Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Is ‘Aged,’ ‘Gray,’ and ‘Using His Readers’ in Trial, Reporter Says
Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently standing trial in Manhattan federal court, facing serious charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. The prosecution alleges that over two decades, Combs used his influence to coerce and abuse women, sometimes involving them in drug-fueled sexual acts. The defense counters that these were consensual relationships, not criminal conduct. As the trial continues, a reporter says Combs appears “aged” and “gray.” Here’s what to know.
A reporter says Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs appears ‘aged’ while in the courtroom for his trial
Sean “Diddy” Combs trial will continue until July 2025. So far, key witnesses have included Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who testified in support of the prosecution. Dawn Richard of Danity Kane fame and Kid Cudi spoke about Combs’ temper and abuse, though it’s unclear whether their testimonies will lead to criminal charges.
Many fans who followed Combs through the years remember him for his vivacious personality and love of partying. However, he appears differently in court. In Touch Weekly reporter Andrew Nodell said Combs now appears as an “aged” version of who he once was.
“He is writing on sticky notes to his defense team throughout the trial. He is passing the notes, he is putting on his reading glasses,” Nodell told the publication. “And you have to understand, this is not the Diddy that we remember from five, 10, 15 years ago. This is a man who is gray. He is using his readers. He looks very much like an aged version of Diddy, but he is very invested in this case for obvious reasons and is paying attention to every single detail and poring over any evidence that comes up on the screen, text messages, emails, and he’s reading them intently.”
Nodell added that Combs appears “laser focused on ensuring his freedom.”
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs appears ‘in control’ of the defense, a YouTuber observed
YouTuber Tisa Tells has been in the courtroom since the start of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial. She explained how Combs’ team doesn’t appear “polished” in appearance.
“It’s surprising that Diddy’s team, as a whole, is not more polished — like their stylist should be putting more effort in,” she said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “It would give the look of: We’re in control; the government doesn’t have us frazzled. Instead, the government does have them looking frazzled.”
Tisa Tells noted that Combs appears “in control” of his defense team, “running the show and passing notes to his lawyers. And when I say notes, I mean he’s writing novels and angrily passing it down. Nicole Westmoreland, who’s the Black attorney on his team, during the testimony of Dawn Richard, she would get the notes and just put them underneath her notepad. Diddy looked mad, but that was the most effective cross-examination they had in two days.”
What can the hip-hop mogul wear in court?
Sean “Diddy” Combs has permission to wear civilian clothing during his federal trial. Judge Arun Subramanian approved a request from Combs’ legal team, allowing him to receive non-prison attire while detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. The approved wardrobe includes up to five button-down shirts, five pairs of pants, five sweaters, five pairs of socks, and two pairs of shoes without laces.
This decision marks a departure from Combs’ previous court appearances, where he was seen in tan jail-issued clothing. The change aims to present a more polished image to the jury, as defendants are typically allowed to wear civilian clothing to avoid potential bias based on appearance.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
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