What we know now about Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ pre-trial court appearance
Sean “Diddy” Combs was in court for a pre-trial hearing in his federal sex crimes case. What was decided in today’s hearing? Here is what we know now.
Now that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial has concluded, you might be wondering what you missed during the case (that lasted nearly two months) and what exactly happened. There are plenty of documentaries to catch you up to speed.
Ever since Combs was arrested in 2024 and charged with sex trafficking, various networks and streaming services have explored the allegations against him in a series of documentaries. Some lean into commentary from experts to provide context about Combs’ rise and fall, and many include new interviews with members of the hip-hop mogul’s inner circle.
There are more where those came from, too. Another documentary about Combs produced by 50 Cent is in the works for Netflix. A release date has not been announced.
Combs denied all of the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges he faced. A 12-person jury delivered a bombshell split decision July 2 in Combs’ case, which started May 5 in Manhattan federal court. Jurors found Combs guilty of two counts of a lesser charge, transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted him on the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
Here’s a look at the most notable documentaries about his sex-crimes case (plus the mounting pile of civil lawsuits against him) and where to watch them.
How to watch People magazine’s documentary
In the special episode of “People Explains,” the outlets’ reporters and editors review the details of the trial that took place away from any camera lens.
“They’re alleging his company was a criminal enterprise,” senior reporter Janelle Griffith says, “and that he enlisted the help of various people, from low level employees, like personal assistants, to security guards to do his dirty work so to speak, or help him in the commission of crimes.”
“People were afraid of him,” Charlotte Triggs, general manager and editor in chief, says in the 20-minute documentary, “and as often happens, when someone has a lot of influence and a lot of control and a lot of money, nobody really wants to say anything bad about them and nobody really wants to go out on a limb and be the first one.”
Staff recalls Combs’ behavior at the trial and testimony presented, including that of Combs’ ex-partner Cassie Ventura.
“Now that they’re compelled to (tell the truth) by the court,” despite any potential nondisclosure agreement, Triggs says, “you’re finally getting the real story, and you’re seeing that they are, in fact, corroborating these stories, that a lot of people witnessed this stuff.”
The “People Explains the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial” is available to stream on YouTube.
How to watch ‘The Fall of Diddy’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4yG51w-_bs
Released in January 2025, “The Fall of Diddy” is a documentary series from Investigation Discovery, the network that also aired the documentary about accusations of abuse behind the scenes at Nickelodeon, “Quiet on Set.”
“Spanning Combs’ decades-long impact on music and popular culture, from his early days as a talented creative to his 2024 arrest, the docuseries uncovers the insidious and terrifying allegations of sexual assault, abusive behavior, violence and other disturbing claims that lay beneath his success,” according to Investigation Discovery.
Notable moments from the documentary included celebrity makeup artist Mylah Morales claiming she came to the rescue of Ventura after a violent argument with the rapper. Ventura accused Combs of rape, sex trafficking and physical abuse in a 2023 lawsuit that they quickly settled.
Another episode featured an interview with Phil Pines, Combs’ former assistant, who said he witnessed violence and described an alleged assault at the rapper’s Miami estate.
“The Fall of Diddy” consists of five episodes and is available to stream on HBO Max.
How to watch ‘TMZ Presents: The Downfall of Diddy’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUgryB4VN7A
This TMZ documentary clocks in at just over an hour and delves into Combs’ legal problems and the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
“A series of lawsuits and allegations have legendary rap mogul P. Diddy on the ropes,” the description said. “TMZ has the troubling inside story from people who were there.”
The special features interviews with TMZ employees, legal experts and celebrities like Danity Kane’s Aubrey O’Day, who said his “mistreatment” changed “the course and direction of my entire life.”
“TMZ Presents: The Downfall of Diddy” is available to stream on Tubi.
How to watch ‘Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv0A5zqv0SE
This feature-length documentary is described as a “raw look at Sean Combs’ journey through exclusive footage and candid interviews” exploring “his rise, controversies and the man behind the music.” It discusses the rapper’s legal controversies as well as his early years coming up in the hip-hop scene.
“‘Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy’ sheds light on his childhood, rise to fame, and recent criminal allegations, challenging viewers to rethink everything they thought they knew about the mogul behind the music − and the mugshot,” the synopsis says.
Revelations from the documentary included former Da Band member Sara Rivers saying Combs “touched me in a place that he shouldn’t have.” “That was inappropriate, and I felt intimidated,” Rivers said. “I’m definitely nervous. … I haven’t said anything for so long, and it’s built up.”
“Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy” is available to stream on Peacock.
How to watch ‘Secret Life of Diddy’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aod2Gdi8I_I
This 43-minute documentary was a special edition of “20/20” and is described as a look at Combs’ “shocking arrest” and “downfall.”
Interview subjects include Tiffany Red, a friend of Ventura’s. In the documentary, Red, who wrote a letter supporting Ventura’s abuse allegations in 2023, said she witnessed Combs being “explosive” and rageful around Ventura.
“My sense was that everyone around him was afraid of him,” Red said.
The special is available to stream on Hulu.
Contributing: Edward Segarra, Anika Reed, KiMi Robinson and Aysha Bagchi
