Sean Combs who was once at the forefront of hip-hop music and fashion is now on trial for sex trafficking. The hip-hop mogul launched the careers of numerous stars and grew his business empire to a reported $1 billion dollars in 2022. A fortune that has since shrunk considerably as he faces multiple civil lawsuits, a crumbling media empire and the prospect of years behind bars. With his trial set to begin tomorrow, today on The Sunday Story NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmineto shares how Sean Combs went from music intern to media mogul and how it all came crashing down.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Full Episode
I'm Aisha Roscoe, and this is The Sunday Story, where we go beyond the news to bring you one big story. This is Sean Combs, aka P. Diddy. You might also know him as Puff Daddy, Love, or Puffy. And back in 2023, when he was performing this medley at the VMAs, he was at the height of his fame and power.
He received a Global Icon Award at the ceremony, and around the same time, Mayor Eric Adams awarded Combs a gold key to New York City. I want to thank y'all for this honor.
and just recognizing me, being from New York, giving me the key to the city. Diddy finally has the key to the city!
Twelve months later, Combs was in jail and facing criminal charges for sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
The hip-hop artist Sean Combs, better known as Puff Daddy or P. Diddy, was arrested late last night.
Sean Diddy Combs was arrested late Monday night in New York and indicted on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
This is just the latest. Tomorrow, Combs' trial will begin in New York City. Today on the show, NPR music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento joins us to talk about the rise and fall of one of hip-hop's biggest stars. A warning, this episode contains discussion of sexual assault, violence, and drug use. Stay with us.
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