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NDTV
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
A Timeline Of The Rise Of Sean 'Diddy' Combs And His Legal Troubles
For more than two decades, Sean "Diddy" Combs was one of hip-hop's most nimble entrepreneurs, spinning his hitmaking talents into a broad business empire that included a record label, a fashion brand, a TV network, deals with liquor companies and a key role in a reality TV show. Then he was charged with forcing, threatening and manipulating two ex-girlfriends into drug-fueled sex marathons, with assistance from a network of associates. Combs denied the allegations and went to trial in a high-stakes federal sex crimes and racketeering case. The trial ended Wednesday with a verdict that his attorneys called a victory: Combs was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of higher-level charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Here is a timeline of major events in his life story: 1990-1999 1990: Combs, then a student at Howard University, gets his start in the music business with an internship at Uptown Records in New York. Dec. 28, 1991: Nine people die at a celebrity basketball game promoted by Combs and the rapper Heavy D when thousands of fans try to get into a gym at the City College of New York. A mayoral report lays part of the blame for the catastrophe on poor planning by Combs. 1992: Combs is one of the executive producers on Mary J. Blige's debut album, "What's the 411?" 1993: After being fired by Uptown, Combs establishes his own label, Bad Boy, which quickly cuts a lucrative deal with Arista Records. 1994: Bad Boy releases Notorious B.I.G.'s album "Ready to Die." Two months later, Tupac Shakur survives a shooting in New York and accuses Combs and Biggie of having prior knowledge of the attack, which they deny. Shakur was later killed in a 1996 shooting in Las Vegas. 1996: Combs is convicted of criminal mischief after he allegedly threatened a photographer with a gun. 1997: Biggie is killed in Los Angeles. Combs, then known as Puff Daddy, releases "I'll be Missing You" in honor of his dead star. 1998: Combs wins two Grammys, one for best rap album for his debut "No Way Out" and another for best rap performance by a duo or group for "I'll Be Missing You" with Faith Evans. Also that year, Combs' Sean John fashion line is founded. April 16, 1999: Combs and his bodyguards are charged with attacking Interscope Records music executive Steve Stoute in his New York office in a dispute over a music video. Combs is sentenced to an anger management course. Dec. 27, 1999: Combs is arrested on gun possession charges after he and his girlfriend at the time, Jennifer Lopez, fled a shooting that wounded three people at a New York City nightclub. Some witnesses tell police Combs was among the people shooting in the club. He is later charged with offering his driver $50,000 to claim ownership of the 9 mm handgun found in his car. 2001-2008 March 17, 2001: Combs is acquitted of all charges related to the nightclub shooting. One of his rap protégés, Jamal "Shyne" Barrow, is convicted in the shooting and serves nearly nine years in prison. Two weeks after the trial, Combs announces he wants to be known as P. Diddy. (Barrow also later changed his name, to Moses Barrow, and became a parliamentarian in his native Belize). 2002: Combs becomes the producer and star of "Making the Band," a talent search TV show. Feb. 1, 2004: Combs performs at the Super Bowl halftime show along with Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake and others. A week later, Combs, Nelly and Murphy Lee win a Grammy for best rap performance by a duo or group for "Shake Ya Tailfeather." April 2004: Combs makes his Broadway acting debut in "A Raisin in the Sun." 2005: Combs announces he is changing his stage name to Diddy, getting rid of the P. March 2008: Combs settles a lawsuit brought by a man who claims Combs punched him after a post-Oscar party outside a Hollywood hotel the previous year. In May, Combs is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 2015-2022 2015: Combs is arrested after a confrontation on the campus of UCLA, where one of his sons played football. Assault charges are later dropped. 2016: Combs launches a Harlem charter school, the Capital Preparatory School. Also that year, he announces he is donating $1 million to Howard University. 2017: Combs is named the top earner on Forbes' list of the 100 highest-paid celebrities, which says he brought in $130 million in a single year. 2018: Kim Porter, Combs' former girlfriend and the mother of three of his children, dies from pneumonia at age 47. 