Sean Combs Trial Begins With Graphic Testimony and Damning Allegations

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in federal court yesterday wearing a gray sweater, with his hair now visibly gray. The courtroom was packed as prosecutors laid out a disturbing picture of Combs’ alleged behavior, accusing him of masterminding drug-fueled sex parties, referred to as "Freak-Offs, "that allegedly lasted five or more days and involved coerced participation, mainly by women. 

Combs is currently facing serious federal charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and unlawful transportation for illicit purposes. Prosecutors allege that Combs used his power, money, and influence to trap participants in these “Freak-Offs,” threaten them into silence, and in many cases, recorded the acts. If convicted, he could face life in prison. No recording devices were allowed in the courtroom.

R&B singer and actress Casandra Ventura, who's known by her stage name Cassie is the prosecution's main witness against Combs. The two dated between 2007 and 2018.

Combs has pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations against him.

The key question for the jury to consider is whether or not the sex that combs and others engaged in was consensual or coerced in any way.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson alleged that Combs subjected Ventura to repeated physical and sexual abuse. She described an incident in 2009, where Combs reportedly threw Ventura to the floor of an SUV and "stomped on her face multiple times." Johnson described another incident where Combs brutally attacked Ventura after he'd learned that she was involved with another man, most likely, rapper Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, who's known by his stage name Kid Cudi. During the incident Combs violently kicked Ventura in the back multiple times and tossed "her around like a rag doll" 

The abuse, Johnson noted, often stemmed from minor perceived offenses such as not answering his calls or spending too long in the bathroom. Johnson described a disturbing episode where Combs allegedly forced a male sex worker to urinate in Ventura’s mouth, causing her to gag and feel as though she were choking. The audience could be seen physically wincing as this incident was describe.

Being an asshole does not a case make...

Combs defense attorney, Teny Geragos, acknowledged that Combs had a “very active sex life” and admitted he had physically abused singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura in the past. However, Geragos emphasized that Combs is not on trial for domestic violence or assault. "Had he been charged with domestic violence or assault, we would not be here right now," she told the jury. Geragos argued that all sexual encounters were consensual and that Combs’ volatile behavior, though unflattering, does not equate to racketeering or sex trafficking.

A pivotal moment in the trial came when jurors were repeatedly shown the now infamous 2016 surveillance video of Combs assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway.

The first witness against Combs

Israel Florez, an off-duty police officer working as hotel security at the time of the incident, testified that he responded to a call about a woman in distress on the sixth floor. When he entered the room, he observed broken glass, a shattered vase with flowers scattered across the floor, and a man identified as Combs sitting on the bed. He described how Ventura appeared visibly shaken, with a swollen purple eye. The officer claimed that Combs gave him a "devilish stare" and attempted to bribe him to remain silent. Florez stated says he refused the offer.

Graphic and Explosive testimony

By far, the most explosive testimony came from Daniel Phillip and Casandra Ventura. Phillip, a male escort, testified that he was hired by Combs to perform at a bachelorette party, but was instead paid to have sex with Cassie in an upscale hotel. Phillip stated that Combs watched, with a bandana over his face, while masturbating. He recounted a that he and Combs took turns having sex with Ventura. He alleged that he was ordered by Combs to urinate on Ventura. He stated that he was hired often and was paid between $700 and $6,000 per session. 

Phillip recounted a disturbing incident at Manhattan’s Gramercy Park Hotel. He testified to witnessing Combs drag Ventura into a room and hearing Combs physically abuse her. He stated that he heard Ventura apologizing, saying, “I won’t do it again. I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” accompanied by the sounds of someone being slapped and thrown around the room. He described Ventura as "shaking uncontrollably" following the incident, highlighting the traumatic impact of the alleged abuse.

When asked by prosecutors why didn’t he intervene or report the abuse, Daniel said he feared for his life.

Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, also took the stand. She testified about her abuse by Combs in great detail and at times broke down. She testified, “He would mash my head, knock me over, drag me, kick me.” She stated that she often sustained visible injuries, saying, “I would get knots on my forehead, black eyes, red eyes, bruises all over my body.” Ventura also testified that she was tasked with recruiting participants for Combs’ sex parties.

Combs’ mother and several of his children were present in court. At times, he was seen blowing kisses toward them. His daughters were observed leaving the courtroom twice during the most graphic testimony about Ventura's sexual and physical abuse.

Two additional alleged victims are scheduled to testify in the coming days. The trial is expected to last approximately eight weeks.