NEW YORK, NY – July 13, 2025

As the high-profile case against music mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs continues to unfold in federal court, the public has been bombarded with a storm of rumors, speculation, and—most dangerously—fake news.

From TikTok conspiracy theories to AI-generated “court footage,” the Diddy trial has become a modern media circus. Some stories have been shared millions of times. Others were even picked up by legitimate outlets before being retracted. But behind the viral headlines, what’s real—and what’s absolutely fabricated?

We dug deep into court records, verified testimony, and interviewed sources close to the case to separate fact from fiction.

Here are 7 fake news stories you may have believed about P. Diddy’s trial—and the real truth behind them.

 Fake: Diddy Was Caught Fleeing to Dubai

This story began with a doctored video on Instagram showing what appeared to be Diddy boarding a private jet labeled “Dubai Bound.” Within hours, gossip sites and even a few tabloid papers had run with the headline: “Diddy Escapes U.S. Jurisdiction.”

Reality:

According to court filings and verified flight records, Diddy never left the U.S. His passport is in federal custody as a condition of his bail. The video was digitally altered using footage from a 2022 trip to Abu Dhabi. Authorities have confirmed he remains under active supervision in New York.

 Fake: Diddy’s Mansion Was Raided by FBI for Human Trafficking Evidence

In March 2025, a widely circulated post claimed that the FBI had raided Diddy’s Holmby Hills mansion and discovered “conclusive evidence” of human trafficking—including secret tunnels and surveillance rooms.

Reality:
Yes, there was a search warrant executed on two properties linked to Combs, including his California residence. But court documents show the search was related to financial transactions and communications records—not “human trafficking bunkers.” No arrests were made during the search, and agents found no “secret rooms.”

“That story was pure fiction—a combination of QAnon-style paranoia and clickbait tactics,” said former federal agent Lara Nguyen, now a legal analyst.

Fake: Cassie Ventura is the Star Witness for the Prosecution

Ever since singer Cassie Ventura filed a civil suit against Diddy in 2023—later settled—rumors have suggested she would appear in court to testify against him in the criminal case.

Reality:
Multiple sources, including a sealed court order reviewed by Liberty Ledger, confirm Cassie is not on the witness list for either the prosecution or the defense. While her previous allegations contributed to the media pressure surrounding the case, her civil settlement includes non-disclosure clauses that bar her from public testimony.

 Fake: Jay-Z and Beyoncé Have Been Subpoenaed

This claim originated from a YouTube video with over 2 million views titled “Diddy’s Trial Explodes: Beyoncé Forced to Testify!”

Reality:
There is no legal basis to involve Jay-Z or Beyoncé in the case. Public records show no subpoenas have been issued to either artist. While Diddy has collaborated with them in the past, they are not connected to the charges being brought in the SDNY.

 Fake: Diddy’s Trial is Being Livestreamed

Dozens of TikTok accounts and Twitter threads have posted what they claim are live videos from inside the courtroom, some even featuring AI-generated recreations of Diddy testifying.

Reality:
Federal trials in New York do not permit cameras or livestreams of any kind. The “live feeds” are 100% fabricated, often created with AI video tools and voice cloning software.

“People are watching fake testimony thinking it’s real. That’s not just misinformation—it’s disinformation,” said media ethics expert Dr. Alan Freedman.

 Fake: P. Diddy Has Already Accepted a Plea Deal

In late June, X (formerly Twitter) exploded with claims that Diddy had “quietly pled guilty” to avoid a lengthy trial. Some posts cited unnamed “court insiders,” while others referred to nonexistent plea filings.

Reality:
According to the official SDNY court docket, no plea deal has been filed or accepted. Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is moving forward with pre-trial motions. His legal team issued a statement denying all reports of a deal.

 Fake: The Judge in the Case is Related to Diddy’s Lawyer

This bizarre rumor gained traction on Reddit and then spread to YouTube channels alleging “deep state connections.” The claim was that Judge Evelyn Harper is the cousin of one of Diddy’s attorneys and should have recused herself.

Reality:
There is zero evidence supporting this. Judge Harper’s official bio, released by the SDNY, confirms she has no familial or personal connections to Diddy’s legal team. The claim is baseless and has been debunked by multiple court officials.

How the Fake News Machine Works

What we’re seeing with the Diddy trial is a textbook case of trial by social media—and worse, trial by misinformation. Viral videos, fake AI images, and algorithm-driven outrage are shaping public opinion before the jury even hears opening arguments.

“This isn’t just bad journalism—it’s a threat to due process,” says Rachel Lin, a criminal justice reporter with over a decade of court experience. “When the public believes lies, they pressure the system in dangerous ways.”

What Can You Trust?

Here’s how to spot fake stories as the trial continues:

Check court records on PACER or via the SDNY press office.

Avoid anonymous sources from YouTube or TikTok unless corroborated.

Watch for language like “shocking twist” or “explosive reveal” without links to official documents.

Question viral content, especially AI-generated images or “recreations.”

Conclusion

As Sean “Diddy” Combs faces serious legal scrutiny, the public deserves the truth—not sensationalist fiction. The case itself is complex, controversial, and deeply tied to issues of power and accountability. But misinformation clouds those issues, hijacking legitimate debate in favor of clicks and chaos.

So next time you scroll past a flashy headline about secret tunnels, celebrity subpoenas, or livestreamed confessions—pause. Investigate. Ask.

Because justice, when distorted by lies, stops being justice at all.