'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial due to begin next week

The high-profile racketeering and sex trafficking trial of the music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, which has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, is scheduled to begin next week with opening statements.

- Anna Betts

It is expected to become one of the most closely watched celebrity trials in years.

Combs, 55, was arrested last September and faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied all allegations against him. On 1 May he rejected a plea deal at his final pre-trial hearing.

If convicted, Combs, who has been jailed since his arrest, could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Federal prosecutors allege Combs ran a "criminal enterprise" through his expansive business empire, aided by associates and employees, that engaged in or attempted to engage in crimes including sex trafficking, kidnapping, forced labour, arson, bribery, enticement to engage in prostitution, and obstruction of justice, dating back to at least 2004.

The indictment accuses the Bad Boy Records founder of the sex trafficking of three women and of exerting control over them through a combination of physical violence, promises of career opportunities, surveillance, granting and threatening to withhold financial support, and supplying them with drugs.