Jury selection began on May 5, 2025, in New York for the high-profile federal sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, accused of years of coercive abuse. This blockbuster case has drawn global attention, with Combs facing serious charges that could lead to a life sentence. Alongside the trial details, we explore a quintessential New York experience: the iconic New York-style cheesecake, complete with a recipe to bring a taste of the city to your table.
Combs Faces Serious Charges
Sean “Diddy” Combs, aged 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors allege that for years, Combs coerced victims into drug-fueled sex parties, termed “freak-offs,” using threats and violence. These events, often filmed, allegedly involved sex workers and heavy drug use, with victims sometimes requiring IV fluids to recover.
[](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sean-diddy-combs-trial-sex-trafficking-charges-evidence/)Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has defended his client by describing his “swinger” lifestyle, insisting all acts were consensual. The prosecution offered a plea deal, which Combs rejected, setting the stage for a trial expected to last eight to 10 weeks.
[](https://abcnews.go.com/US/sean-diddy-combs-rejects-plea-deal-ahead-sex/story?id=121371141) |
| Source: Video Screenshot |
Jury Selection Amid Media Frenzy
Jury selection began on May 5, 2025, at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in Manhattan, attracting a swarm of media and spectators. The process, expected to take about a week, involves screening up to 150 potential jurors to ensure impartiality despite intense media coverage. Opening statements are scheduled for May 12.
[](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpdz08vwqd4o)The trial’s timing is notable, coinciding with the Met Gala, a glittering New York event where Combs was once a regular. This year, instead of the red carpet, he faces a courtroom battle, with his fate in the hands of a 12-person jury and six alternates.
[](https://www.suncommercial.com/brazil_times/news/national/article_42b3d1fb-8a2f-53d3-9817-ad8100e1a988.html)The Role of Cassie Ventura
Central to the case is Combs’ former girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, expected to testify as a key witness. A 2016 surveillance video, aired by CNN, shows Combs assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway, an incident prosecutors link to a “freak-off.” While Combs’ legal team argues the video was altered, Judge Arun Subramanian has ruled it admissible.
[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/03/entertainment/sean-diddy-combs-trial-explained)Ventura’s 2023 civil lawsuit, alleging a decade of abuse, was settled quickly but triggered a wave of similar claims against Combs. These allegations have fueled the #MeToo movement’s expansion into the music industry, which has largely avoided such scrutiny until now.
[](https://www.vulture.com/article/diddy-trial-case-updates-how-to-watch-preview.html)A Potential Turning Point for the Music Industry
Industry experts see Combs’ trial as a potential inflection point for the music world. Caroline Heldman of the Sound Off Coalition told AFP that the case highlights a “perfect storm” of celebrity power and industry tolerance for abuse. She expressed optimism that justice will be served and that the trial will inspire other survivors to come forward.
[](https://www.suncommercial.com/brazil_times/news/national/article_42b3d1fb-8a2f-53d3-9817-ad8100e1a988.html)The racketeering charge, under the RICO statute, allows prosecutors to present a broad pattern of criminal activity, similar to cases against figures like R. Kelly. If convicted, Combs faces a minimum of 15 years and potentially life in prison.
[](https://www.reuters.com/legal/sean-diddy-combs-sex-trafficking-trial-set-may-5-2025-judge-says-2024-10-10/)A Taste of New York: Classic Cheesecake Recipe
New York is not only the backdrop for this high-stakes trial but also a culinary capital. One of its most famous desserts is the New York-style cheesecake, known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Here’s a recipe to bring a piece of the Big Apple to your kitchen.
New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan’s bottom to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
- Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream.
- Pour batter over crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes until edges are set but center slightly jiggles.
- Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Serve chilled, optionally with fresh berries or a fruit topping.
Conclusion
The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is a landmark case, shedding light on allegations of abuse within the music industry. As the legal battle unfolds, it underscores the need for accountability and justice. Meanwhile, indulging in a slice of New York-style cheesecake offers a sweet way to connect with the city’s vibrant culture. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Sean Diddy Combs Sex Trafficking Trial New York Trial Cassie Ventura Music Industry New York Cheesecake