In 2014, Sean “Diddy” Combs beamed in a black gown and mortar board as he was awarded an honorary degree by Howard University.

For Combs, who had dropped out of the prestigious college after two years, being embraced by academia was the latest honour in a career that had seen him feted with awards and made him one of the most wealthy rap stars in the world.

But authorities now say that Combs, who urged graduates to “close your eyes and dream” in his commencement address, was a violent sex trafficker who used his polished public image for cover during this time.

The music mogul, whose trial began in Manhattan on Monday, has pleaded not guilty to five felony counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

If convicted on all counts, he would face a minimum of 15 years in prison, and could face life behind bars.

The charges centre around allegations that he intimidated and threatened women into days-long orgies, that he referred to as “Freak Offs”, with male prostitutes.

According to an indictment, Combs directed and occasionally filmed these encounters, administering drugs to keep the participants docile.