Diddy’s radio plays reportedly see 86% decline due to his ongoing s*x trafficking case

Sean "Diddy" Combs is currently facing serious legal trouble. The jury selection process began for his criminal trial on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York City. He faces charges involving s*x trafficking and racketeering. The legal process is already impacting his music career.

Data now shows a major drop in radio plays for Diddy’s music. According to Billboard, radio airplay for his songs has fallen by 86% compared to the same time last year. This decline could affect how much money he earns from his music catalog.

In recent years, Diddy’s music has made millions through streams, sales, and radio plays. But experts say the current decline may lead to lower earnings. His case and the media attention surrounding it appear to be causing the drop in airplay.

Why has Diddy's radio airplay dropped so sharply?

According to a report published by Billboard on May 5, 2025, radio plays for Diddy's music have declined by 86% year over year. His legal woes have been linked to the drop. The case involves s*x trafficking allegations and has received a lot of media coverage.

As per the report by Billboard published on May 5, 2025, earnings from Diddy’s music catalog may see a noticeable decline this year. Between 2021 and 2023, his catalog brought in about $3 million annually through a combination of master recording and publishing revenue from streaming, sales, and radio airplay.

Barry Massarsky, the head of the firm’s music and entertainment valuation practice and a partner at Citrin Cooperman, told Billboard:

“For a mature catalogue, such as Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs … that portion of income impacted by a sharp decline in radio airplay is limited to 6 percent to 9 percent of total publishing royalties.”

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What happened during jury selection in Diddy’s trial?

According to Billboard reports from May 5, 2025, jury selection began on Monday morning in a New York City courtroom. It will continue through the week before opening statements start on Monday, May 12. A large crowd gathered outside the courtroom on the first day.

As per a report by USA Today published on May 7, 2025, since Diddy is well-known and the case is high-profile, the court is being meticulous in selecting jurors. A special questionnaire was given to possible jurors before they arrived. It included questions about s*x, drugs, violence, and celebrity bias.

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Diddy's criminal trial has already had real-world effects beyond the courtroom. The 86% drop in radio airplay is one example of how legal issues can impact an artist’s career. While his overall earnings may not fall as sharply, his public image and long-term influence could change.

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