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Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy

Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy

ABC News 33 Episodes Sep 7, 2026

For decades, Sean "Diddy" Combs was among the most influential entertainers and entrepreneurs in hip-hop. But Diddy’s star began to implode when a video came out showing the music mogul assaulting his then-girlfriend. There had long been whispers about Diddy's aggression. But critics say his influence and relevance kept the rumors quiet. Until now. A raft of new lawsuits detail shocking allegations of sexual abuse and manipulation orchestrated in so-called "freak offs" -- sex parties Diddy allegedly ordered, videotaped and controlled. Diddy now faces federal charges that include sex trafficking. He has denied all wrongdoing and said all encounters were consensual. A new podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio traces how whispers of abuse came to light and led to Diddy’s downfall. ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire takes listeners inside the rise and fall of Diddy, the allegations and his defense with twice-weekly real-time updates during the trial.

Episodes

"The Gambit"
"The Gambit" Sep 7, 2026 1797 What’s next in Luigi Mangione’s state and federal cases now that he has pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson — and admitted to shooting him? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit apple.co/2020truecrime to subscri
"Free Luigi"
"Free Luigi" Aug 31, 2026 2316 How did the killing of one man become a flashpoint for widespread frustration with America’s healthcare industry?   Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit apple.co/2020truecrime to subscribe now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca
"Mister Cactus"
"Mister Cactus" Aug 24, 2026 2589 Some people who crossed paths with Luigi Mangione throughout his life say he was kind and had a promising future. How did Brian Thompson's shooter change in the lead-up to his arrest? Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit apple.co/2020truecrime to subscrib
"B.T."
"B.T." Aug 17, 2026 2218 Who was UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson?  Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit apple.co/2020truecrime to subscribe now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Christmastime in Altoona
Christmastime in Altoona Aug 10, 2026 2462 The manhunt for the alleged shooter of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson comes to an end at a McDonald’s in Altoona, PA.  Subscribe to 20/20 True Crime+ for ad-free listening, early access to new series, exclusive bonus content, and hundreds of episodes from the 20/20 true crime vault. Visit apple.co/2020truecrime to subscribe now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po
Coming Soon: 'Burden of Proof: Luigi Mangione'
Coming Soon: 'Burden of Proof: Luigi Mangione' Jul 28, 2026 122 Nearly a year after Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy, ABC News and 20/20 are back with season two of Burden of Proof. This season, Brian Buckmire will follow the latest case to captivate the American public.  Luigi Mangione will soon be in a Manhattan courtroom, standing trial for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot dead on a New York City sidewalk in December 202
It's All About the Sentence
It's All About the Sentence Oct 4, 2025 1245 Diddy’s sentencing hearing featured a highly-produced video from the defense, tearful testimony from his children, and attorneys who gave statements testifying to his character. None of his victims appeared in court. The judge sentenced him to a little more than four years in prison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Trial: After the Verdict
The Trial: After the Verdict Jul 8, 2025 2626 Last week, the jury in USA v. Sean Combs returned a split verdict. Reactions have been split, too. Lots of people have weighed in -- from Sean Combs’ family to other celebrities, to you: our listeners. As we wrap up trial coverage, ABC News Legal Contributor Brian Buckmire sits down with ABC’s Tonya Simpson to dissect the verdict and process what it might mean for Diddy’s legacy. Also, Brian answe
The Trial: Split Verdict
The Trial: Split Verdict Jul 3, 2025 752 The jury in USA v. Sean Combs returned a verdict in his trial Wednesday morning. They found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but not guilty on the more serious charges he faced. ABC New Legal Contributor Brian Buckmire brings us this breaking news episode, sharing his reactions to the verdict, as well as what to expect from Combs’s future sentencing. Learn mor
The Trial: Verdict Watch
The Trial: Verdict Watch Jul 1, 2025 1111 The jury picked a foreperson, and not long after, the foreperson sent the judge a note about a juror who they claim could not follow the judge’s instructions. ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire examines the first day of deliberations and answers your questions about hung juries, what jurors can reveal after they’ve executed their duties, and the sentence Sean Combs could face if convicted.
Burden of Proof: The Defense’s Closing Argument
Burden of Proof: The Defense’s Closing Argument Jun 27, 2025 1591  Court adjourned Friday with the conclusion of closing arguments. Sean Combs’ lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo attacked the government’s charges, accusing them of turning Diddy’s sex life into a crime scene. Analysis of closings from Brian Buckmire and others on "Burden of Proof: The Case Against Diddy” which streams weekdays at 5:30 PM Eastern on ABC News Live. Find it on Disney+, Hulu, o
The Trial: The Prosecution’s Closing Argument
The Trial: The Prosecution’s Closing Argument Jun 27, 2025 1769 The government reminded jurors of the complex web of witnesses and evidence it has presented over the past month and a half to try to prove Sean Combs guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking. The defense team will make its closing arguments Friday.  ABC News legal contributors Channa Lloyd and Bernarda Villalona join Brian Buckmire to break down how prosecutors made their case. Learn mor

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