Why the Diddy trial isn’t being streamed like Depp v Heard
Sean “Diddy” Combsis currently on trial for sex trafficking charges, but while the case is being discussed across the globe, there’s a simple reason you may’t watch it live like theJohnny Depp vs Amber Heardcase. Warning: some may find this content distressing.
In spring 2022, you’d be hard pressed to find a social media post that wasn’t connected toDepp and Heard’s defamation trial. Cameras were allowed in the court room, and every sentence of testimony, piece of evidence, and body language cue was dissected by viewers at home.
It wasn’t the first high-profile trial to be broadcast – theO.J. Simpsoncase in the ‘90s paved the way, followed by many others that gave the public a front-row seat to the courtroom. In the years since, camera access has been a contentious topic, with judges weighing up transparency against media frenzy.
But in the case of Diddy, the lack of footage isn’t due to the trial taking place in New York, nor is it about concerns over how testimony might spread onTikTokor Instagram. Instead, it’s due to the nature of the allegations.
Why the Diddy trial isn’t being streamed
There’s no way to watch Combs’ trial, on live TV or not, becausehe’s facing federal charges, and cameras are strictly prohibited in the federal courtroom.
Courtroom sketch artist captures Cassie taking the witness stand in Diddy’s trial.pic.twitter.com/VsLhgvK7TU
As per the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53, the court “must not permit the taking of photographs in the courtroom during judicial proceedings or the broadcasting of judicial proceedings from the courtroom.”
There are other ways to find out what’s been happening, however. Alongside traditional news reports, networks such asLaw&CrimeandCourt TVare sharing regular video content containing updates on the trial.
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You can also keep tabs ontrue crimeYouTube channels. For instance,Rotten Mangohas been attending certain court sessions and will be sharing the details in upcoming videos.
Why is Diddy on trial?
Sean “Diddy” Combsis currently on trial in New York, facing federal charges includingracketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Taking place at Manhattan Federal Court, the first day of testimony began on July 07, 2025.
Among the details being discussed are the events known as“freak offs”– elaborate parties where Combs allegedly coerced women into drug-fueled sexual acts and recorded many of them without consent.
The hip-hop mogul is accused of using his power and resources to manipulate and intimidate victims. Although Diddy has pleaded not guilty to the charges, if he’s convicted, he could face up to life in prison.
US District Judge Arun Subramanian told jurors that the trial could last around eight weeks, although this is subject to change. On May 14, Combs’ ex-girlfriend and pop star Cassie Ventura took to the stand to testify against him.
Cassie Ventura’s testimony
Cassie’s testimony provided harrowing details of their decade-long relationship, alleging a pattern of abuse and control.
According to court transcripts, she described being coerced into drug-fueled sexual encounters at the “freak offs,” often involving male escorts and substances like MDMA to help her “disassociate.”
Cassie also discussed a key piece of evidence that was shown to the jury: video footage of a 2016 incident at a Los Angeles hotel in which Combs is seen beating and dragging her.
She testified that she initially tried to resist his violence but soon learned that this intensified the abuse. She also revealed that Combs forced her to call him “Pop Pop” during these encounters, further emphasizing the control he exerted over her.
“Control was everything, from the way that I looked, to what I was working on that day, who I was speaking to,” she told the court (viaCNN).
Cassie stated that she was left with “bruises all over my body” as a result of his abuse, adding, “He would smash me in my head, knock me over, drag me, kick me, stomp me in the head if I was down.”
Regarding the “freak offs,” she testified, “It’s his fantasy. He was controlling the whole situation, he was directing it.”
These events allegedly became a weekly occurrence. “It got to a point where I just didn’t feel like I had much of a choice, didn’t really know what ‘no’ could be or what ‘no’ could turn into,” she continued.
“The ‘freak offs’ became a job, where there was no space to do anything else but to recover and just attempt to feel normal again.”
Cassie went on to say that the 2016 incident happened after she attempted to leave one of the parties before it was “over.”
She said, “I’m not sure what happened, but I got hit by Sean and I had a black eye, and at that point all I could think about was getting out of there safely… It got violent and I chose to leave.
“Sean followed me into the hallway by the elevators, he grabbed me, threw me on the ground, kicked me, tried to drag me back to the room, took my stuff.”
For more on the case, read about50 Cent’s upcoming Diddy documentary,where his children are now, andhow to watch The Downfall of Diddy.
