Sean “Diddy” Combs, the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul, is facing a trial that could send him to prison for life over sex trafficking allegations. The charges, which include racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Combs has denied all wrongdoing, but prosecutors claim he used his influence and wealth to coerce women into unwanted sexual activity. They allege that he used surreptitious recordings of the sex acts as “collateral” to ensure silence and displayed weapons to intimidate them.
The trial is set to take place in Manhattan federal court and could last two months. Combs’ lawyers have maintained that the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual, but prosecutors argue that Combs manipulated and controlled women for his own gratification.
Combs has a long history of success in the music industry, having elevated hip-hop in American culture and building a music and clothing empire that made him a billionaire. However, his personal life has been marred by controversy, including allegations of rape and serial physical abuse from multiple women.
The case is the latest chapter in a scandal that has dogged Combs for years, with dozens of other women and men filing civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse. Despite the allegations, Combs has maintained a powerful presence in the entertainment industry, but this trial could ultimately cement his shattered reputation.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/once-hip-hop-king-sean-110303402.html