2022: Combs receives a lifetime honor at the BET Awards. 2023-2025 Sept. 15, 2023: Combs releases "The Love Album - Off the Grid," his first solo studio project since 2006's chart-topping "Press Play." Nov. 16, 2023: R&B singer Cassie sues Combs, alleging that during their decade-plus as a couple, he subjected her to abuse, including beatings and rape. A day later, the lawsuit is settled under undisclosed terms. Combs, through his attorney, denies the accusations. Nov. 23, 2023: Two more women accuse Combs of sexual abuse in lawsuits. Combs' attorneys call the allegations false. Dozens of additional lawsuits follow by women and men who accuse Combs of rape, sexual assault and other attacks. Plaintiffs include singer Dawn Richard, a "Making the Band" contestant who alleged years of psychological and physical abuse. Combs denies all the allegations. March 25, 2024: Federal agents search Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach, Florida. May 17, 2024: CNN airs video that shows Combs attacking and beating Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. Two days later, Combs posts videos on social media apologizing for the assault. Sept. 16, 2024: Combs is arrested at his Manhattan hotel. A federal sex trafficking and racketeering indictment unsealed the next day accuses him of using his business empire to coerce women into participating in sexual performances. Combs denies the allegations. His attorney calls it an unjust prosecution of an "imperfect person." May 5, 2025: Jury selection begins for Combs' trial. May 12, 2025: A jury is selected and testimony begins in Combs' trial. June 30, 2025: Jury deliberations begin in Combs' trial. July 2, 2025: The jury convicts Combs of two counts of a prostitution-related offense but acquits him of higher-level charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. The outcome significantly reduces the rap mogul's potential prison sentence, which a judge will determine in the months to come. His lawyers unsuccessfully ask for him to be released on bond in the meantime. Combs is visibly relieved by the verdict, and his lead lawyer calls it "a victory of all victories."
Winnipeg Free Press
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
A timeline of the rise of Sean ‘Diddy' Combs and his legal troubles
For more than two decades, Sean 'Diddy' Combs was one of hip-hop's most nimble entrepreneurs, spinning his hitmaking talents into a broad business empire that included a record label, a fashion brand, a TV network, deals with liquor companies and a key role in a reality TV show. Then he was charged with forcing, threatening and manipulating two ex-girlfriends into drug-fueled sex marathons, with assistance from a network of associates. Combs denied the allegations and went to trial in a high-stakes federal sex crimes and racketeering case. The trial ended Wednesday with a verdict that his attorneys called a victory: Combs was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of higher-level charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Here is a timeline of major events in his life story: 1990-1999 1990: Combs, then a student at Howard University, gets his start in the music business with an internship at Uptown Records in New York. Dec. 28, 1991: Nine people die at a celebrity basketball game promoted by Combs and the rapper Heavy D when thousands of fans try to get into a gym at the City College of New York. A mayoral report lays part of the blame for the catastrophe on poor planning by Combs. 1992: Combs is one of the executive producers on Mary J. Blige's debut album, 'What's the 411?' 1993: After being fired by Uptown, Combs establishes his own label, Bad Boy, which quickly cuts a lucrative deal with Arista Records. 1994: Bad Boy releases Notorious B.I.G.'s album 'Ready to Die.' Two months later, Tupac Shakur survives a shooting in New York and accuses Combs and Biggie of having prior knowledge of the attack, which they deny. Shakur was later killed in a 1996 shooting in Las Vegas. 