Attorneys in Sean Combs' case set to present dueling narratives in trial openings

When opening statements start Monday in Sean "Diddy" Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial, lawyers will portray the music mogul in dramatically contrasting terms.

Sean “Diddy” Combs long styled himself as a king of American hip-hop, cultivating a public image as a rap hitmaker and savvy entrepreneur whose influence stretched across entertainment, fashion and business. 

But when opening statements start Monday in Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial in New York City, lawyers on opposite sides of the case will portray him in dramatically contrasting terms, underscoring how he has lost control of a reputation he once fiercely protected. 

The federal prosecutors behind United States v. Combs plan to portray him as the ringleader of a sprawling criminal conspiracy, a serial abuser who used violence and threats to force women to participate in drug-fueled sexual encounters known as “freak offs.” 

Combs’ defense lawyers are expected to forcefully reject that depiction, arguing he is being unjustly persecuted for consensual sexual activities with romantic partners. Combs has pleaded not guilty to five criminal counts, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. 

In the end, a jury of 12 everyday New Yorkers will decide whether to convict Combs based in part on which narrative they believe.