Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy

Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy

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 in a six-part weekly narrative series launching March 25, and returning with twice weekly real-time updates once the trial slated for May gets underway.

Episodes

March 11, 2025 3 mins
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 in a six-part weekly narrative series launching March 25, and returning with twice weekly real-time updates once the trial slated for May gets underway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...
Mark as Played
Diddy was a legendary party host. His star-studded “white parties” were glittering displays of wealth and social capital that started in the world of hip-hop, and ultimately expanded far beyond it. But after a criminal indictment alleging sex trafficking, Diddy is now locked up, fighting to prove his innocence, stuck in a place that couldn’t be more different from the luxury he’s used to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...
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April 1, 2025 55 mins
We chart Diddy’s rise from musician to mogul, from the center of hip-hop to the center of American culture. But that rise wasn’t always a smooth ascent. Along the way, he had moments of alleged violence and brushes with the law. Were these lapses in judgment or serious red flags that signaled a darker side to his success?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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April 8, 2025 55 mins
Diddy signs a young singer with a hit single who’s on the fast track to fame. Cassie Ventura reportedly agrees to a 10 album deal. They become romantically involved and Cassie’s career flatlines, leaving fans wondering why she only released one studio album. We chart their decade-long relationship -- from the glamorous red carpet appearances to allegations of hidden abuse. A warning that this episode includes discussion of sexual...
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April 15, 2025 36 mins
Soon after Cassie and Diddy end their relationship, Diddy rebrands himself again, as Sean “Love” Combs. He's on his way to becoming hip hop’s third billionaire, wins lifetime achievement awards and gets the key to New York City. But in 2023, Cassie files a 35-page lawsuit against him, alleging he physically and sexually abused her. Her suit is settled quickly and quietly, but it's just the beginning of Diddy's legal issues. In the ...
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April 22, 2025 51 mins
As the wave of civil lawsuits against Diddy continues to grow, in March of 2024, federal agents raid two of his properties in connection to a human trafficking investigation. Just a couple months later, an old video of Diddy beating, kicking and dragging his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in the hallway of a hotel surfaces, with devastating consequences. He publicly apologizes for his behavior and says he went to therapy. By Septem...
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April 29, 2025 35 mins
Sean Combs now awaits trial in Brooklyn's infamous Metropolitan Detention Center. In May, his highly publicized case is scheduled to go to trial. What do we know about the charges Diddy faces, the case prosecutors plan to present, and how his legal team might try to get him acquitted? Host and attorney Brian Buckmire breaks down the legal issues of Diddy's upcoming trial with Aaron Katersky, Sean Combs now awaits trial in Brooklyn'...
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May 2, 2025 16 mins
As the podcast shifts into trial coverage mode, host and ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire analyzes wins for both the prosecution and the defense in terms of what evidence the jury may see. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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May 6, 2025 18 mins
The citizens of New York who may serve on the jury in Sean Combs’ federal trial begin to answer questions. What it takes to assemble a jury in a high-profile case like this.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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May 9, 2025 26 mins
Jury experts say it’s more like jury “de-selection,” than selection. Picking a jury is about trying to eliminate potential jurors who might be bad for your side, while leaving the ones who might be favorable. Jury consultant Eric Rudich explains how attorneys try to suss these out. If you have a question about the case you'd like Brian Buckmire to answer in an upcoming episode, leave a voicemail at (646) 504-3221. Learn more abou...
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May 13, 2025 20 mins
The newly seated jury heard opening statements with dueling explanations of events: The government said the evidence will show that the sexual conduct in this case was coercive and criminal. The defense conceded Combs “has a temper” and “got violent” when they say he drank or used drugs, but said domestic violence is not part of the charges. Early prosecution witnesses included a former hotel security guard who testified about Comb...
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All eyes were on Cassie Ventura as she testified in a packed Manhattan courtroom today.  Analysis of her testimony from Brian Buckmire and others on"Burden of Proof: The Case Against Diddy” which streams weekdays at 5:30 PM Eastern on ABC News Live. Find it on Disney+, Hulu, or on most of your favorite streaming apps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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For a second day, Cassie Ventura was on the stand in the trial of Sean Diddy Combs. Hear analysis from ABC News Live's "Burden of Proof: The Case Against Diddy." The show streams weekdays at 5:30 p.m. Eastern on ABC News Live. You can find it on Disney+, Hulu, or on most of your favorite streaming apps.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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May 16, 2025 24 mins
With no cameras in the courtroom, one of the key people taking in every word and noting reactions in the courtroom is ABC Coordinating Producer Tonya Simpson who’s there with her pen and notebook. We’ll get her take on the dramatic testimony of Cassie Ventura, the government’s first major witness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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