1996: Combs is convicted of criminal mischief after he allegedly threatened a photographer with a gun. 1997: Biggie is killed in Los Angeles. Combs, then known as Puff Daddy, releases 'I'll be Missing You' in honor of his dead star. 1998: Combs wins two Grammys, one for best rap album for his debut 'No Way Out' and another for best rap performance by a duo or group for 'I'll Be Missing You' with Faith Evans. Also that year, Combs' Sean John fashion line is founded. April 16, 1999: Combs and his bodyguards are charged with attacking Interscope Records music executive Steve Stoute in his New York office in a dispute over a music video. Combs is sentenced to an anger management course. Dec. 27, 1999: Combs is arrested on gun possession charges after he and his girlfriend at the time, Jennifer Lopez, fled a shooting that wounded three people at a New York City nightclub. Some witnesses tell police Combs was among the people shooting in the club. He is later charged with offering his driver $50,000 to claim ownership of the 9 mm handgun found in his car. 2001-2008 March 17, 2001: Combs is acquitted of all charges related to the nightclub shooting. One of his rap protégés, Jamal 'Shyne' Barrow, is convicted in the shooting and serves nearly nine years in prison. Two weeks after the trial, Combs announces he wants to be known as P. Diddy. (Barrow also later changed his name, to Moses Barrow, and became a parliamentarian in his native Belize). 2002: Combs becomes the producer and star of 'Making the Band,' a talent search TV show. Feb. 1, 2004: Combs performs at the Super Bowl halftime show along with Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake and others. A week later, Combs, Nelly and Murphy Lee win a Grammy for best rap performance by a duo or group for 'Shake Ya Tailfeather.' April 2004: Combs makes his Broadway acting debut in 'A Raisin in the Sun.' 2005: Combs announces he is changing his stage name to Diddy, getting rid of the P. March 2008: Combs settles a lawsuit brought by a man who claims Combs punched him after a post-Oscar party outside a Hollywood hotel the previous year. In May, Combs is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 2015-2022 2015: Combs is arrested after a confrontation on the campus of UCLA, where one of his sons played football. Assault charges are later dropped. 2016: Combs launches a Harlem charter school, the Capital Preparatory School. Also that year, he announces he is donating $1 million to Howard University. 2017: Combs is named the top earner on Forbes' list of the 100 highest-paid celebrities, which says he brought in $130 million in a single year. 2018: Kim Porter, Combs' former girlfriend and the mother of three of his children, dies from pneumonia at age 47. 2022: Combs receives a lifetime honor at the BET Awards. 2023-2025 Sept. 15, 2023: Combs releases 'The Love Album — Off the Grid,' his first solo studio project since 2006's chart-topping 'Press Play.' Nov. 16, 2023: R&B singer Cassie sues Combs, alleging that during their decade-plus as a couple, he subjected her to abuse, including beatings and rape. A day later, the lawsuit is settled under undisclosed terms. Combs, through his attorney, denies the accusations. Nov. 23, 2023: Two more women accuse Combs of sexual abuse in lawsuits. Combs' attorneys call the allegations false. Dozens of additional lawsuits follow by women and men who accuse Combs of rape, sexual assault and other attacks. Plaintiffs include singer Dawn Richard, a 'Making the Band' contestant who alleged years of psychological and physical abuse. Combs denies all the allegations. March 25, 2024: Federal agents search Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach, Florida. May 17, 2024: CNN airs video that shows Combs attacking and beating Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. Two days later, Combs posts videos on social media apologizing for the assault. Sept. 16, 2024: Combs is arrested at his Manhattan hotel. A federal sex trafficking and racketeering indictment unsealed the next day accuses him of using his business empire to coerce women into participating in sexual performances. Combs denies the allegations. His attorney calls it an unjust prosecution of an 'imperfect person.' May 5, 2025: Jury selection begins for Combs' trial. May 12, 2025: A jury is selected and testimony begins in Combs' trial. June 30, 2025: Jury deliberations begin in Combs' trial. July 2, 2025: The jury convicts Combs of two counts of a prostitution-related offense but acquits him of higher-level charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. The outcome significantly reduces the rap mogul's potential prison sentence, which a judge will determine in the months to come. His lawyers unsuccessfully ask for him to be released on bond in the meantime. Combs is visibly relieved by the verdict, and his lead lawyer calls it 'a victory of all victories.'
