Advertise on podcast: The Rise and Fall of Diddy

Opening statements rock the courtroom as federal prosecutors accuse Sean “Diddy” Combs of running a decades-long criminal enterprise built on violence, sex trafficking, and power. The defense hits back hard, painting it all as a toxic relationship, not a RICO case. Then Cassie Ventura takes the stand, and everything changes. Her voice may be quiet. Her story is not. Featuring interviews with Elizabeth Millner, Natalie Whittingham-Burrell, and Dave Aronberg. — Host - Jesse Weber Reporter - Elizabeth Millner Executive Producer - Jessica Lowther Writer and Producer - Cooper Moll Associate Producer - Tess Jagger-Wells Edit and Sound Design - Anna McClain Guest Booking - Diane Kaye & Alyssa Fisher Additional Production Support - Juliana Battaglia & Stefanie Doucette Legal review - Elizabeth Vulaj Key art - Sean Panzera See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The government’s case against Sean Combs comes into sharp focus with Cassie Ventura at its center. From her raw, emotional testimony to chilling corroboration by a former bandmate, a best friend, her own mother, and one of Combs' employees, the courtroom fills with voices that say they saw the abuse, but stayed silent out of fear. But the defense pushes back -- casting doubt, blurring lines, and turning agency into ambiguity. Was this coercion? Or something else? Featuring interviews with Dave Aronberg, Elizabeth Millner, Matthew R. Lee, and Natalie Whittingham-Burrell. —- Host - Jesse Weber Reporter - Elizabeth Millner Executive Producer - Jessica Lowther Writer and Producer - Cooper Moll Associate Producer - Tess Jagger-Wells Edit and Sound Design - Anna McClain Guest Booking - Diane Kaye & Alyssa Fisher Additional Production Support - Juliana Battaglia & Stefanie Doucette Legal review - Elizabeth Vulaj Key art - Sean Panzera See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four witnesses. One alleged system. From a shaken assistant to a platinum-selling artist, a trusted aide to a loyal stylist, their stories map a system of control prosecutors say was designed not just to hurt, but to silence. Featuring interviews with Candace Kelley, Safa Robinson-Ferrer, and Afi Patterson. —- Host - Jesse Weber Reporter - Elizabeth Millner Executive Producer - Jessica Lowther Writer and Producer - Cooper Moll Associate Producer - Tess Jagger-Wells Edit and Sound Design - Anna McClain Guest Booking - Diane Kaye & Alyssa Fisher Additional Production Support - Juliana Battaglia & Stefanie Doucette Legal review - Elizabeth Vulaj Key art - Sean Panzera See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The jury hears from three women with three starkly different stories, each orbiting the same man. They detail alleged abuse, coercion, and control at the hands of Sean Combs. But as the prosecution builds its case, the defense pushes back, spotlighting contradictions and questioning motives.  Featuring interviews with: Elizabeth Millner —- Host - Jesse Weber Reporter - Elizabeth Millner Executive Producer - Jessica Lowther Writer and Producer - Cooper Moll Associate Producer - Tess Jagger-Wells Edit and Sound Design - Anna McClain Guest Booking - Diane Kaye & Alyssa Fisher Additional Production Support - Juliana Battaglia & Stefanie Doucette Legal review - Elizabeth Vulaj Key art - Sean Panzera See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before the jury heard from the women at the center of the case, the prosecution brought in a “blind expert” to reframe how their stories would be understood: Dr. Dawn Hughes. With insight from clinical experts, Shari Botwin, LCSW and Dr. Daniel Bober, a forensic psychologist, this episode explores the most uncomfortable question at the heart of the case: Why didn’t they leave? Featuring interviews with: Shari Botwin, LCSW and Dr. Daniel Bober —- Host - Jesse Weber Reporter - Elizabeth Millner Executive Producer - Jessica Lowther Writer and Producer - Cooper Moll Associate Producer - Tess Jagger-Wells Edit and Sound Design - Anna McClain Guest Booking - Diane Kaye & Alyssa Fisher Additional Production Support - Juliana Battaglia & Stefanie Doucette Legal review - Elizabeth Vulaj Key art - Sean Panzera See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal raid, an arsenal of weapons, and a mountain of data prosecutors said mapped a criminal empire. This episode, we lay out the physical evidence against Sean Combs, and the testimonies of the agents who tried to connect the dots between drugs, guns, sex, and power. But in a case built on patterns, could prosecutors ever prove who was really in control? Featuring interviews with: Former FBI Agent Colin Schmitt and Cellebrite Examiner Heather Barnhart —- Host - Jesse Weber Reporter - Elizabeth Millner Executive Producer - Jessica Lowther Writer and Producer - Cooper Moll Associate Producer - Tess Jagger-Wells Edit and Sound Design - Anna McClain Guest Booking - Diane Kaye & Alyssa Fisher Additional Production Support - Juliana Battaglia & Stefanie Doucette Legal review - Elizabeth Vulaj Key art - Sean Panzera See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It started with a security tape…and a hundred-thousand-dollar payoff to make it disappear. In this episode, we follow the man who held the tape, the fixer sent to retrieve it, and the alleged cover-up that prosecutors claimed exposed a system of control inside Sean Combs’ empire. Was it a crime… or just business as usual? Featuring interviews with: Elizabeth Millner, Chris Stewart, Melba Pearson —- Host - Jesse Weber Reporter - Elizabeth Millner Executive Producer - Jessica Lowther Writer and Producer - Cooper Moll Associate Producer - Tess Jagger-Wells Edit and Sound Design - Anna McClain Guest Booking - Diane Kaye & Alyssa Fisher Additional Production Support - Juliana Battaglia & Stefanie Doucette Legal review - Elizabeth Vulaj Key art - Sean Panzera See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the final chapter of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial, both sides make their closing arguments: one painting a picture of criminal enterprise and coercion, the other insisting on chaos, not conspiracy. Jurors weigh surveillance footage, text messages, and seven weeks of