This year has been a whirlwind of high-profile legal battles involving celebrities. From shocking accusations to fresh developments in long-standing cases, several major headlines captivated public attention throughout 2024. Let's delve into some of the most prominent legal sagas that kept everyone talking.

The Aftermath of Matthew Perry's Passing

Following the tragic death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry in 2023, an investigation unfolded, leading to charges against five individuals linked to his fatal drug overdose. Among them was San Diego physician Mark Chavez, who admitted guilt to conspiring to distribute ketamine. However, the spotlight primarily focused on Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen" of North Hollywood, and Santa Monica doctor Salvador Plasencia. An 18-count indictment accuses them of distributing ketamine and other offenses. Sangha could face a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment if convicted. Plasencia faces up to 10 years for each ketamine-related count and up to 20 years for each count of records falsification. Their trial is scheduled for March 4, 2025.

Matthew Perry's death brought the issue of prescription drug misuse into sharp focus. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

The "Rust" Shooting Case Concludes

Three years after the accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust," the involuntary manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin reached its conclusion. Initially charged in January 2023, the charge was dropped in April, only to be reinstated following a grand jury indictment in January 2024. Baldwin pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed faced charges of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. She was found guilty of the former and acquitted of the latter in March 2024, receiving an 18-month prison sentence. Charges against Baldwin were dismissed in July 2024 due to withheld evidence. Despite an attempt to reinstate the charges, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer rejected the motion. New Mexico prosecutors officially withdrew their appeal in December 2023, bringing the case to a definitive end.

Sean "Diddy" Combs Faces Serious Allegations

The legal troubles surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs intensified with a series of accusations and charges. In November 2023, his former partner, Cassie Ventura, filed a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault and abuse, which was settled within a day. Six months later, federal agents raided two of Combs' residences as part of an investigation into human trafficking and other federal offenses. In September 2024, Combs was formally indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Subsequently, numerous other alleged victims have come forward with accusations spanning almost two decades. Combs' trial is set for May 5, 2025, in New York.

Lyle Menendez (left) and Erik Menendez in their latest CDCR mugshots, taken October 10, 2024. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)

The Menendez Brothers Seek Resentencing

Erik and Lyle Menendez, whose 1993 trial captivated the nation, returned to the spotlight with a new documentary and true-crime drama, "Monsters," on Netflix. Currently serving life sentences without parole for murdering their parents, the brothers sought resentencing. Former Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón advocated for a reduced sentence, citing California law and new evidence of abuse they suffered from their father. A resentencing hearing, initially scheduled for December 11, 2024, was postponed to January 30, 2025, to allow the new district attorney, Nathan Hochman, time to review the case.

Scott Peterson's Ongoing Legal Battle

Scott Peterson, convicted of murdering his wife, Laci, and their unborn child, remained in the news. Serving a life sentence without parole, his case was revisited due to a new Peacock documentary featuring an interview with Peterson. His death sentence, handed down in 2005, was overturned in 2020, though his guilty verdict was upheld. Despite maintaining his innocence, his appeals for a new trial have been denied. The Los Angeles Innocence Project took on his case in January 2024, arguing wrongful conviction.