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Diddy Trial Verdict: Celebrities React—'Sick to My Stomach'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Celebrities are speaking out following Sean "Diddy" Combs' high-profile federal trial verdict on Wednesday. The rapper, 55, was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges and was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Newsweek reached out to Combs' representative via email for comment on Thursday. The Context Combs got his start as an intern at Uptown Records, and he founded Bad Boy Records in the early 1990s. The label signed notable artists like French Montana, Machine Gun Kelly, Janelle Monáe and Cassie Ventura. The New York native is also a three-time Grammy Award winning rapper, and he appeared in films like Get Him to the Greek, Godzilla, Monster's Ball and Bad Boys II. Prior to his legal troubles, Forbes said Combs was "on a glide path to becoming a billionaire." In 2019, the outlet reported his net worth to be approximately $740 million. Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (L) Aubrey O'Day attends the Creators Inc Art Week & Celebrity Fashion... Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (L) Aubrey O'Day attends the Creators Inc Art Week & Celebrity Fashion Show at Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach on December 8, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. (R) Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson attends the BMF/STARZ – For Your Consideration 2024 on May 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. More Bryan Steffy/WireImage;;for STARZ What To Know In November 2023, Ventura—who dated Combs on-and-off from 2007 until 2018—filed a lawsuit against him, alleging that he raped, sex trafficked and physically abused her over a 10-year period. In total, 120 people accused the music mogul of sexual misconduct, the Associated Press reported, and in March 2024, his Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by federal agents. Combs was arrested in New York City in September and charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied all accusations against him. What People Are Saying Ventura's laywer, Douglas H. Wigdor, said in a statement: "This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors." John Rich, one half of the country duo Big & Rich, wrote on X: "Wicked and perverted child abusers across America are celebrating the Sean Combs verdicts today. I'm sick to my stomach and can't stop gritting my teeth. I pray The Father exercises His judgement upon them beyond anything a court could ever do. Can I get an amen from the people of The Lord?" Kesha shared on X: "Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor." Rosie O'Donnell posted to Instagram: "i guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion- wow - they just think women stay because what? money - fame - 'they love the abuse' - what a f***ing joke - this decision got me angry #cassie." Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, who often takes jabs at Diddy on social media, said on Instagram: "Diddy beat the Rico, that boy a bad man! he like the Gay John Gotti @50centaction." Danity Kane member Aubrey O'Day, an outspoken critic of her former mentor Combs, took to her Instagram Story, writing: "I am still unpacking the magnitude of it all. The cultural weight of this decision is immeasurable. It is heartbreaking to witness how many lives have been impacted by their experiences with Sean Combs—only for those stories to fall short in the eyes of a jury. I can only hope these jurors never have to watch someone they love endure what so many survivors have described." "My heart is with Cassie. A woman who could've had a life and career free of fear and control. A woman who told her truth in a courtroom, only to have the world dissect her credibility instead of her courage." "Let's be clear: the courtroom operates by the law, but that DOES NOT mean it delivers justice. Nor is it the best place to develop the moral compass this world so urgently needs. The pattern of behavior Sean Combs has shown us over the decades is not a mystery. It is a warning. And now, that pattern risks being reframed—and has now been legitimized by the system. This wasn't Bonnie and Clyde—this was control, coercion, and abuse - and we have to stop rewriting history and excuse the behavior and start normalizing accountability—no matter how powerful the person. That narrative is not just dishonest. It's dangerous." "Women, Nor men, Nor ANY ARTIST - are the property of those with the most wealth, fame & power. We are not disposable. 12 people on a jury will not be deciding that for us." What Happens Next Combs was denied bail by Judge Arun Subramanian while he awaits his sentencing. His sentencing date is currently set for October 3 this year.
