
Diddy On Trial
Diddy on Trial is the podcast on the ground in New York, covering the high-stakes trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs as he faces federal charges in court. He denies all the charges against him.Hosted by Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, the series follows every twist and turn of the case, bringing you the latest developments as they happen.
Each episode breaks down the legal arguments, unpacks the conspiracy theories swirling around the case, and answers audience questions with insight from expert guests and BBC correspondents. Whether you're following for the drama, the legal intrigue, or the cultural impact, Diddy on Trial keeps you informed and in the know.
Latest episodes

May 8, 2025 • 25min
The start of Diddy’s trial: What to expect
The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is set to begin on Monday. He denies the charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. So what should we expect at the start?Criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent explains how lawyers for the prosecution and defence will be making their opening statements as persuasive as possible.Veteran sketch artist Jane Rosenberg shares her four decades of courtroom experience with presenter Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty. She will be in court most days, drawing sketches of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs for the world to see.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series producer: Laura Jones
Sound design: Richard Hannaford
Senior digital producer: Matthew Pintus
Video producer: Daniel Raza
Production coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare FordhamCommissioning editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning assistant producer: Rechmial Miller

May 1, 2025 • 19min
Diddy’s defence: ‘He’s a swinger’, plus jury selection begins for trial
Lawyers for Sean 'Diddy' Combs preview his legal defence in his sex trafficking case, arguing that the rapper led the 'lifestyle' of a 'swinger' and was not a criminal.Jury selection gets underway on 5 May, with potential jurors asked a range of questions, including whether they watch crime shows.Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty goes through all the latest pre-trial news with criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent and Rolling Stone’s senior investigative reporter Cheyenne Roundtree.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Richard Hannaford
Video producer: Daniel Raza
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare FordhamCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial MillerSean ‘Diddy’ Combs - who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love - emerged into the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. He founded Bad Boy Records, which launched the careers of the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J Blige.His current legal issues began when he was sued by his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, in late 2023. She accused him of violently abusing and raping her.
That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount a day after it was filed, with Mr Combs maintaining his innocence.His controversial history with Ms Ventura resurfaced in 2024, when CCTV footage emerged showing Mr Combs kicking his former girlfriend as she lay on a hotel hallway floor in 2016.Multiple people have filed lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. He denies all claims.He is accused of the federal charges of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes by using firearms or threatening them with violence. He denies the charges.

Apr 24, 2025 • 25min
No delay for Diddy’s trial
Judge tells Diddy’s team his trial will go ahead as planned, with opening statements set for 12 May. That’s despite his lawyers asking for a delay. Judge Subramanian did agree to some of the requests from Diddy’s team, allowing access to outtakes from a documentary and old drafts of an alleged victim’s memoir.Meanwhile, Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing many alleged victims bringing civil claims against Diddy, is now also acting for an anonymous woman who claims to have been raped by former NFL star Shannon Sharpe. He denies all the allegations.Plus, could US President Trump pardon Diddy if he is convicted?Criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent speaks to Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty about all the latest pre-trial news.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Richard Hannaford
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare FordhamCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial MillerSean ‘Diddy’ Combs - who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love - emerged into the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. He founded Bad Boy Records, which launched the careers of the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J Blige.His current legal issues began when he was sued by his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, in late 2023. She accused him of violently abusing and raping her.
That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount a day after it was filed, with Mr Combs maintaining his innocence.His controversial history with Ms Ventura resurfaced in 2024, when CCTV footage emerged showing Mr Combs kicking his former girlfriend as she lay on a hotel hallway floor in 2016.Multiple people have filed lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. He denies all claims.He is accused of the federal charges of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes by using firearms or threatening them with violence. He denies the charges.

