Once a hip-hop king, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces trial that could send him to prison for life

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Sean “Diddy” Combs, who elevated hip-hop in American culture while building a music and clothing empire that made him a billionaire, faces a sex trafficking trial next month that could cement the rapper’s shattered reputation – or offer him a shot at redemption. The 55-year-old Combs, facing possible life in prison if convicted, is among the most influential and widely recognized men in the entertainment field to face sexual abuse allegations after the #MeToo movement encouraged accusers to speak up. Like movie producer Harvey Weinstein and R&B singer R. Kelly, Combs is accused by prosecutors of using his influence and wealth to coerce women into unwanted sexual activity, and intimidate them into staying quiet for years.