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00:00Sean Combs, known as P. Diddy, will see his day in court today as the federal government's trial against the disgraced star opens in Manhattan.
00:08Prosecutors say Combs engaged in racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
00:16Charges that could put him behind bars for life.
00:18The indictment alleges that Combs abused and exploited women and other people for years, and in a variety of ways.
00:25As alleged, Combs used force, threats of force, and coercion to cause victims to engage in extended sexual performances with male commercial sex workers, some of whom he transported or caused to be transported over state lines.
00:41The rapper and producer rose to fame in the 90s as a celebrated figure of the East Coast hip-hop scene.
00:47But critics say his success concealed serious abuse by the star.
00:51In 2023, P. Diddy was accused by his ex-girlfriend Cassandra Ventura, an R&B singer known as Cassie, of violent abuse and rape.
01:01Though the case was settled outside of court, dozens of people filed lawsuits following the accusation.
01:07Many claim that the rapper used violence, kidnapping, and drugs to coerce women into sometimes days-long sex parties called freak-offs by attendees.
01:16Combs was arrested as part of a federal investigation in September 2024, and has since been held in a Brooklyn jail.
01:24He has maintained his innocence, saying that any sex acts were consensual.
01:29Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday.
01:34Let me be absolutely clear. I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.
01:38I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.
01:42The beginning of the trial coincides with the day of the illustrious Met Gala, where Combs was welcomed alongside prominent American stars as recently as 2023.
01:53The first week of the trial is expected to consist of jury selection by the lawyers.
01:58Opening arguments are set to start on May 12th.
02:01そして、この現 장iss thứには定着ながら選びます。