Sean "Diddy" Combs, who elevated hip-hop in American culture while building a music and clothing empire that made him a billionaire, faces a sex trafficking trial starting with opening statements on Monday that could cement the rapper's shattered reputation - or offer him a shot at redemption.

Sean Combs, who once proclaimed himself "Bad Boy for Life," now faces what could amount to a life sentence if convicted.

The criminal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs was sparked after a startling 2023 civil lawsuit from his former girlfriend in which she alleged years of abuse and violence.