ABC News has launched its new true crime podcast series, Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy, airing during the highly publicized trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Hosted by ABC News legal contributor and attorney Brian Buckmire, the podcast delves into the federal criminal charges and civil lawsuits facing Combs, who is accused of serious offenses including racketeering, sex trafficking, and assault. The series aims to shed light on the abuse allegations that have surfaced and the subsequent legal battles that Combs now faces.
The podcast’s first six episodes cover the accusations against Combs, as well as his claims of innocence. It will also provide real-time updates from the trial, which is set to begin with jury selection on May 5, with the trial itself scheduled for May 12.
Earlier this month, federal prosecutors filed an expanded indictment against Combs, adding new allegations of forced labor and abusive treatment. This follows a January indictment that brought forward two additional victims, claiming Combs engaged in criminal activities earlier than originally stated. On March 14, Combs pleaded not guilty to the new charges, maintaining that all encounters were consensual.
Combs, who spent decades as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, has seen his public image tarnished, particularly after a video surfaced showing him assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
In the first episode, titled Party’s Over, Buckmire explores the lawsuits involving “freak offs”—alleged sex parties where Combs is accused of controlling, videotaping, and abusing victims. The episode also revisits the extravagant white parties Combs hosted, attended by celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, Beyoncé, Jonah Hill, and Martha Stewart, among others. One infamous event saw Combs arriving by helicopter while holding an official copy of the Declaration of Independence.
The podcast also reveals disturbing allegations of drug-induced “freak offs” lasting for days. The case details why the court denied Combs bail four times. Additionally, listeners are given a glimpse into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where Combs is being held—described as a violent and corrupt “Hell on Earth.”
The series will continue to track Combs’ rise to fame, from his college days to being featured on the cover of Rolling Stone. Future episodes will explore the early warning signs of Combs’ alleged darker side, with interviews providing insight into the disturbing details of his actions.
Bad Rap is part of ABC News’ expanding true-crime audio programming. “ABC Audio has a proven track record of creating gripping, award-winning true crime podcasts,” said Liz Alesse, VP of ABC Audio. “We’re excited to build on that success in partnership with 20/20 to give listeners more of what they want.” Other ongoing true crime shows from ABC Audio include The Crime Scene Weekly hosted by Brad Mielke, 20/20: The After Show hosted by Deborah Roberts, and the upcoming What Happened to Holly Bobo? hosted by Eva Pilgrim.
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