Courtroom Art: Inside Diddy’s Sex Trafficking Trial

Inside the federal courtroom where Sean “Diddy” Combs stands trial, a unique blend of artistry and law unfolds, with courtroom sketches becoming a window into the closed-off proceedings.

At a Glance

  • Sean “Diddy” Combs is on trial for sex trafficking in NYC as of 2025.
  • No cameras are allowed, making sketches crucial for public insight.
  • Jane Rosenberg and Christine Cornell are documenting the trial.
  • Courtroom sketches capture witness testimonies and Combs’ interactions.

The Role of Sketch Artists

Sean “Diddy” Combs faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking, in a trial held in New York City in 2025. With court proceedings closed to video cameras, renowned courtroom sketch artists Jane Rosenberg and Christine Cornell provide vivid depictions of the trial’s dramatic moments. Each day, they create up to six detailed sketches, capturing the nuances of a case that has attracted significant media attention.

Their work not only represents the trial visually but serves as a crucial medium for public understanding and historical record. Rosenberg, who has been illustrating courtroom scenes since 1980, has captured every phase of Combs’ trial, noting his engagement in the courtroom as he actively participates in his defense and often appears in high spirits. 

Capturing Emotion and Essence

Cornell, with five decades of experience, emphasizes conveying the essence of courtroom dramas through her work. Whether depicting Sean Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, appearing pregnant and visibly emotional on the stand, or portraying other witnesses concealing their identities, these sketches articulate the intensity of the moment. Cassie’s testimony added a human dimension to the legal proceedings.

Furthermore, defendants often interact with the illustrators, with Combs reportedly requesting a softer depiction in Rosenberg’s drawings. Such interactions highlight the unique relationship between artists and those they depict, blending art and humor even in serious judicial settings. Combs’ behavior, as reported by Rosenberg, paints a picture of a defendant trying to maintain a light-heartedness amidst grim accusations.

A Unique Visual Archive

Beyond its illustrative charm, the courtroom art crafted by Rosenberg and Cornell acts as a comprehensive visual archive of a high-profile case. Both experienced in navigating the solemn seriousness of courtrooms, they balance illustrating official procedures and the subtler, human stories unfolding throughout the trial. The sketches become a bridge, marrying the proceedings’ legal nature with the emotive reality of those involved.

Such commitment ensures that even without the benefit of cameras, Combs’ trial is visualized for the broader public. Their artistry brings crucial elements of the trial to life, offering insights that textual proceedings could never fully convey. Their sketches potentially stand as lasting records of legal history, reflecting the magnitude of such a landmark case.