Diddy's Sex Trafficking Trial: Here Are The Celebrities Who Might Be Referenced In The Trial

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As Diddy’s trial prepares to launch, there have been several celebrities who’ve already been mentioned in a list provided to potential jurors.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has reigned supreme as a towering figure in music and business with an empire that embodied a hustle and grind that turned him into a global icon. However, his federal trial beginning this month in Manhattan marks a dramatic fall from grace. Prosecutors allege that Diddy has been orchestrating a criminal empire for over two decades, coercing women into sex acts, trafficking them across state lines, and violently silencing those who resisted.

Jury selection began May 5 under U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, with testimony scheduled to begin the week of May 12. Central to the prosecution’s case are four women—one believed to be Diddy’s former partner, Cassie Ventura—whose testimonies will anchor a sweeping indictment that includes charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors claim Diddy ran “Freak Offs,” elaborate, drug-fueled sex performances that were recorded, manipulated, and weaponized. They say he used a network of employees to facilitate the abuse and used blackmail, violence, and bribery to control victims and cover his tracks.

Prosecutors claim Diddy ran “Freak Offs,” elaborate, drug-fueled sex performances that were recorded, manipulated, and weaponized. They say he used a network of employees to facilitate the abuse and used blackmail, violence, and bribery to control victims and cover his tracks. Evidence includes hotel logs, travel documents, surveillance footage, and nearly 100 electronic devices seized from Diddy’s homes. The defense insists the acts were consensual and that the case is built on opportunism, not truth. Judge Subramanian has already ruled that footage of Diddy assaulting Ventura in 2016 is admissible, rejecting claims it was doctored. 

However, as the court gears up for jury selection, there has already been mention of several celebrities who’ve had some sort of dealings with Diddy. Potential jurors viewed a list of celebs and public figures and were asked to reveal whether they're familiar with them. Below is a list of everyone who has been named in the trial so far.

Cassie Ventura

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Diddy’s former longtime partner Cassie was among the first to file a civil lawsuit against him, accusing him of rape and repeated abuse during their decade-long relationship. That suit was quickly settled, but a 2016 surveillance video released by CNN in 2024 showing Combs attacking her in a hotel is expected to be presented at trial. She is a central witness in the prosecution’s case.

Kid Cudi

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Kid Cudi performs in the Sahara tent during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif., Sunday, April 21, 2024. via Imagn

Cassie’s lawsuit also pointed to Diddy’s volatile response upon discovering her relationship with Kid Cudi. Around the same time, Cudi’s car mysteriously exploded in his driveway — a detail his representatives later confirmed. Prosecutors cite the event as part of an alleged campaign of intimidation by Combs.

Ye (Kanye West)

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Rapper Ye’s ties to Diddy resurfaced when he released a 2025 collaboration track featuring both Combs and his son Christian. The song, which included what appeared to be a recorded jail call with Diddy, raised eyebrows — and questions in court — about Ye’s role and continued allegiance.

Mike Myers

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The comedian and actor was unexpectedly included in the jury screening process, per US Weekly. His only apparent connection? A passing joke about Diddy in an Austin Powers film. His relevance remains a mystery.

Michelle Williams

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The Destiny’s Child singer was another name floated to potential jurors early on. Her connection to the trial has yet to be clarified publicly.

Michael B. Jordan

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Jordan reportedly went on a date with Cassie in 2015, which made Combs upset. His inclusion on this list was likely related to their date but he will not be testifying at any point.

Dawn Richard

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A former member of Danity Kane — the girl group assembled by Diddy’s Making the Band — Richard filed a lawsuit in September 2024 accusing him of sexual abuse and assault during her time under his mentorship. His team dismissed her claims as fabricated and opportunistic. Her case remains active.

Dallas Austin

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Producer Dallas Austin, once romantically linked to Diddy’s late ex Kim Porter, surfaced briefly in filings referencing Diddy’s personal circle. No allegations have been made against him.

Lauren London

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Court filings describe London as a recipient of Diddy’s support following Nipsey Hussle’s death in 2019. Her inclusion appears related to character assessments rather than allegations.

Laurieann Gibson

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Known for her work with Diddy on multiple TV projects, including Making the Band, Gibson’s name came up in filings detailing Diddy’s business ecosystem. She is not accused of wrongdoing.

Harve Pierre

2007 NBA All-Star Game - "Diddy" After Party
LAS VEGAS - FEBRUARY 18: Bad Boy Records executive Harve Pierre attends the 2007 NBA All-Star Game "Diddy" After Party at the Rain Nightclub in the Palms Hotel and Casino on February 18, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)

A longtime Bad Boy executive, Pierre’s longstanding association with Diddy placed him on the jury questionnaire. He may be called as a witness, but he faces no charges.

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About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.

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