Sean “Diddy” Combs’s public image was that of a “charismatic” hip-hop mogul, but prosecutors alleged that behind closed doors, he coerced women into “freak off” sexual encounters with escorts and blackmailed them with videos during the first day of his trial.
In the Manhattan courtroom, Combs blew a kiss to his mother and family members who showed support, while he listened closely to the opening statements from both the prosecution and defense, outlining the complexities of this high-profile case.
The 55-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution, vehemently denying all allegations of sexual abuse.
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Combs’s defense team argues that all sexual encounters were consensual and claim this case revolves around nothing more than Combs’s sexual preferences, which should remain private. They admit he is a “flawed individual” but assert he is not a racketeer or a sex trafficker.
The court also heard from two witnesses: a former hotel security guard and a male escort.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson provided her opening statement, stating, “To the public, he was Puff Daddy or Diddy,” describing Combs as a “business icon” and “larger than life”.
However, she pointed out another side to the rapper—a side that “ran a criminal enterprise”. She noted that he often “called himself the king” and expected to be treated accordingly.
“This is Sean Combs,” Ms. Johnson told jurors, gesturing at Combs, who leaned back in his chair. “During this trial, you will hear about 20 years of the defendant’s crimes.”
Those alleged crimes include kidnapping, arson, drugs, sex crimes, bribery, and obstruction.
Court artists capture the scenes inside, as cameras are not allowed in the court building. Sketch: Reuters/Jane Rosenberg
Ms. Johnson informed the court that Combs allegedly beat and sexually exploited his long-term girlfriend Cassie, who was mentioned in court, and forced her and other women to consume drugs and engage in sex with male escorts.
He reportedly threatened to damage Cassie’s career by publicly releasing videos of these encounters, termed “freak offs”, jurors were told.
“Her livelihood depended on keeping him satisfied,” the prosecutor remarked.
Jurors will hear testimonies from alleged victims who will discuss “some of the most painful experiences of their lives.” Ms. Johnson added that these witnesses would describe days spent in hotel rooms, high on drugs, dressed in costumes to fulfill the defendant’s sexual fantasies.
Combs and Cassie at the 2017 Gala. Pic: zz/XPX/STAR MAX/IPx 2017/AP
‘This is not a complicated case’
Conversely, Teny Geragos, part of Combs’s defense team, presented a starkly different narrative.
“Sean Combs is a complicated man,” she stated. “However, this case is not complicated. It revolves around love, jealousy, infidelity, and money.”
Ms. Geragos acknowledged Combs’s potential for violence and expressed understanding that some jurors might not approve of his “kinky sex”. However, she clarified that he is “not charged with being mean” and while his lifestyle may be affluent, it is not illegal.
She further alleged that Combs’s accusers were financially motivated.
Cassie hotel footage presented in court
Pic: CNN via AP May 2024
Following the opening statements, the trial called its first witness, Israel Florez.
Now a police officer in Los Angeles, Mr. Florez previously worked as a security guard at a hotel in March 2016, where Combs was captured on CCTV apparently assaulting R&B singer and model Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura.
Combs publicly apologized last year after CNN aired footage of the incident, expressing his “disgust” at his behavior.
During his testimony, Mr. Florez confirmed that he recognized Combs after responding to a call regarding a woman in distress on the sixth floor. He described Combs as wearing only a towel and socks, displaying “a blank stare, like a devilish stare, just looking at me”.
He recounted how, while escorting Ms. Ventura and Combs to their room, she suggested leaving, to which Combs replied, “You’re not going to leave.”
Additionally, Combs allegedly offered him money to keep the incident quiet, as reported by Mr. Florez.
Read more:
The rise and fall of Sean Combs
Diddy – a timeline of allegations
Everything you need to know about the trial
The second witness, Daniel Phillip, testified that he previously worked as a male escort and met Ms. Ventura at a Manhattan hotel, initially believing he was attending a bachelorette party.
He claimed that he ended up having sex with Ms. Ventura while Combs observed and masturbated, receiving several thousand dollars for the encounter.
Mr. Phillip recounted multiple meetings with the couple, lasting anywhere from one to ten hours, and testified to witnessing or hearing acts of violence from Combs on two occasions.
He expressed he did not intervene out of fear for his life due to Combs’s influence. His testimony will continue tomorrow.
The trial is expected to last about eight weeks, with Combs potentially facing life in prison if convicted.