Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
ABC News
For decades, Sean "Diddy" Combs was among the most influential entertainers and entrepreneurs in hip-hop. But Diddy’s star began to implode when a video came out showing the music mogul assaulting his then-girlfriend. There had long been whispers about Diddy's aggression. But critics say his influence and relevance kept the rumors quiet. Until now. A raft of new lawsuits detail shocking allegations of sexual abuse and manipulation orchestrated in so-called "freak offs" -- sex parties Diddy allegedly ordered, videotaped and controlled. Diddy now faces federal charges that include sex trafficking. He has denied all wrongdoing and said all encounters were consensual. A new podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio traces how whispers of abuse came to light and led to Diddy’s downfall. ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire takes listeners inside the rise and fall of Diddy, the allegations and his defense with twice-weekly real-time updates during the trial.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 10, 2025 • 20min
The Trial: “I’m not a sex robot”
Powerful testimonies take center stage, with Jane revealing her haunting experiences that resonate with Cassie's allegations. The jury hears Diddy's voice in compelling audio evidence, creating an intense courtroom atmosphere. The complexities of emotional manipulation emerge, showcasing Jane's struggle between dependence and standing up for herself. Contextual insights into jury nullification and mistrials unpack the high stakes for Diddy, while expert Brian Buckmire answers burning questions about legal proceedings. Intrigue builds as the trial unfolds.
Jun 6, 2025 • 23min
The Trial: Diddy Gets Scolded
In this riveting discussion, Stephanie Maurice, an Executive Editorial Producer at ABC known for coordinating high-profile interview bookings, shares her firsthand insights from the Diddy trial. She describes the courtroom dynamics, noting the judge's scolding of Diddy for inappropriate behavior. Maurice details intense witness testimonies and the contrasts between civil lawsuits and federal charges. Listeners get a glimpse into emotional moments, family interactions, and the critical evidence surrounding the case, making for a gripping analysis of a high-stakes legal drama.
Jun 3, 2025 • 27min
Burden of Proof: Follow the Money
The trial against a prominent hip-hop figure reveals shocking testimonies about cash transactions and video evidence connected to a controversial incident. A hotel employee disclosed that he received $100,000 to procure footage of an alleged assault. Testimonies from Combs’ former CFO and a hotel security guard expose intricate financial dealings and efforts to conceal compromising evidence. The discussions also touch on the 1990s rivalry between East and West Coast rap, with insights into its violent history and its impact on hip-hop culture.
Jun 3, 2025 • 21min
The Trial: A Heated Cross
Tensions rise in the courtroom as Mia, a former assistant, faces intense cross-examination. The podcast navigates complex legal concepts like non-disclosure agreements and the differences between sex trafficking and prostitution. Listeners are intrigued by potential consequences of failing to respond to subpoenas and the implications of presidential pardons. Outside the trial, Suge Knight shares his views on accountability in hip-hop, all while engaging the audience with insightful questions and discussions surrounding the case.
May 30, 2025 • 25min
The Trial: Evidence
In this engaging discussion, Peter Charalambous, a producer from ABC’s investigative unit, unfolds the courtroom drama of USA v. Sean Combs. He highlights over 200 pieces of evidence and the pivotal testimonies from Combs’ former employees, revealing harrowing tales of coercion. The conversation explores the strategies lawyers use to influence juror perceptions and the impact of visual evidence in understanding complex cases. As tensions run high, moments like the mistrial motion and Kid Cudi's testimony add layers to the unfolding narrative.
May 28, 2025 • 24min
Burden of Proof: Diddy Made Death Threats, According to Key Witness
A former assistant recounts chilling details of Diddy’s alleged threats against Kid Cudi and Cassie Ventura. Testimonies reveal a coercive atmosphere, including claims of being held against her will. The courtroom drama intensifies with the introduction of arson evidence and personal testimonies. Witness credibility is put to the test amid a backdrop of rivalry and intimidation. As the trial progresses, key revelations hint at deeper implications for those involved.
May 23, 2025 • 36min
The Trial: Prosecutors Go for the Big Fish
Brian recaps key moments in court this week, including Kid Cudi taking the stand.
Then, a conversation with former prosecutor Moira Penza who won a conviction in the high profile RICO and sex trafficking case against Keith Raniere of NXIVM. Diddy faces those charges as well, and two of the defense attorneys Penza went up against in that 2019 trial are now representing him.
If you have questions about the case, leave us a voicemail at 929-388-1249. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 20, 2025 • 16min
The Trial: Your Questions Asked and Answered
The podcast dives deep into the criminal trial of Sean Combs, spotlighting pivotal witness testimonies related to domestic violence. It unpacks complex legal definitions around consent, sex trafficking, and their impact on the case. Insights into jury deliberation processes enhance understanding of legal dynamics, while discussions on jury diversity reveal challenges in the selection process. Lastly, the exploration of potential presidential pardons illuminates the legal pathways for Combs, offering a glimpse into the intersection of law and politics.
May 16, 2025 • 23min
The Trial: Star Witness
Tonya Simpson, a Coordinating Producer for ABC's investigative unit, shares her firsthand observations from the courtroom during Cassie Ventura's gripping testimony against Sean Combs. She details the emotional intensity as Cassie recounts traumatic experiences and navigates hostile cross-examination. The conversation delves into the significance of witness timing and jury perceptions in high-profile trials, revealing the complex dynamics at play and the impact of meticulous note-taking under pressure.
May 14, 2025 • 26min
The Trial: Cassie Ventura's Second Day of Testimony
Cassie Ventura's gripping testimony against Sean Diddy Combs takes center stage, revealing harrowing details of abuse and trauma. Legal analysts discuss the complexities of consent versus coercion, raising questions about victimhood in relationships. The prosecution's emotional strategies clash with the defense's narrative, highlighting the intricacies of domestic abuse versus sex trafficking. Insights into Cassie's past relationships and their connections to hip-hop legends add depth to the trial, making for a captivating examination of justice and personal experience.
