For over two decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs has carved out a significant place in hip-hop not just for his music but as a savvy businessman, building a diverse empire that spans record labels, fashion, television, and liquor.
However, U.S. prosecutors allege that behind the scenes, Combs has coerced and abused women, employing a network of associates to intimidate victims through threats and violence.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to these accusations. The jury selection for his trial starts on Monday.
Here’s a timeline detailing key moments in his journey.
1990: While studying at Howard University, Combs starts his music career with an internship at Uptown Records in New York.
December 28, 1991: A celebrity basketball game organized by Combs and rapper Heavy D at City College draws thousands, resulting in a tragic incident where nine people lost their lives due to overcrowding. A city report partially blames Combs for inadequate planning.
1992: Combs acts as an executive producer for the show “What’s The 411?”
1993: After being dismissed from Uptown, Combs launches his own label, Bad Boy.
1994: Bad Boy releases “Ready To Die,” the debut album from Notorious B.I.G. Shortly thereafter, Tupac Shakur survives a shooting in New York, claiming that Combs and Biggie were aware of the impending attack. Shakur is later killed in Las Vegas in 1996.
1996: Combs is found guilty of criminal mischief for allegedly threatening a photographer with a firearm.
1997: Following the murder of Biggie in Los Angeles, Combs, then known as Puff Daddy, releases “I’ll Be Missing You” in tribute.
1998: Combs wins two Grammy Awards, one for the best rap album for “No Way Out,” and the other for best rap performance for “I’ll Be Missing You” with Faith Evans. That same year, he establishes his fashion line, Sean John.
April 16, 1999: Combs and his bodyguard face accusations of assaulting a music executive in a New York office over a video dispute. He ends up taking an anger management course.
December 27, 1999: Combs is arrested for gun possession after fleeing a shooting at a nightclub in New York with his then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez. Some witnesses claim he was among those shot. He later allegedly attempts to pay the driver $50,000 to take blame for a 9mm firearm found in his vehicle.
March 17, 2001: Combs is acquitted of all charges connected to the nightclub incident. One of his associates, Jamal “Shine” Burrows, is convicted of gun-related charges and serves nearly nine years in prison. Shortly after the trial, Combs announces his intention to be known as P. Diddy.
2002: He takes on the role of producer and star in the reality show “Making the Band.”
February 1, 2004: Combs performs at the Super Bowl Halftime Show with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. A week later, he wins a Grammy for best rap performance by a duo or group for “Shake Ya Tailfeather.”
April 2004: Combs debuts on Broadway in “A Raisin in the Sun.”
2005: He officially changes his stage name to Diddy, dropping the P.
March 2008: Combs settles a lawsuit from a man who alleged that Combs assaulted him after an Oscars after-party. The same year, he receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2015: Combs is arrested following a confrontation at UCLA, where his son plays football, although the assault charges are later dropped.
2016: He establishes the Capital Preparatory School Charter School in Harlem and promises $1 million to Howard University.
2017: Described as the highest-paid celebrity by Forbes, he reportedly made $130 million that year.
2018: Kim Porter, Combs’ former partner and mother of three of his children, sadly passes away from pneumonia at 47.
2022: Combs is honored with a lifetime achievement award at the BET Awards.
September 2023: He releases “The Love Album – Off the Grid,” marking his first solo album since 2006’s “Press Play.”
November 16, 2023: R&B artist Kathy files a lawsuit against Combs, alleging years of abuse, including physical violence and rape. The following day, the lawsuit is settled privately. Combs denies the accusations through his lawyer.
November 23, 2023: Two additional women file lawsuits against Combs, claiming sexual abuse. His legal team labels the allegations as false. Numerous lawsuits follow from others alleging rape and assault, including singer Dawn Richard, who describes a pattern of abuse during her time on “Making the Band.” Combs denies all allegations.
March 25, 2024: Federal agents conduct searches of Combs’ homes in Los Angeles, Florida, and Miami Beach.
May 17, 2024: Video footage from CNN shows Combs attacking Cathy in a hotel corridor in 2016. Days later, he posts an apology on social media.
September 16, 2024: Combs is arrested at his Manhattan hotel. The charges, later sealed, include sex trafficking and assault, alleging that he exploited his business dealings to force women into sexual activities. He denies these claims, with his attorneys citing unfair prosecution against “imperfect people.”
May 5, 2025: Jury selection for Combs’ trial is set to commence.
