The sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs took a surprising turn on Friday when his defense team revealed plans to present evidence suggesting that both Combs and his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, were involved in mutual domestic violence. This tactic is meant to challenge the prosecution’s depiction of Ventura as a victim, which could change how the jury views the case.
The defense, however, argues that these accusations are an effort to turn Combs’ “swinger lifestyle” into a crime and suggests that the alleged victims are testifying for financial gain. Ventura, who is expected to be a major witness for the prosecution, is now a focus of the defense’s strategy, per Reuters.
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo clearly stated that they plan to show evidence of mutual violence in the relationship, describing it as domestic violence where “both sides hit each other.” This argument directly opposes the prosecution’s story and tries to paint Ventura not just as a victim but as someone who also engaged in violent behavior during their unstable relationship.
Diddy’s team is claiming mutual abuse for Cassie Ventura
Diddy is facing severe charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and arranging prostitution. If convicted, he could spend decades in prison or even receive a life sentence. The prosecution claims that for twenty years, Combs used his power to pressure women into taking part in what they call “Freak Offs,” which are sexual events involving drugs.
Using this evidence may not be easy. Judge Arun Subramanian showed hesitation about allowing details of Ventura’s alleged violence into the trial, suggesting he does not want the defense to shift attention away from the main sex trafficking charges. He said he would decide on Monday whether this evidence can be used, a ruling that will heavily influence the trial’s direction.
The prosecution is ready for this move. According to TMZ, Prosecutor Emily Anne Johnson intends to show two cellphone videos and corrected CNN footage from a 2016 incident at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles, which supposedly shows Combs attacking Ventura. This means the prosecution expects the defense’s strategy and is prepared to fight back with evidence that supports their claim that Ventura was a victim of Combs’ abuse.
The judge’s decision on Monday will determine whether both sides can present this evidence. The defense’s approach is risky. While it aims to weaken Ventura’s testimony, it could also upset the jury by bringing in evidence that might seem to excuse or downplay domestic violence. The trial’s outcome depends on how convincing the jury finds each side’s evidence, since a unanimous decision is needed for either a guilty or not guilty verdict.
The defense’s attempt to frame the relationship as mutually violent is a bold move to influence how the jury sees both the alleged victims and Combs himself. The trial started on May 9th and is expected to last about eight weeks. Twelve jurors and six alternates were chosen from nearly 100 potential jurors. Combs, who has been held in a Brooklyn federal jail since his arrest last September, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
