Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy

ABC News

For decades, Sean "Diddy" Combs was among the most influential entertainers and entrepreneurs in hip-hop. But Diddy’s star began to implode when a video came out showing the music mogul assaulting his then-girlfriend. There had long been whispers about Diddy's aggression. But critics say his influence and relevance kept the rumors quiet. Until now. A raft of new lawsuits detail shocking allegations of sexual abuse and manipulation orchestrated in so-called "freak offs" -- sex parties Diddy allegedly ordered, videotaped and controlled. Diddy now faces federal charges that include sex trafficking. He has denied all wrongdoing and said all encounters were consensual. 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 with twice-weekly real-time updates during the trial.

Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Terms apply.

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32 episodes
Updated Oct 4, 2025

Episodes32

Newest first

May 13, 2025 · 27 min
The Trial: Cassie Ventura Takes the Stand
All eyes were on Cassie Ventura as she testified in a packed Manhattan courtroom today. Analysis of her testimony from Brian Buckmire and others on"Burden of Proof: The Case Against Diddy” which streams weekdays at 5:30 PM Eastern on ABC News Live. Find it on Disney+, Hulu, or on most of your favorite streaming apps. Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 13, 2025 · 18 min
The Trial: Abuse or Coercion?
The newly seated jury heard opening statements with dueling explanations of events: The government said the evidence will show that the sexual conduct in this case was coercive and criminal. The defense conceded Combs “has a temper” and “got violent” when they say he drank or used drugs, but said domestic violence is not part of the charges. Early prosecution witnesses included a former hotel security guard who testified about Combs’s violence toward Cassie in a 2016 incident and a male escort. Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 9, 2025 · 24 min
The Trial: A "Good Juror"
Jury experts say it’s more like jury “de-selection,” than selection. Picking a jury is about trying to eliminate potential jurors who might be bad for your side, while leaving the ones who might be favorable. Jury consultant Eric Rudich explains how attorneys try to suss these out. Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 6, 2025 · 16 min
The Trial: A Jury of One’s Peers
The citizens of New York who may serve on the jury in Sean Combs’ federal trial begin to answer questions. What it takes to assemble a jury in a high-profile case like this. Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 2, 2025 · 14 min
The Trial: Countdown
As the podcast shifts into trial coverage mode, host and ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire analyzes wins for both the prosecution and the defense in terms of what evidence the jury may see. Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 29, 2025 · 31 min
USA v. Sean Combs
Sean Combs now awaits trial in Brooklyn's infamous Metropolitan Detention Center. In May, his highly publicized case is scheduled to go to trial. What do we know about the charges Diddy faces, the case prosecutors plan to present, and how his legal team might try to get him acquitted? Host and attorney Brian Buckmire breaks down the legal issues of Diddy's upcoming trial with Aaron Katersky, Sean Combs now awaits trial in Brooklyn's infamous Metropolitan Detention Center. In May, his highly publicized case is scheduled to go to trial. What do we know about the charges Diddy faces, the case prosecutors plan to present, and how his legal team might try to get him acquitted? Host and attorney Brian Buckmire breaks down the legal issues of Diddy's upcoming trial with Aaron Katersky, Chief Investigative Correspondent for ABC News. Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 22, 2025 · 47 min
Downfall
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 15, 2025 · 32 min
Before and After
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. Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 8, 2025 · 51 min
Me & U
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. Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 1, 2025 · 51 min
Invincible
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? Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 25, 2025 · 36 min
Party's Over
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. Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 11, 2025 · 3 min
Introducing 'Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy'
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. Want to listen ad-free? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit ⁠⁠apple.co/2020truecrime⁠⁠ to subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices