Sean 'Diddy' Combs sat motionless as federal prosecutors unveiled a catalogue of graphic and disturbing allegations against him at the opening of his trial - calling them "just the tip of the iceberg". The 55-year-old music mogul is accused of running a sex trafficking ring and abusing multiple women over two decades, including his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, and his trial began on Monday (12.05,25) at the US District Court in Manhattan, where Combs is facing five federal criminal charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking and prostitution.

A jury -- composed of eight men and four women -- was seated shortly before opening statements.

The case centres around claims Combs operated his Bad Boy Records firm as a "criminal enterprise" while using employees and close associates to conceal violent and exploitative behaviour.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson described Combs as a "larger-than-life celebrity" who allegedly committed crimes with the help of his "inner circle".

She told the court Combs allegedly reacted violently upon learning that Casandra Ventura, 37, had started seeing someone new.

Ms Johnson said: "So he threatened her and said if she defies her again he will release video of her having sex with male escorts."

She added the videos were "souvenirs of the most humiliating nights of her life".

The prosecution also claimed Combs used the videos -- which he allegedly referred to as being from "freak-offs", or drug-fuelled sex parties -- to control Cassie and other women.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg in 20 years of Combs using his inner circle to cover up crime after crime," Johnson added.

Another alleged victim in the case - a woman identified only as Jane Doe - was introduced during opening statements.

Ms Johnson told the court the single mother met Combs in 2020 and was soon under his control.

"She wanted the escorts to wear condoms but he would not let them, then he would make her take drugs, she broke down and took ecstasy," Johnson said.

She added" "One time she vomited, he told her to hurry up and get back in the room where an escort was waiting."

Prosecutors also said Mia, a former personal assistant to Combs, will testify during the trial.

"She is just beginning to grapple with the times he forced himself on her sexually -- she wanted to keep the secret to her grave," Ms Johnson said.

Combs arrived at court in a beige sweater and khaki trousers and acknowledged his family -- including his 84-year-old mother Janice Combs and six of his children -- as they filled the second row of the courtroom gallery.

He was seen blowing a kiss to them before proceedings began.

Originally charged with three offences, Combs now faces two additional counts added later by prosecutors.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

His legal team maintains the relationships were consensual and argue there was "nothing illegal" about his "swinger lifestyle".