LOS ANGELES (news agencies) — While Sean “Diddy” Combs awaits a jury’s verdict in his federal sex trafficking trial, the once-celebrated music mogul has seen his business empire rapidly unravel.
Combs, 55, who is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history, now faces charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking involving two former partners and transporting people across state lines for prostitution. Prosecutors have painted a dark portrait of the mogul, whose alleged pattern of violence included drug-fueled sex parties he reportedly called “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.”
If convicted, the three-time Grammy winner could face life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty.
Here’s a closer look at how Combs’ business portfolio and public image have crumbled under the weight of the allegations.
Before Combs was arrested and charged, his major business ventures had collapsed: He stepped down and later fully divested from Revolt TV, which was founded in 2013. The network offered a mix of programming focused on hip-hop culture, R&B music, social justice and documentaries.
He also reportedly lost a Hulu reality series deal and saw his once-iconic fashion brand Sean John vanish from Macy’s shelves.
After surveillance footage surfaced last year showing Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie, his then-girlfriend, in 2016, consequences mounted: New York City revoked his ceremonial key, Peloton pulled his music, Howard University rescinded his honorary degree and his charter school in Harlem cut ties.
Last year, Combs settled a legal dispute with Diageo, relinquishing control of his lucrative spirits brands, Ciroc and DeLeón. While many of his ventures have unraveled, his music catalog — for now — remains intact.
Bad Boy Records may be synonymous with 1990s icons like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Ma$e, and 112, but Combs kept the label relevant before his arrest with high-profile releases.
In 2023, Combs dropped “ The Love Album: Off the Grid,” which was his first solo studio album in nearly two decades, and Janelle Monáe released her critically acclaimed project ” The Age of Pleasure ” through Bad Boy. Both albums earned Grammy nominations, with Monáe’s effort recognized in the prestigious record of the year category.
Ahead of the “The Love Album” release, Combs made headlines by returning Bad Boy publishing rights to several former artists and songwriters, years after he was criticized for how he handled their contracts.
Bad Boy Records remains operational, but the label has been significantly shaken by Combs’ legal firestorm and it hasn’t announced any major upcoming releases.
Last week, a surprise EP called “Never Stop” released by his son, King Combs, and Ye (formerly Kanye West), showed support for the embattled mogul. The project was released through Goodfellas Entertainment.
Bad Boy Records remained active through 2022, backing Machine Gun Kelly’s “Mainstream Sellout” under the Bad Boy umbrella. He was a producer on MTV’s reality television series “Making the Band,” and “Making His Band,” launching the careers of artists like the girl group Danity Kane and male R&B group Day 26.
Combs has been sued by multiple people who claim to have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. He has already paid $20 million to settle with one accuser, his former girlfriend Cassie. Most of those lawsuits, though, are still pending. It isn’t clear how many, if any, will be successful, or how much it will cost Combs to defend himself in court. Combs and his lawyers have denied all the misconduct allegations and dismissed his accusers as out for a big payday.
