Show overview
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy launched in 2025 and has put out 41 episodes, alongside 6 trailers or bonus episodes in the time since. That works out to roughly 20 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 2nd season.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 20 min and 33 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language True Crime show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 weeks ago, with 9 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 32 episodes published. Published by ABC News.
From the publisher
For decades, Sean "Diddy" Combs was among the most influential entertainers and entrepreneurs in hip-hop. But Diddy’s star began to implode when a video came out showing the music mogul assaulting his then-girlfriend. There had long been whispers about Diddy's aggression. But critics say his influence and relevance kept the rumors quiet. Until now. A raft of new lawsuits detail shocking allegations of sexual abuse and manipulation orchestrated in so-called "freak offs" -- sex parties Diddy allegedly ordered, videotaped and controlled. Diddy now faces federal charges that include sex trafficking. He has denied all wrongdoing and said all encounters were consensual. A new podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio traces how whispers of abuse came to light and led to Diddy’s downfall. ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire takes listeners inside the rise and fall of Diddy, the allegations and his defense with twice-weekly real-time updates during the trial.
Latest Episodes
View all 41 episodes"The Gambit"
"Free Luigi"
"Mister Cactus"
"B.T."
Christmastime in Altoona
Coming Soon: 'Burden of Proof: Luigi Mangione'
Introducing "The Snare"
Introducing "Blood and Water"
Introducing "Bridge of Lies"
Today, we're sharing something a little different. This is the first episode of the latest true crime podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Bridge of Lies," hosted by Juju Chang. In episode one of "Bridge of Lies," a call about an abandoned car on a bridge in New Jersey touches off a search for a missing person. The driver of the car is 19-year-old Sarah Stern, an aspiring artist. Authorities try to piece together what happened in the hours before she disappeared. To hear the rest of the series, follow "Bridge of Lies" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. WARNING: This program includes discussions of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide -- free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 20It's All About the Sentence
Diddy’s sentencing hearing featured a highly-produced video from the defense, tearful testimony from his children, and attorneys who gave statements testifying to his character. None of his victims appeared in court. The judge sentenced him to a little more than four years in prison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 19The Trial: After the Verdict
Last week, the jury in USA v. Sean Combs returned a split verdict. Reactions have been split, too. Lots of people have weighed in -- from Sean Combs’ family to other celebrities, to you: our listeners. As we wrap up trial coverage, ABC News Legal Contributor Brian Buckmire sits down with ABC’s Tonya Simpson to dissect the verdict and process what it might mean for Diddy’s legacy. Also, Brian answers your post-verdict questions. We’ll be back in your feed for Diddy’s sentencing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 18The Trial: Split Verdict
The jury in USA v. Sean Combs returned a verdict in his trial Wednesday morning. They found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but not guilty on the more serious charges he faced. ABC New Legal Contributor Brian Buckmire brings us this breaking news episode, sharing his reactions to the verdict, as well as what to expect from Combs’s future sentencing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 17The Trial: Verdict Watch
The jury picked a foreperson, and not long after, the foreperson sent the judge a note about a juror who they claim could not follow the judge’s instructions. ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire examines the first day of deliberations and answers your questions about hung juries, what jurors can reveal after they’ve executed their duties, and the sentence Sean Combs could face if convicted. Combs maintains his innocence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 16Burden of Proof: The Defense’s Closing Argument
Court adjourned Friday with the conclusion of closing arguments. Sean Combs’ lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo attacked the government’s charges, accusing them of turning Diddy’s sex life into a crime scene. Analysis of closings from Brian Buckmire and others on "Burden of Proof: The Case Against Diddy” which streams weekdays at 5:30 PM Eastern on ABC News Live. Find it on Disney+, Hulu, or on most of your favorite streaming apps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 15The Trial: The Prosecution’s Closing Argument
The government reminded jurors of the complex web of witnesses and evidence it has presented over the past month and a half to try to prove Sean Combs guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking. The defense team will make its closing arguments Friday. ABC News legal contributors Channa Lloyd and Bernarda Villalona join Brian Buckmire to break down how prosecutors made their case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 14The Trial: Zero Witnesses for the Defense
The case could be in the hands of the jury by Friday, and Brian Buckmire answers more of your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 13The Trial: Who’s the Leak?
This week in USA v Sean Combs: The judge is concerned that his court has a leak, there’s another issue with one of the jurors, and the jury saw videos of freak offs for the first time. Brian Buckmire also talks to prominent defense attorney Donna Rotunno, who represented Harvey Weinstein, about possible strategies for Sean Combs’ defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 12The Trial: New Week, New Juror
The judge in Sean Combs’ trial removed a juror following questions about his candor and whether -- as the judge said -- he “shaded answers to get on and stay on the jury.” An alternate juror took his place. The prosecution could rest its case as soon as Wednesday. And Brian Buckmire answers your questions about why the jury isn’t sequestered, why there are no cameras in federal court and if prosecutors would ever go after alleged victims as co-conspirators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 11The Trial: “You went to another man's freak-off?”
“Jane” wrapped up a week on the stand. Combs’ former girlfriend told jurors about her resentment over participating in “hotel nights" which she believed other girlfriends didn’t do. She also described a trip to Las Vegas with another famous rapper. Brian Buckmire talks with ABC Chief Investigative Correspondent Aaron Katersky about the cross examination of "Jane." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S2 Ep 10The Trial: “I’m not a sex robot”
“Jane” returned to the stand and told jurors that Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit was like “reading my own sexual trauma.” She testified her alleged “hotel nights” were a lot like Cassie’s alleged freak-offs. The jury also heard Diddy’s voice in audio evidence. “Jane” told the jury she stood up to her boyfriend but also felt trapped because he paid for the roof over her head. And, Brian Buckmire answers your questions about jury nullification, mistrials, and Bibles in court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices