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The criminal trial of Sean Diddy Combs began today with jury selection in a Manhattan federal court. The artist faces serious charges: sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation for the purpose of prostitution.
While public attention is focused on his possible life sentence, another question hangs in the air:
How rich is the rapper accused of sexual assault and racketeering?
In 2019, Forbes estimated that Combs' wealth reached $740 million. However, following civil lawsuits, a federal indictment and the sale or loss of key assets, the same publication reduced his net worth to around $400 million.
Despite the still impressive figures, it is a significant drop for someone who for years was considered one of the richest artists in the world.
Diddy built his fortune through multiple income streams. Founder of Bad Boy Records, he boosted the careers of legends such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige.
The label was generating $130 million a year, and his own music has generated him more than $100 million, according to 2024 data.
However, his empire went far beyond music. His clothing brand Sean John generated more than $525 million annually. In the beverage sector, his partnership with Diageo, with whom he promoted the Cîroc and DeLeon brands, earned him profits of around $60 million annually.
Between 2007 and 2023, Diageo paid him approximately $1 billion for his work. The partnership ended in January 2024, when Combs sold his remaining stake for $200 million.
He also ventured into television and media, founding Revolt TV in 2013, and although he has already sold his stake, the channel represented a key piece in his portfolio.
In 2022, he signed a $185 million deal to acquire cannabis stores in the United States, adding another industry to his diversified business strategy.
In of real estate, he owns high-value properties in Florida and California. His mansion in Miami is valued at more than $37.4 million.
Meanwhile, his Los Angeles mansion, which is for sale for $61.5 million, reflects the level of luxury in which he has lived for decades.
The fall of Diddy Combs' empire
But the picture has changed. The charges against him range from sexual abuse to coordinating drug and coercion-fueled sexual encounters known as "freak offs," according to federal prosecutors.
These allegations have resulted in dozens of civil lawsuits, raids and public pressure. In response, Combs strongly denies the allegations and maintains his innocence.
The trial, which could last between eight and 10 weeks, represents a critical moment not only for Combs' freedom, but also for his legacy and business. Despite having amassed more than $952 million in revenue since 2007, his public image is under fierce scrutiny.
Meanwhile, his family is also affected. His son Christian Combs, known as "King" Combs, is facing his own media scrutiny as he celebrates his new family life with his partner Raven Tracy, amid pregnancy rumors.
Thus, the man who was once a symbol of African-American success and called himself "the greatest black serial entrepreneur in history", now faces the greatest challenge of his life: to save his name, his freedom and what is left of his multi-million dollar empire.