Apr 17, 2025 • 7min
Diddy on trial: Everything you need to know
This is your quick round-up so you’re ready for the start of Diddy’s trial, which is set to start on 12 May. Since we launched this podcast in November 2024, we have had five criminal counts against Diddy, he’s been denied bail three times, faced accusations of witness tampering, lost a lawyer, featured in a Kanye - or Ye - track from behind bars, gone grey, demanded a gag order, launched an Instagram campaign and accused the government of racism.And that’s just on the federal side of things. On the civil side, we’ve had bombshell balcony-dangling allegations, people from Michael Jackson to OJ woven into the web of the ‘Diddy-verse’, claims against Jay–Z issued and then withdrawn, while the Texan trial lawyer Tony Buzbee told the BBC he has over 150 cases he could raise against Diddy.What does Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs say? He’s denied all the allegations and consistently said he’s never sexually assaulted anyone - man, or woman, adult or minor.So how did we end up here, before his nearly 8-month stint in one of the US’s most notorious prisons, Diddy was a hip hop mogul, mega star and multi millionaire.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Nicky Edwards
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare FordhamCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial MillerSean ‘Diddy’ Combs - who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love - emerged into the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. He founded Bad Boy Records, which launched the careers of the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J Blige.His current legal issues began when he was sued by his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, in late 2023. She accused him of violently abusing and raping her.
That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount a day after it was filed, with Mr Combs maintaining his innocence.His controversial history with Ms Ventura resurfaced in 2024, when CCTV footage emerged showing Mr Combs kicking his former girlfriend as she lay on a hotel hallway floor in 2016.Multiple people have filed lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. He denies all claims.He is accused of the federal charges of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes by using firearms or threatening them with violence. He denies the charges.

Apr 10, 2025 • 24min
Diddy hit with additional charges, plus why are Beyonce and LeBron mentioned in a lawsuit?
It’s the month before Diddy stands trial and the news keeps coming.Mr Combs is now facing new criminal charges of sex trafficking and prostitution, relating to a second victim between 2021 and 2024. Diddy denies all allegations and his team say the prosecution is making it ‘impossible for Mr Combs to receive a fair trial’ by adding new evidence.Meanwhile the woman referred to as ‘Victim 1’ says she is prepared for her identity to be made public, when she takes the stand and gives evidence against Diddy.And we break down a new civil lawsuit accusing Diddy of sexual assault, which mentions Beyonce, Le Bron James, Jay-Z and the Estefans as witnesses. They deny any involvement.Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty goes through all the latest news with criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent and Rolling Stone’s senior investigative reporter Cheyenne Roundtree.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Nicky Edwards
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare FordhamCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial MillerSean ‘Diddy’ Combs - who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love - emerged into the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. He founded Bad Boy Records, which launched the careers of the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J Blige.His current legal issues began when he was sued by his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, in late 2023. She accused him of violently abusing and raping her.
That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount a day after it was filed, with Mr Combs maintaining his innocence.His controversial history with Ms Ventura resurfaced in 2024, when CCTV footage emerged showing Mr Combs kicking his former girlfriend as she lay on a hotel hallway floor in 2016.Multiple people have filed lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. He denies all claims.He is accused of the federal charges of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes by using firearms or threatening them with violence. He denies the charges.

Apr 3, 2025 • 26min
Diddy’s defence want witnesses named - plus Buzbee and Andrew Tate
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s trial begins in May. What’s happening right now as the prosecution and defence prepare?Criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent joins Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty to talk about pseudonyms, choosing juries, and picking the right expert.They’ll consider what cases like that of Michael Jackson’s doctor or OJ Simpson tell us about how US trials work.Meanwhile - Texan lawyer Tony Buzbee says he’s representing Andrew Tate’s ex girlfriend.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Craig Boardman
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare FordhamCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial MillerSean ‘Diddy’ Combs - who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love - emerged into the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. He founded Bad Boy Records, which launched the careers of the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J Blige.His current legal issues began when he was sued by his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, in late 2023. She accused him of violently abusing and raping her.
That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount a day after it was filed, with Mr Combs maintaining his innocence.His controversial history with Ms Ventura resurfaced in 2024, when CCTV footage emerged showing Mr Combs kicking his former girlfriend as she lay on a hotel hallway floor in 2016.Multiple people have filed lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. He denies all claims.He is accused of the federal charges of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes by using firearms or threatening them with violence. He denies the charges.

