Former Mount Vernon resident and rap icon Sean ”Diddy” Combs is currently on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering in federal court.
As courts gear up to continue proceedings in the Diddy trial in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 14, here’s five things you need to know.
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No livestreams: Why cameras are not allowed in the Diddy trial
Cameras will not be allowed in the courtroom at Diddy’s trial, because Combs is facing federal criminal charges, USA TODAY reports. The presence of “electronic media” is expressly banned by a procedural rule passed in 1946.
Courtroom artists are permitted, and have been capturing proceedings with quick drawings that express the emotion and sensitivity of the case.
Key witnesses for the prosecution will also be testifying under pseudonyms in an attempt to protect their identities.
What charges does Diddy face?
Combs is facing multiple counts of sex trafficking and racketeering, federal crimes in the southern district of New York.
According to a press release issued in September 2024 by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, Combs was arrested and charged in a three-count Indictment with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The indictment alleges that between 2008 and 2024, Combs “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others, and led a racketeering conspiracy that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, among other crimes.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyer Marc Agnifilo arrives at court for Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial at U.S. court in Manhattan, May 13, 2025.
Combs was charged with more sex crimes this year, according to a revised indictment issued in January and new charges from March that include one additional count of sex trafficking and one count of transportation to engage in prostitution.
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. USA TODAY reports that prosecutors allege 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 claim they have video of.
Cassie Ventura Fine to take the stand again May 14
After taking the stand Tuesday, May 13, Casandra Ventura Fine, will continue testimony today about alleged sexual, physical and psychological abuse she endured at the hands of Combs, her former partner.
Ventura Fine alleged in a November 2023 lawsuit that Combs had trafficked, sexually assaulted and physically abused her during their decadelong relationship. The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed, and Combs’ team alluded to a “substantial eight-figure settlement” in court documents for his criminal case.
According to a USA TODAY report, a 2016 hotel surveillance video exclusively shared by CNN in May 2024 showed Combs kicking, hitting and dragging Ventura Fine — actions that were first described in her legal complaint.
Alex Fine, Cassie Ventura’s husband, leaves the Federal court during the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial at U.S. court in Manhattan, May 13, 2025.
Who is Alex Fine?
Ventura Fine’s husband, Alex Fine, was present at court May 13 to support his wife.
According to media reports, Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos asked Judge Arun Subramanian to ban Fine from the courtroom May 12 as he may be called to the stand as a witness. The defense claims that Fine wrote angry, threatening texts to Combs.
Follow the Diddy trial: USA TODAY will be reporting live from courtroom
USA TODAY will be reporting live from the U.S. federal courtroom in Manhattan as the trial progresses. The Journal News/lohud.com is part of the USA TODAY Network.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800-656-HOPE (4673); Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
Contributing: lohud’s Alexandra Rivera and Ashley Fontones; USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial May 14: 5 things to know ahead of court
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