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.