In a major development, the sex trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is set to begin in New York City next week. Combs has remained in custody since his arrest in September 2024, having pleaded not guilty to all charges. This trial comes as a significant fall from grace for the music industry titan who was once celebrated for his influential career.

Combs' legal troubles began escalating in November 2023 when his ex-partner, singer Cassie Ventura, filed a civil lawsuit alleging he trafficked, raped, and violently beat her throughout their relationship spanning over a decade. Although Combs denied these allegations, the lawsuit was settled out of court just one day after filing, and his reputation never recovered.

Prior to these serious legal issues, Combs had built an estimated $1 billion empire through diverse business ventures. His journey from Harlem to hip-hop billionaire included founding Bad Boy Records in the 1990s, launching the careers of notable artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans. Beyond music, Combs expanded into fashion, beverages, media, and cannabis.

His partnership with Diageo for Ciroc vodka and De Leon tequila was particularly lucrative, reportedly earning him nearly $1 billion in revenue since 2007. However, this partnership ended in June 2023. Combs' business portfolio under Combs Enterprises also included restaurants, clothing lines like Enyce, and investments in Revolt TV and the athlete-focused beverage Aquahydrate.

In 2023, Combs launched Empower Global, a digital marketplace for Black-owned businesses, demonstrating his continued entrepreneurial efforts despite mounting legal challenges.

As the music industry closely watches this trial, it marks a dramatic contrast to the celebrations Combs received just a few years ago, including a lifetime achievement award from BET in 2022 and the key to New York City in 2023. Whatever the outcome, this trial represents a pivotal moment for the once-celebrated hip-hop mogul and his extensive business empire.

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