About This Episode
ABC News and 20/20 launched "Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy" in March as a six-part weekly narrative series designed to contextualize the music industry scandal that derailed one of hip-hop's most prominent figures. Hosted by ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire, the podcast shifted to twice-weekly real-time coverage once Diddy's trial commenced in May.
The series traces the events leading to Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal indictment on charges including sex trafficking, alongside allegations of kidnapping, bribery, and arson. The scandal erupted when video footage surfaced showing Combs assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, triggering immediate fallout from his career and prompting civil litigation.
Cassie Ventura's lawsuit against Combs alleged rape and detailed what prosecutors describe as "freak-offs"—drug-fueled, secretly filmed sex parties allegedly ordered and controlled by the music mogul. The allegations, which emerged from Ventura's civil filings, prompted federal authorities to investigate the parties for potential sex trafficking. Combs has denied all wrongdoing, claiming all encounters were consensual.
Ventura became the government's first major witness in the . Episode 4 of "Bad Rap," titled "The : Star Witness," covers her testimony in detail. Since cameras were prohibited in the courtroom, ABC Coordinating Producer Tonya Simpson reported directly from proceedings, providing listeners with on-the-ground coverage unavailable through traditional broadcast outlets.