This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Court is back in session inSean "Diddy" Combs'criminal trialafter an unexpected two-day break. Following an abrupt adjournment on June 18due to a juror's health issuesand the immediately following Juneteenth holiday on June 19, the embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan federal court on June 20 for the tail end of the prosecution's witnesses. Combs' former assistantBrendan Paulis slated to testify against his ex-boss. The 26-year-old former Syracuse University basketball player and alleged "drug mule" previouslyfaced felony chargesfor drug possession when he was arrested on the same day asthe raidsof Combs' homes, butthe case was later closed. Paul's testimony will come after prosecutors on June 17revealed personal messagesbetween Combs, his girlfriends and his associates and also showed jurors around 20 minutes of what appeared to be video footage created between 2012 and 2014 of Combs' "freak offs." U.S. attorneys were expected to rest their case on June 20; the day's proceedings will reveal whether that schedule changes. Combs, 55, wasarrested in Septemberand charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He haspleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter:Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested inSeptember 2024and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Discover WITNESS:Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed attargeting multi-person criminal organizations,prosecutors allegethat Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in"freak offs"— sometimes days-long sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom.Sign up for our newsletterfor more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) andHotline.RAINN.organd en EspañolRAINN.org/es. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Diddy trial updates: Alleged 'drug mule' set to testify