explosive testimony. Then comes the moment everyone’s been waiting for. What happened inside that jury room…and what does it mean for Diddy’s future? Featuring interviews with: Elizabeth Millner, Dan Abrams, Ira Jettleson, Matt Murphy, Mackenzie Joy Brennan, and Will Korman —- Host - Jesse Weber Reporter - Elizabeth Millner Executive Producer - Jessica Lowther Writer and Producer - Cooper Moll Associate Producer - Tess Jagger-Wells Edit and Sound Design - Anna McClain Guest Booking - Diane Kaye & Alyssa Fisher Additional Production Support - Juliana Battaglia & Stefanie Doucette Legal review - Elizabeth Vulaj Key art - Sean Panzera See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs stood at the top of hip-hop—a mogul who built an empire and redefined celebrity, power, and influence in the music industry. But behind the platinum hits and red carpets, a darker story was beginning to emerge. As accusations of abuse and misconduct gained momentum, the shine began to fade. Hosted by Jesse Weber, Season 2 of The Rise & Fall of Diddy picks up where the story left off. With a federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial now underway, we go deeper into the allegations threatening to dismantle one of the most iconic legacies in entertainment history. With courtroom drama unfolding in real time, this season tracks the legal battles, key witnesses, explosive evidence, and the unraveling of a cultural icon once thought untouchable.  The spotlight is harsher. The stakes are higher. And the fall may be final. --- NEW EPISODES WEEKLY – Listen to The Rise & Fall of Diddy exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting www.wondery.com/shows/the-rise-and-fall-of-diddy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you were captivated by The Rise & Fall of Diddy, don’t miss Karen: The Retrial. From the team at Law&Crime, this companion series brings the same real-time trial coverage, sharp legal insight, and shocking turns - this time, following the controversial case of Karen Read as it unfolds in court. Listen on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts: LINKTREE: https://wondery.com/shows/karen/ Wondery+ members can binge the newest season of Karen: The Retrial before anyone else and completely ad-free right now. Unlock your FREE trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify by clicking the links below, and enjoy early access to your favorite podcasts, exclusive shows, bonus content, and more— all ad-free. Happy listening! Wondery+ on Wondery Wondery+ on Apple Podcasts Wondery+ on Spotify

Sean Combs: an unstoppable mogul with a talent for spotting stars and a history punctuated by allegations and legal battles. We unpack his transformation from a record label visionary to a cultural icon, and the whispers that began to tarnish his legacy. How did the golden boy of hip-hop become synonymous with scandal?  Featuring interviews with: Dave Aronberg, Brian Buckmire, Mina Llona, Donte Mills, Tracy Walder, and Bernarda Villalona Listen to The Rise & Fall of Diddy exclusively on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting www.wondery.com/shows/the-rise-and-fall-of-diddy -- Sean Combs’ trial is currently slated for May 2025 and wherever this story goes, Law&Crime will be there. Follow The Rise & Fall of Diddy page and stay subscribed to be the first to know when new episodes drop. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Cassandra Ventura filed a lawsuit under the New York Survivors Act, the allegations against Sean "Diddy" Combs sent shockwaves through the music industry. But her claims were just the beginning. As one lawsuit led to another, a web of accusations emerged—spanning from abuse and trafficking to digital evidence that would blow the case wide open. Featuring interviews with: Dave Aronberg, Brian Buckmire, Mina Llona, Donte Mills, Tracy Walder, and Bernarda Villalona Listen to The Rise & Fall of Diddy exclusively on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting www.wondery.com/shows/the-rise-and-fall-of-diddy -- Sean Combs’ trial is currently slated for May 2025 and wherever this story goes, Law&Crime will be there. Follow The Rise & Fall of Diddy page and stay subscribed to be the first to know when new episodes drop. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Diddy’s dramatic descent reaches its final act. The music mogul, once a cultural titan, faces life-altering federal charges for racketeering, sex trafficking, and a web of alleged criminal activities. A meticulous federal operation leads to his arrest; then, the chilling revelations of "freak offs," and the legal fallout that could see Diddy spend the rest of his life in prison. And this is only the beginning of the fight for justice and redemption. Featuring interviews with: Dave Aronberg, Brian Buckmire, Mina Llona, Donte Mills, Tracy Walder, Natalie Whittingham-Burrell, and Bernarda Villalona Listen to The Rise & Fall of Diddy exclusively on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting www.wondery.com/shows/the-rise-and-fall-of-diddy -- Sean Combs’ trial is currently slated for May 2025 and wherever this story goes, Law&Crime will be there. Follow The Rise & Fall of Diddy page and stay subscribed to be the first to know when new episodes drop. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For decades Sean Combs was hip-hop’s reigning mogul—the mastermind who redefined what it meant to have fame, fortune, and dominion over the music industry.  But as Combs reached new heights in music, fashion, and business, allegations of misconduct and abuse began to surface, casting a dark shadow over his legacy. Hosted by Jesse Weber, this series uncovers how Combs built an empire that shaped a generation while navigating a trail of scandals, lawsuits, and criminal allegations. The Rise and Fall of Diddy explores the intersection of power, fame, and accountability in the life of a man who once called himself a “bad boy for life.”  Will his empire survive, or is this truly the end of an era? Listen to The Rise & Fall of Diddy exclusively on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting www.wondery.com/shows/the-rise-and-fall-of-diddy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.