NDTV
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Once A Hip-Hop Mogul, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Is Now A Convicted Felon
Even during his federal criminal trial in New York, the descriptions of Sean Combs were frequently those of awe: one former assistant called him "a god among men." "Larger than life," said witnesses over and over -- his accusers included. And that he was, until it all came crashing down. The music and entertainment titan known for his legendary A-list "white parties" had multiple mansions, a private jet, a business empire and scores of accolades. Then in September 2024, he was arrested on sweeping charges including running a criminal ring that allowed him to commit harrowing sexual abuse. And after a two-month long courtroom saga, a jury of 12 New Yorkers on Wednesday found him guilty of two prostitution-related counts -- but acquitted him of more serious allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking. The outcome was not what prosecutors had hoped for -- a decisive conviction for grave crimes that could have kept him incarcerated for life. Nevertheless, even before the blockbuster proceedings began, Combs's reputation was in tatters. The 55-year-old still faces dozens of civil lawsuits in which he is accused of lurid abuse. And even his own team's defence came back to haunt him: the federal judge denied Combs bail as he awaits sentencing, reading back his attorneys' words in which they conceded again and again that he has a record of violence. Rebrands upon rebrands Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records whose proteges included the late Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, was known as a high-flying, smooth-talking kingpin who ushered hip-hop from the underground to bottle-service clubs. He was continuously rebranding -- his monikers include "Puff Daddy," "P Diddy" and, more recently, "Brother Love." Court proceedings revealed a much seedier side, casting him as a violent, domineering boss whose inner circle helped him live life with impunity. Even before his arrest, the mushrooming accusations and legal action left many of his businesses reeling. There were symbolic measures as well: the city of New York had rescinded the honorary key they had bestowed upon him. But as was clear outside the courthouse throughout the proceedings, he still has a loyal fan base, especially in the city where he made his name. Party boy and hip-hop mogul Born Sean John Combs on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, the artist entered the industry as an intern in 1990 at Uptown Records where he eventually became a talent director. He gained clout as a party planner, which would remain central to his brand. In 1991, he promoted a celebrity basketball game and concert at the City College of New York that ended in a stampede, leaving nine people dead. The event was over-capacity by the thousands and resulted in a string of lawsuits, with Combs blamed for hiring inadequate security. He was fired from Uptown, and founded his own label, Bad Boy Records. Thus began his quick ascent to the top of East Coast hip-hop. The Notorious B.I.G. became the genre's king following the release of his landmark debut album "Ready to Die" in 1994, up until his shock murder in 1997. Combs boasted a number of major signed acts and production collaborations with the likes of Blige, Usher, Lil' Kim, TLC, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. He was also a Grammy-winning rapper in his own right, debuting with the chart-topping single "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and his album "No Way Out." The smash hit single "I'll Be Missing You" was a tribute to Biggie. His other major tracks included "It's All About The Benjamins" and "Been Around the World." He built an image as a brash hustler with unapologetic swagger, a major producer who also ventured into Hollywood, reality television and fashion. He was known as a ladies' man -- he had a high-profile relationship with Jennifer Lopez. 'Next chapters' As recently as 2023, Combs was still on top of the world -- releasing a new album and taking a victory lap as he accepted lifetime honors including a "global icon" award from MTV. But his star plummeted rapidly in November of that year, when his former partner of 11 years, Casandra Ventura, filed a civil suit with a litany of allegations including a 2018 rape. Combs settled the suit almost immediately, but months later, it became clear that federal investigators were trailing him. His mansions were raided and many possessions seized. Then came his arrest and, nearly eight months later, his high-stakes federal trial. Combs's defence conceded that he committed brutal violence. But they insisted that those instances did not amount to the extensive charges he faced -- and won. Combs routinely brought self-help books or Bible passages with him to the courtroom, and his lawyers argue he's an evolving man. He has six adult children, and a two-year-old named Love Sean Combs. "He's been given his life back," his attorney Marc Agnifilo said Wednesday. "He's going to have next chapters of his life."
