Witness testimony underway in federal sex trafficking case

The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is underway in federal court in Manhattan, where the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul is facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Federal prosecutors say that for decades, Combs abused, threatened, and coerced women to participate in drug-fueled sex performances called “freak offs,” and used his business empire, along with guns, kidnapping and arson, to conceal his crimes.

He has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, Combs could face life in prison. He is being held without bail in a Brooklyn jail.

A jury of 12 New Yorkers and six alternates will decide his fate. The trial is expected to last at least eight weeks.

Follow the live blog below for the latest updates on the trial, culled from various reporters and news organizations in the courtroom.