Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' sex parties detailed in testimony from inner circle
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' sex parties detailed in testimony from inner circle
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Week six of Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial wraps with a celebrity attendee
As the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs wrapped up week six, rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, showed up, and the judge asked to dismiss a juror.
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
Sean "Diddy" Combs, who throughout his criminal trial has been accused of orchestrating elaborate sexual performances, faces additional scrutiny as more details on his alleged excesses emerge.
The embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan court on June 16 following a bombshell June 13 hearing that saw Comb's hip-hop peer Ye make a surprise appearance and Chelsea Lovelace, one of Combs' accusers in a separate case, reveal her identity in an amended lawsuit.
Additionally, Combs' former personal assistant Jonathan Perez, who worked for him up until his September 2024 arrest, opened up about his preparations and clean-up efforts for Combs' "king nights" — aka "freak-off" sex parties.
Judge Arun Subramanian is also expected to make a final determination regarding the dismissal of controversial Juror No. 6. The man, who'd been serving on the 12-person jury, came under scrutiny from prosecutors due to an alleged "lack of candor" with the court. Six alternate jurors have been on the sidelines in the trial.
Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.
Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges.
Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry.
He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him.
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Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity.
Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have video of.
The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings.
USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates.
Contributing: USA TODAY staff
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
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