SEAN "DIDDY" COMBS' FEDERAL SEX TRAFFICKING TRIAL BEGINS IN NYC
The highly anticipated federal sex trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs commenced Monday in New York City, with prosecutors alleging that the music icon ran a decades-long criminal enterprise to satisfy his sexual desires. The trial, which has drawn significant media attention, is expected to last several weeks and could result in a life sentence if Combs is convicted on all charges.
Prosecution's Case: A Criminal Enterprise
Federal prosecutors argue that Combs used his influence and business empire to orchestrate coercive abuse, drug-fueled "freak offs," and other criminal activities spanning two decades. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson painted a stark picture of Combs, stating, "To the public, he was Puff Daddy or Diddy—a cultural icon, a businessman, larger than life. But there was another side to him, a side that ran a criminal enterprise".
The prosecution alleges that Combs' inner circle, including bodyguards and high-ranking employees, helped him commit and conceal crimes such as kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction. Among the key witnesses expected to testify is Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, referred to as "Victim 1" in the indictment. Prosecutors claim Ventura was coerced into participating in sex acts with male prostitutes and subjected to severe consequences if she refused.
Defense Strategy: Admitting Domestic Violence, Denying Trafficking
Combs' defense team, led by attorney Teny Geragos, acknowledged his history of domestic violence but vehemently denied the sex trafficking and racketeering charges. In her opening statement, Geragos admitted that Combs was a "swinger" and a drug user but argued that his lifestyle choices did not constitute federal crimes. "He is physical, he is a drug user, you may know of his love of baby oil. Is that a federal crime? No," she told the jury.
Geragos also addressed the widely circulated hotel surveillance footage showing Combs attacking Ventura, calling his actions "indefensible" and "dehumanizing," but insisted that they were not evidence of sex trafficking. She argued that Ventura was a "willing participant" in their relationship and made a choice to stay with Combs for over a decade.
Jury Selection and Trial Expectations
The jury, consisting of 12 members and six alternates, was seated Monday morning before opening statements began. Presiding over the case is U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who instructed jurors to base their judgment solely on the evidence presented in court and disregard outside media coverage.
Combs, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, remains held without bail in a Brooklyn federal facility. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and could spend the rest of his life in prison.
The trial is expected to feature testimony from multiple witnesses, including alleged victims and former associates of Combs. With intense scrutiny from the public and media, the proceedings will likely shape the legacy of one of hip-hop's most influential figures.
