Prosecutors opened Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial alleging the hip-hop mogul leveraged fame and violence to sexually abuse women, while his defense portrayed his lifestyle as consensual.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and coercion.
Early testimony included a hotel security guard who witnessed an incident depicted in a viral video showing Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend in 2016. Another witness claimed Combs abused his ex-girlfriend during paid sexual encounters.
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Following jury selection, the prosecution and defense presented their cases. Prosecutor Emily Johnson accused Combs of using his celebrity and inner circle to facilitate sexual abuse and operate a criminal enterprise.
Johnson focused on two alleged victims: Combs’ former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, and another unnamed woman. Prosecutors detailed allegations of violence and threats against Ventura’s career, forcing her into non-consensual sexual acts with male prostitutes during events filmed by Combs.
Johnson emphasized Combs’ power to “ruin her life.” Combs remained impassive throughout the proceedings.
Central to the prosecution’s case is a surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. The defense conceded the video showed Combs’ flawed character, but denied it evidenced a criminal enterprise, stating, “Domestic violence is not sex trafficking,” according to attorney Teny Geragos.
Geragos described Combs’ sex life as unconventional, shifting focus to the accusers, whom she characterized as “capable, strong women” who made conscious choices to remain with him.
Israel Florez, a former hotel security guard, testified about responding to a “woman in distress” call and finding Ventura cowering while Combs exhibited a threatening demeanor. Florez stated Ventura wished to leave but was prevented by Combs. The defense questioned inconsistencies between Florez’s testimony and his incident report.
Daniel Phillip, a former male stripper manager, described encounters with Combs and Ventura. He alleged witnessing Combs assault Ventura on multiple occasions and being pressured into sexual acts in front of Combs. Phillip testified he feared retaliation due to Combs’ perceived power.
Ventura is expected to testify on Tuesday. Combs’ children and mother were present at the courthouse.
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