Federal prosecutors launched their efforts to prove that Sean “Diddy” Combs transformed his hip-hop business into a racketeering organisation that compelled women to fulfil his sexual demands over a span of two decades.
Testimony in Combs' trial in New York began on Monday, following the conclusion of jury selection and the opening statements from the attorneys.
Combs, dressed in a white sweater and sporting hair that has transitioned from jet-black to nearly entirely grey, arrived at the courtroom shortly before 9 am local time.
He greeted his lawyers with hugs and signalled a thumbs-up to his supporters seated in the wooden benches behind him. Earlier that morning, a queue to enter the courthouse extended down the block.
Combs' mother and several of his children were guided past the crowds and directly into the building.
The proceedings are overseen by US District Judge Arun Subramanian. The lead prosecutor is Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey, while Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson presented the opening statement.
The defence is led by New York attorney Marc Agnifilo, with attorney Teny Geragos delivering the opening remarks.
Combs’ – better known by his artist name Diddy – attorney Teny Geragos acknowledged that his client's aggressive behaviour, frequently exacerbated by alcohol, jealousy, and drugs, could justify domestic violence allegations.
She however argued that such behaviour does not support charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. She advised jurors that while they may perceive Diddy as a “jerk” and disapprove of his “kinky” sexual practices, “he’s not charged with being mean. He’s not charged with being a jerk.”
Diddy, who is 55-years-old, pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment. His charges included one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. He’s also being charged with two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Prosecutors say Diddy coerced women into drugged-up group sexual encounters. He reportedly called those nights “freak offs,” “wild king nights” or “hotel nights”. They also accused him of threatening these women into silence through blackmail and physical abuse, including choking, hitting, kicking and dragging, often by the hair.
Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, was expected to testify on Monday or Tuesday. Combs told Cassie that if she defied him again, he would release recordings of her having sex with a male escort, “souvenirs of the most humiliating nights of her life," Johnson said.
The sex parties are central to Combs' sexual abuse, prosecutors say. Diddy’s company paid for the parties, held in hotel rooms in and outside of the US. Johnson added that the hip hop star’s employees set the rooms with his preferred lighting, extra linens and lubricants.
Combs coerced women, including Cassie, into using drugs and participating in sexual acts with male escorts while he indulged himself, occasionally documenting the encounters, according to Johnson.
In 2023, Cassie initiated legal action against Diddy, which was settled within hours. However, this prompted a law enforcement inquiry and led to numerous additional lawsuits with comparable allegations.
Following the closing arguments, jurors were presented with surveillance footage capturing an assault by Combs on Cassie at a Los Angeles hotel in March 2016, which prosecutors assert is a crucial element of their case against him.
The footage shows Cassie near the hotel elevators with a bag just prior to Combs turning a corner, attacking her, and forcefully throwing her to the ground, subsequently kicking her and dragging her back toward their room.
After several US broadcasters aired the video of the attack last year, Diddy apologised and said he was “disgusted” by his actions.
The hip hop superstar, commonly acknowledged as one of the best and most influential rap artists, is facing at least 15 years in prison and up to life if convicted on all charges. He has been held at a federal jail in Brooklyn, since his arrest in September. The trial is expected to last two months.
