Up First from NPR The Trial of Sean Combs
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May 11, 2025 
Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento, an NPR music reporter, dives deep into the complex story of Sean Combs, a former hip-hop titan now facing serious allegations. From his rise as a music intern to a $1 billion media mogul, Combs' journey had a dazzling peak and a dramatic downfall. The discussion highlights chilling charges of sex trafficking and coercion against him. Gomez-Sarmiento also examines the role of public perception in shaping his legacy amidst ongoing legal battles and the troubling dynamics in the entertainment industry.
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Combs' Criminal Charges Explained
- Sean Combs is accused of running a criminal organization using his power in entertainment to facilitate and conceal sex crimes.
- The trafficking charges involve coercion into commercial sex under the promise of career advancement, not just money.
Cassie Ventura’s Lawsuit & Video
- Singer Cassie Ventura filed a civil lawsuit accusing Combs of rape, trafficking, drugging, and violent physical abuse.
- A 2016 hotel video showed Combs violently assaulting Ventura, which Combs publicly apologized for.
Freak-offs Are Central To Charges
- "Freak-offs" were elaborate sexual performances orchestrated by Combs and his associates involving coercion and controlled substances.
- The indictment alleges extensive logistical support, including threats, violence, and bribery to protect the events and Combs' image.