Sean "Diddy" Combs, who elevated hip-hop in American culture while building a music and clothing empire that made him a billionaire, faces a sex trafficking trial starting with opening statements on Monday that could cement the rapper's shattered reputation - or offer him a shot at redemption.

The criminal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs was sparked after a startling 2023 civil lawsuit from his former girlfriend in which she alleged years of abuse and violence.

The trial should remain on schedule after the defense suggested that the final 12 jurors and six alternates could ask to be excused after spending a weekend contemplating a role in a major celebrity's fate.