Hip-hop star Sean 'Diddy' Combs ran a criminal enterprise, jury told

Jurors in the trial of the hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs were told yesterday that there was "another side" to the star as his trial began in a New York court.

- Anna Betts

Prosecutors said the performer "ran a criminal enterprise" and noted that three women would testify during the trial who would allege Combs's coercion and/or sexual misconduct.

Combs, 55, was arrested last September. He has been charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation for prostitution - all felony charges.

More than 100 people stood in line outside the Manhattan court yesterday morning to catch a glimpse of the key figures in the high-profile case. Among those in line were journalists, New York residents and fans of Combs, who at one time was the world's wealthiest hip-hop star, performing under the names P Diddy and Puff Daddy.

Before opening statements began, the jury of 12 Manhattan residents was selected and seated. In the courtroom, members of Combs's family, including his mother and children, sat in the front row.

The prosecution delivered its opening statement first, with Emily A Johnson using her remarks to accuse Combs of threatening, drugging and violently coercing women into sex. She added that Combs had an inner coterie who helped him cover up the alleged crimes, and that company resources were used to fulfill his sexual desires.

"He sometimes called himself the king, and he expected to be treated like one," she said.