Opening arguments are set to begin this week in the high-profile federal sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, amid mounting speculation over whether celebrity names tied to his so-called "freak-offs" will be exposed. Prosecutors allege the music mogul orchestrated a network of drug-fueled sex marathons involving commercial sex workers, secret recordings, and possible participation from high-profile figures.
Combs, who faces a five-count federal indictment including charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for prostitution, has pleaded not guilty. The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks in Manhattan federal court under Judge Arun Subramanian.
At the heart of the case is disturbing 2016 hotel surveillance footage showing Combs physically assaulting ex-girlfriend and key witness Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura. Prosecutors also allege that Combs secretly recorded freak-off events, held in hotel rooms and undisclosed locations, where guests were supplied with drugs, alcohol, and commercial sex workers.
"The most powerful evidence that was seized by the government has to be the videos," Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, told The U.S. Sun. "The video of the freak-offs, if they exist, may be the most damning evidence in this case."
Prosecutors allege that participants, sometimes left physically unwell and requiring IV fluids, were coerced into days-long sex events. According to court filings, Combs was often present, masturbating, and recording the scenes-allegedly for sexual gratification and control.
On the first day of jury selection, prospective jurors received a 17-page form probing their history with domestic violence, sexual assault, or harassment, alongside a list of people and locations connected to Combs. That list included celebrities such as Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Mike Myers, and Kid Cudi, though none have been accused of any wrongdoing. The exact reason for their potential mention in the trial remains unclear.
Sources told Variety that Michael B. Jordan may be referenced due to a 2015 date with Ventura, which reportedly angered Combs. Kid Cudi, romantically linked to Ventura at the time of a suspicious car explosion, is also believed to be on the list due to potential relevance, though no charges have been filed.
"The other celebrities, they've been able to avoid potential criminal charges," said Rahmani. "But if Diddy is convicted and others are implicated, they should certainly be worried that they may be next."
Additional names on the list include Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane and one of Combs' accusers, and choreographer Laurieann Gibson, who worked with Combs on several projects. Music producer Dallas Austin, Bad Boy executive Harve Pierre, and former Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams also appear, though their links to the case remain unexplained.
Lisa Bloom, attorney for multiple accusers including Richard and a John Doe, told The U.S. Sun, "I can tell you that [Richards] wants justice to be done. Of course, it's a time of high anxiety, I think, for all of the accusers."
Federal authorities claim Combs and his inner circle-including assistants, managers, and security personnel-played logistical roles in setting up the alleged freak-offs, arranging hotel rooms, procuring sex workers, and preparing filming equipment.
"People buying the baby oil, people contacting prostitutes, people getting the hotel rooms, setting up the lights and cameras," Rahmani said. "Those individuals could potentially also be charged."
Combs rejected a last-minute plea deal offered by prosecutors shortly before jury selection began.
