Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy (ABC News)

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 violence and abuse. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call the domestic violence hotline at: 1-800-942-6906 or go to https://www.thehotline.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 weeks and months following Cassie's suit, he's hit with dozens more lawsuits from people alleging he abused them too. Combs denies abusing anyone. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE or go to rainn.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 September 2024, he’s arrested and indicted on federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleads not guilty to all charges. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE or go to rainn.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices