Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared noticeably different during the first day of jury selection in his federal sex trafficking trial, sporting a full head of gray-white hair. The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul, known for his success as the founder of Bad Boy Records, was seen in courtroom sketches wearing a dark sweater and white button-down shirt as he faced the gallery in Manhattan federal court.
The change in his appearance comes after a year and a half of legal challenges. It is reported that Combs has been held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where inmates are not allowed to use hair dye. The hip-hop mogul was arrested in September and faces serious charges including racketeering conspiracy, transportation for prostitution, and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and could face life in prison if convicted on the sex trafficking charge.
In April, Combs lost his attempt to delay the trial, which is scheduled to begin on May 12 and is expected to last about eight weeks. His legal troubles have been a major public issue since late 2023, when his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit accusing him of rape, sex trafficking, and abuse during their relationship. The case was settled the following day, but other accusers soon came forward with similar allegations.
This trial also follows the release of a troubling video in 2023, showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016. Ventura, now 38, is expected to testify against Combs during the trial.
