Prosecutors Accuse Sean Combs of Two Decades of Abuse \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial began with explosive allegations of violence, coercion, and drug-fueled sexual abuse. Prosecutors claim the music mogul manipulated women for two decades, while his defense calls the case overblown and financially motivated.
Quick Looks
- Prosecutors allege 20 years of sex trafficking, abuse.
- Combs accused of orchestrating drugged sexual encounters.
- Defense says case is about jealousy and money.
- Footage shows Combs dragging and kicking Cassie in 2016.
- First witnesses testify to violent acts and coerced sex.
- Trial includes accusations of kidnapping, bribery, and obstruction.
- Combs faces up to life in prison if convicted.
- Cassie expected to testify; her 2023 suit triggered investigation.
Deep Look
The federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs launched Monday in Manhattan with explosive allegations detailing two decades of violence, coercion, and sexual abuse cloaked behind the image of a global music mogul.
Prosecutors allege that while the public knew Combs as a chart-topping performer and businessman, behind closed doors he engaged in systematic exploitation of women, orchestrating drug-fueled sexual encounters, often recorded without consent, and enforced through threats, bribery, and violence.
“This is Sean Combs,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson during opening statements.
“You’re going to hear about 20 years of his crimes—kidnapping, arson, sex crimes, obstruction.”
Seated at the defense table, Combs, 55, listened calmly as Johnson described his alleged abuses. He has pleaded not guilty to five felony counts, including sex trafficking and racketeering. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence.
Defense: A Case of Excess, Not Crime
Combs’ attorney, Teny Geragos, pushed back aggressively, portraying the trial as an overreach. She admitted that Combs could be volatile, jealous, and sometimes violent—but insisted the charges go too far.
“He’s not charged with being a jerk,” Geragos told jurors.
“This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity—and money.”
Geragos acknowledged that Combs had engaged in unconventional sexual relationships and used alcohol and drugs. But she said his lifestyle, though indulgent and at times morally questionable, did not constitute criminal behavior.
“Domestic violence is not sex trafficking,” she argued.
Powerful Testimony and Shocking Video
The prosecution’s first witness, Israel Florez, a former hotel security guard now with the LAPD, introduced one of the case’s most damning pieces of evidence: hotel surveillance footage from March 2016, showing Combs kicking and dragging his then-girlfriend Cassie outside a Los Angeles elevator.
The jury viewed the graphic footage four times, including during cross-examination, as prosecutors painted a picture of Combs as a controlling figure who used intimidation and threats to manipulate and silence women.
Florez recalled Combs sitting by the elevators in a towel, staring blankly. Cassie, visibly distressed, wanted to leave—but Combs allegedly said, “You’re not going to leave.” Florez intervened, later claiming Combs attempted to bribe him with cash. “I don’t want your money,” Florez said he replied. “Just go back into your room.”
Allegations of Coerced Sex and Bribery
The trial’s second witness, Daniel Phillip, testified that Combs paid him between $700 and $6,000 to engage in sex acts with Cassie while Combs watched and directed the scenes, beginning in 2012. He stopped participating, he said, after witnessing Combs throw a bottle at Cassie and drag her by the hair.
Prosecutors allege that such coerced encounters were commonplace at Combs’ orchestrated events—often referred to as “freak-offs,” “wild king nights,” or “hotel nights.” According to Johnson, these events were funded by Combs’ companies and staged in hotel rooms domestically and abroad. Rooms were prepped with lighting, linens, and lubricant, and Combs allegedly demanded drug use and recorded the encounters.
“Her livelihood depended on keeping him happy,” Johnson said, referring to Cassie.
More Victims and a Pattern of Abuse
Prosecutors say Cassie was not the only victim. One unnamed woman, “Jane,” allegedly endured years of abuse and was brutally beaten last year after questioning Combs’ behavior.
According to Johnson, Combs used intimidation, blackmail, and threats to ruin careers if women resisted him or tried to leave. In Cassie’s case, he allegedly threatened to leak recordings of her with male escorts if she disobeyed him.
Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, sued Combs in 2023. The lawsuit was settled within hours, but it sparked an extensive law enforcement investigation and triggered dozens of similar claims from other alleged victims.
Media Frenzy and Family Presence
The case has drawn national attention, with lines stretching down the block outside the federal courthouse in Manhattan. Combs’ mother and daughters were present in court but exited during explicit testimony.
When Combs entered the courtroom, he hugged his legal team and flashed a thumbs-up to family and friends. But as the proceedings grew more disturbing, his expression remained somber.
Since his arrest in September 2023, Combs has been held in a federal jail in Brooklyn.
Accusations of Financial Motives
Geragos argued that many of Combs’ accusers are motivated by large payouts. She told jurors that Cassie demanded $30 million in her lawsuit and that another witness sought $22 million in a breach of contract case.
“This case isn’t about justice,” Geragos said.
“It’s about dollars.”
Still, she conceded that her client has a bad temper and has lashed out under the influence of drugs and alcohol. But she insisted that the prosecution was attempting to criminalize behavior rooted in personal dysfunction, not criminal intent.
Looking Ahead
The trial is expected to run for two months, with more witnesses and victims scheduled to testify, including Cassie. Prosecutors are aiming to show a systemic pattern of exploitation, while the defense continues to frame Combs as imperfect but not a criminal.
“He’s a complicated man,” Geragos said. “But this case shouldn’t be.”
Prosecutors Accuse Sean Prosecutors Accuse Sean
You must Register or Login to post a comment.