eNCA
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Sean Combs: music pioneer, entrepreneur and convicted felon
US - Even during his federal criminal trial in New York, the descriptions of Sean Combs were frequently those of awe: one former assistant called him "a god among men." "Larger than life," said witnesses over and over - his accusers included. And that he was, until it all came crashing down. The music and entertainment titan known for his legendary A-list "white parties" had multiple mansions, a private jet, a business empire and scores of accolades. Then in September 2024, he was arrested on sweeping charges including running a criminal ring that allowed him to commit harrowing sexual abuse. And after a two-month long courtroom saga, a jury of 12 New Yorkers on Wednesday found him guilty of two prostitution-related counts - but acquitted him of more serious allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking. The outcome was not what prosecutors had hoped for - a decisive conviction for grave crimes that could have kept him incarcerated for life. Nevertheless, even before the blockbuster proceedings began, Combs's reputation was in tatters. The 55-year-old still faces dozens of civil lawsuits in which he is accused of lurid abuse. And even his own team's defense came back to haunt him: the federal judge denied Combs bail as he awaits sentencing, reading back his attorneys' words in which they conceded again and again that he has a record of violence. - Rebrands upon rebrands - Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records whose proteges included the late Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, was known as a high-flying, smooth-talking kingpin who ushered hip-hop from the underground to bottle-service clubs. He was continuously rebranding - his monikers include "Puff Daddy," "P Diddy" and, more recently, "Brother Love." Court proceedings revealed a much seedier side, casting him as a violent, domineering boss whose inner circle helped him live life with impunity. Even before his arrest, the mushrooming accusations and legal action left many of his businesses reeling. There were symbolic measures as well: the city of New York had rescinded the honorary key they had bestowed upon him. But as was clear outside the courthouse throughout the proceedings, he still has a loyal fan base, especially in the city where he made his name. - Party boy and hip-hop mogul - Born Sean John Combs on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, the artist entered the industry as an intern in 1990 at Uptown Records where he eventually became a talent director. He gained clout as a party planner, which would remain central to his brand. In 1991, he promoted a celebrity basketball game and concert at the City College of New York that ended in a stampede, leaving nine people dead. The event was over-capacity by the thousands and resulted in a string of lawsuits, with Combs blamed for hiring inadequate security. He was fired from Uptown, and founded his own label, Bad Boy Records. Thus began his quick ascent to the top of East Coast hip-hop. The Notorious B.I.G. became the genre's king following the release of his landmark debut album "Ready to Die" in 1994, up until his shock murder in 1997. Combs boasted a number of major signed acts and production collaborations with the likes of Blige, Usher, Lil' Kim, TLC, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. He was also a Grammy-winning rapper in his own right, debuting with the chart-topping single "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and his album "No Way Out." The smash hit single "I'll Be Missing You" was a tribute to Biggie. His other major tracks included "It's All About The Benjamins" and "Been Around the World." He built an image as a brash hustler with unapologetic swagger, a major producer who also ventured into Hollywood, reality television and fashion. He was known as a ladies' man - he had a high-profile relationship with Jennifer Lopez. - 'Next chapters' - As recently as 2023, Combs was still on top of the world - releasing a new album and taking a victory lap as he accepted lifetime honours including a "global icon" award from MTV. But his star plummeted rapidly in November of that year, when his former partner of 11 years, Casandra Ventura, filed a civil suit with a litany of allegations including a 2018 rape. Combs settled the suit almost immediately, but months later, it became clear that federal investigators were trailing him. His mansions were raided and many possessions seized. Then came his arrest and, nearly eight months later, his high-stakes federal trial. Combs's defense conceded that he committed brutal violence. But they insisted that those instances did not amount to the extensive charges he faced - and won. Combs routinely brought self-help books or Bible passages with him to the courtroom, and his lawyers argue he's an evolving man. He has six adult children, and a two-year-old named Love Sean Combs. "He's been given his life back," his attorney Marc Agnifilo said Wednesday. "He's going to have next chapters of his life."
