- Jury selection begins Monday for 8+ week trial
- Prosecutors allege 17 criminal counts spanning two decades
- Security footage of 2016 Cassie assault expected as evidence
- Combs previously settled 3 civil suits out of court
The New York legal system prepares for its most significant entertainment industry trial since Harvey Weinstein as Sean DiddyCombs faces federal racketeering charges. Prosecutors claim the Bad Boy Records founder leveraged his music empire to create what they describe as an organized system of sexual exploitation.
Court documents reveal disturbing patterns of alleged coercion where aspiring artists received career promises in exchange for participating in drug-fueled group sex events. Legal analysts note the prosecution's strategy mirrors organized crime cases, attempting to prove a continuous criminal enterprise through multiple witnesses.
Industry experts highlight three critical factors shaping this case: The #MeToo movement's lasting impact on entertainment litigation, New York's 2022 expanded trafficking statutes, and recent precedent from R. Kelly's successful prosecution. A 2023 Columbia University study shows 68% of music industry trafficking cases now involve non-physical coercion tactics.
The defense team counters that all relationships were consensual, emphasizing Combs' philanthropic work and music industry achievements. This isn't about justice - it's about canceling a cultural icon,stated lead attorney Marc Agnifilo during pretrial motions.
Notable parallels emerge with the 2019 Loisaida Studio case, where a Manhattan producer received 25 years for similar charges. However, Combs' global fame and estimated $1 billion empire create unprecedented complexity. The trial's outcome could redefine accountability standards for entertainment executives nationwide.