Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy

Episode: The Trial: A Heated Cross
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Brian Buckmire, ABC News Legal Contributor

Overview

In the fourth week of Sean "Diddy" Combs' high-profile federal trial, ABC News delves deep into the mounting allegations against the hip-hop mogul. Brian Buckmire, an experienced attorney and legal commentator, guides listeners through the intense courtroom dynamics, the strategic moves of both the prosecution and defense teams, and the broader implications of the case on Diddy's legacy.

Trial Progress and Key Testimonies

The episode picks up mid-trial, focusing on the cross-examination of Mia (Victim 4), an alleged victim who has brought forth accusations of prolonged threats, physical assault, and instances of sexual assault, including rape in Diddy's Los Angeles residence.

• Defense Strategy:
  Brian Steele, renowned for his role in the Young Thug RICO case, spearheads the defense's cross-examination. Steele scrutinizes Mia's delayed reporting of the assault, questioning the credibility of her allegations based on the absence of supporting evidence like texts or photos.
  "Was that just made up by you?" Steele probes Mia regarding her story of escaping Diddy by paddleboarding, casting doubt on the authenticity of her account. ([04:00])

• Judge's Intervention:
  The prosecution objects to Steele's line of questioning, particularly when he implies Mia's motivations might be financially driven by the Me Too movement. Judge Arun Subramanian rules that Mia cannot answer such queries outside the jury's presence, admonishing Steele for the form of his questions. ([04:00])

Listener Questions and Legal Insights

Buckmire engages with listeners' inquiries, addressing complex legal aspects of the case:

1. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Civil Settlements:
   A listener asks about the implications of Cassie's 2023 settlement and potential NDA breaches. Buckmire explains that while NDAs in civil cases typically prevent public discourse, they do not shield individuals from testifying in criminal proceedings. Even if an NDA exists, it "cannot stop you from testifying." ([04:34])

2. Consent and Burden of Proof:
   Another listener from Ohio seeks clarity on how consent is interpreted in the context of the charges. Buckmire emphasizes that consent must be continuous and can be revoked at any time. The prosecution's stance is that "there was never consent here," undermining any defense based on voluntariness. ([05:26])

3. Potential Testimony of Sean Combs:
   A caller from South Carolina inquires about the strategic advantages of Diddy potentially taking the stand. Buckmire speculates that while Combs could humanize himself by admitting to certain behaviors, it might simultaneously allow him to "deny the actual charges he's facing," creating a complex dynamic in court. ([08:28])

4. Sex Trafficking vs. Prostitution Charges:
   Addressing confusion between different charges, Buckmire clarifies that Diddy is specifically charged with "transportation to engage in prostitution," distinguishing it from state-level prostitution charges. He delineates the nuances between sex trafficking and prostitution, highlighting the federal nature of the current charges. ([09:49])

5. Lesser Included Crimes:
   A listener from Los Angeles asks whether jurors can consider lesser charges. Buckmire explains that "transportation to engage in prostitution" does not have lesser included offenses, meaning jurors cannot downgrade the charges based on the specifics of the case. ([14:54])

High-Profile Developments and External Perspectives

• Presidential Pardon Considerations:
  In response to a listener query about the possibility of a presidential pardon, Buckmire provides an update featuring Donald Trump's remarks. Trump indicates that a pardon isn't off the table but emphasizes evaluating the facts impartially:
  "I don't know. I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don't like me, it wouldn't have any impact." ([17:48])

• Insights from Diddy's Rival, Suge Knight:
  The episode includes an exclusive interview with Marion "Suge" Knight, a longstanding rival of Diddy. From his prison cell, Knight discusses the pervasive culture of abuse within the hip-hop industry, asserting that such toxicity "did not start with Combs." Interestingly, Knight opposes life imprisonment for Diddy, advocating instead for his accountability paired with potential for positive contribution:
  "I think he can do so much good right now, him telling the truth about the industry." ([19:21])

Legal Ramifications and Case Trajectory

Buckmire outlines the gravity of the federal charges, emphasizing that sex trafficking involves coercion, distinct from consensual prostitution activities. He underscores the prosecution's challenge in dismantling the defense's narrative of consent and voluntary participation.

Furthermore, the potential absence of Victim Three adds another layer of complexity, with Buckmire discussing the legal mechanisms and ethical considerations of compelling testimony from alleged victims.

Conclusion and Ongoing Coverage

As the trial advances, Buckmire invites listeners to stay engaged through the podcast and related ABC News platforms, ensuring continuous, real-time updates as the courtroom drama unfolds. He encourages audience participation by submitting questions, which he addresses with legal expertise, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted case against Diddy.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Steele (Defense Attorney): "Was that just made up by you?" ([04:00])
• Donald Trump: "If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don't like me, it wouldn't have any impact." ([17:48])
• Suge Knight: "I think he can do so much good right now, him telling the truth about the industry." ([19:28])

Stay Tuned:
For ongoing analysis and updates on the Diddy trial, follow the six-part narrative series launching March 25, with additional real-time episodes as the May trial date approaches.