Mar 27, 2025 • 22min
Kristina Khorram speaks out and Tony Buzbee withdraws from Diddy cases
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s former chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, has made her first public statement since Diddy was arrested and charged.Meanwhile Texan lawyer Tony Buzbee pulls out of 15 cases.Criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent and Rolling Stone’s senior investigative reporter Cheyenne Roundtree join Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Craig Boardman
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare FordhamCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial MillerSean ‘Diddy’ Combs - who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love - emerged into the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. He founded Bad Boy Records, which launched the careers of the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J Blige.His current legal issues began when he was sued by his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, in late 2023. She accused him of violently abusing and raping her. That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount a day after it was filed, with Mr Combs maintaining his innocence.His controversial history with Ms Ventura resurfaced in 2024, when CCTV footage emerged showing Mr Combs kicking his former girlfriend as she lay on a hotel hallway floor in 2016.Multiple people have filed lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. He denies all claims.He is accused of the federal charges of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes by using firearms or threatening them with violence. He denies the charges.

Mar 20, 2025 • 23min
Elsewhere in the ‘Diddyverse’: Jay-Z, Buzbee and Kanye
There is a lot going on in the ‘Diddyverse’ this week, from the ongoing row between Jay-Z and Tony Buzbee through to Kanye, or Ye, releasing a song which appears to feature Diddy in prison.Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies them all.Criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent and Rolling Stone’s senior investigative reporter Cheyenne Roundtree join Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Craig Boardman
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare FordhamCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial MillerSean ‘Diddy’ Combs - who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love - emerged into the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. He founded Bad Boy Records, which launched the careers of the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J Blige.His current legal issues began when he was sued by his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, in late 2023. She accused him of violently abusing and raping her.
That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount a day after it was filed, with Mr Combs maintaining his innocence.His controversial history with Ms Ventura resurfaced in 2024, when CCTV footage emerged showing Mr Combs kicking his former girlfriend as she lay on a hotel hallway floor in 2016.Multiple people have filed lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. He denies all claims.He is accused of the federal charges of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes by using firearms or threatening them with violence. He denies the charges.

Mar 14, 2025 • 14min
Diddy in court says ‘not guilty’ to forced labour claims
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs appears in court for a pre-trial hearing. He pleads not guilty to forced labour charges which are part of an updated indictment. Lawyers also argue over the inclusion of the CNN leaked footage which shows Combs kicking his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura in the hallway of a hotel in 2016. It was agreed that jury selection will begin on 5 May, with opening trial statements on 12 May.The BBC’s New York correspondent Nada Tawfik was in the courtroom and speaks to Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.
We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.
Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Craig Boardman
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare Fordham
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs - who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love - emerged into the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. He founded Bad Boy Records, which launched the careers of the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J Blige.
His current legal issues began when he was sued by his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, in late 2023. She accused him of violently abusing and raping her.
That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount a day after it was filed, with Mr Combs maintaining his innocence.
His controversial history with Ms Ventura resurfaced in 2024, when CCTV footage emerged showing Mr Combs kicking his former girlfriend as she lay on a hotel hallway floor in 2016.
Multiple people have filed lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. He denies all claims.
He is accused of the federal charges of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes by using firearms or threatening them with violence. He denies the charges.

Mar 13, 2025 • 32min
Celebs named and lurid new claims in lawsuit; Diddy denies it all
Celeb names have been added to one of the Diddy civil lawsuits in explicit allegations over 87 pages. It names celebrity co-defendants, new complainants, alleged trafficking over state lines, has a separate Michael Jackson element, and accuses Diddy of racketeering with conspiracy.Diddy denies all allegations against him. His team says no sane person reading this complaint could credit this story and they're already suing the lawyer who filed this for $50m over comments she made to the media on a separate case.Criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent analyses the lawsuit with Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty. Plus historian Christian Cippolini explains the origins of the racketeering with conspiracy charge - known as RICO.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Craig Boardman
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare FordhamCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial MillerSean ‘Diddy’ Combs - who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love - emerged into the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. He founded Bad Boy Records, which launched the careers of the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J Blige.His current legal issues began when he was sued by his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, in late 2023. She accused him of violently abusing and raping her.
That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount a day after it was filed, with Mr Combs maintaining his innocence.His controversial history with Ms Ventura resurfaced in 2024, when CCTV footage emerged showing Mr Combs kicking his former girlfriend as she lay on a hotel hallway floor in 2016.Multiple people have filed lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. He denies all claims.He is accused of the federal charges of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes by using firearms or threatening them with violence. He denies the charges.