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura and sex trafficking of “Jane.”

Combs was found guilty on Mann Act transportation charges related to Ventura and Jane. The Mann Act prohibits transporting women and girls for the purpose of prostitution. Those charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Diddy sentenced to 50 months in prison

Oct. 3, 2025

Combs was sentenced to four years and two months after his conviction on two prostitution-related charges.

The judge said at the time of the sentencing that Combs would do “hard time in prison, away from your family, friends and community, but you will have a life afterward.”

Diddy demands early release

March 17, 2026

Combs’ lawyers demanded his full release, calling the sentence a “perversion of justice.”

In the filing, his attorneys said Judge Arun Subramanian improperly relied on “acquitted conduct,” which refers to the practice in which a judge takes into account behavior associated with charges a defendant was acquitted of, the outlet reported.

April 9, 2026

Combs’ defense team appeared in a federal appeals court for oral arguments seeking his immediate release.

They were expected to argue his conviction should be overturned, or that he should at least be released and resentenced to a shorter term.

Diddy in solitary confinement

July 24, 2026

Combs’ was put in solitary confinement following a fight in prison.

NewsNation digital producers Liz Jassin, Rich Johnson, Michael Ramsey, Anna Kutz, Ashley Soriano, Tom Palmer, Senior Story Editor Paula Froelich and the Associated Press contributed to this report.