The rapper has so far denied all charges against him and asserted all allegations of sexual assault were, in fact, consensual
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs‘ sex trafficking trial has now begun, with new allegations of brutality and graphic sexual assault against Cassie Ventura emerging.
The first day of Combs’ trial commenced yesterday (May 12) in a lawsuit brought against the rapper by his ex, Ventura, in 2023.
In the trial (as per the The New York Times), prosecutors focused on allegations of assault against Ventura and another unnamed woman. They told the court Combs acted violently and forced Ventura to participate in nonconsensual sexual acts with male prostitutes in events known as “freak-offs”.
In one alleged “freak-off”, prosecutors told the court Combs apparently told an escort to urinate in Ventura’s mouth, causing her to feel “like she was choking”.
Another piece of evidence emerged from Daniel Phillip, who was sent to work for Combs as a stripper under the impression it was for a bachelorette party. Instead, he was allegedly instructed to have sex with Ventura numerous times, with some instances lasting nearly 10 hours, and occasionally using drugs.
Combs reportedly filmed and watched the incident. Phillip also reported seeing Combs attack Ventura twice, dragging her by the hair as she apparently screamed “I’m sorry”.
The trial also examined the infamous video allegedly depicting Combs attacking Ventura in 2016, for which Combs later apologised. Combs’ lawyers argued the video was evidence of Combs’ “flawed” personality, but not a larger criminal enterprise: “Domestic violence is not sex trafficking”.
They also reasoned that Combs’ “freak-offs” were the product of a “bit of a different sex life”. Combs’ lawyers also called his alleged victims “capable, strong women” who had “the freedom to make the choices that they made” – in this case, to stay with the rapper.
Ventura is expected to take the stand later today (May 13).
So far, Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, and has denied all other allegations of misconduct levelled against him. He has also pleaded not guilty to five criminal counts, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has consistently denied all allegations against him and has asserted that all sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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