Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sex Trafficking Trial: Shocking Testimonies Emerge as Proceedings Begin

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering in a high-profile trial that commenced on May 12, 2025, in New York City.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sex Trafficking Trial: Shocking Testimonies Emerge as Proceedings Begin

On May 12, 2025, the federal sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs commenced in New York City. Combs faces multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, stemming from allegations spanning over two decades. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Opening Statements and Prosecution’s Allegations

Prosecutors allege that Combs operated a criminal enterprise involving coercion, manipulation, and abuse of multiple women, including his former partner, Cassie Ventura. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson detailed disturbing acts, including forced participation in drug-fueled sexual encounters, known as “freak-offs,” which were allegedly recorded without consent. Johnson claimed that Combs used these recordings as leverage to silence victims and maintain control over them.

Diddy;s federal sex trafficking trial gets started prosecutor

Testimonies Highlighting Abuse

The trial’s first witness, Daniel Phillip, a former associate, testified about witnessing Combs physically assaulting Ventura. Phillip described an incident where Combs allegedly threw a liquor bottle at Ventura and dragged her into a bedroom, where sounds of slapping and screaming were heard. Phillip also recounted being paid to engage in sexual acts with Ventura while Combs watched and sometimes filmed the encounters.

Another alleged victim, identified as Jane Doe, is expected to testify about being coerced into unprotected sex and drug use. Prosecutors have indicated that the trial will feature testimonies from multiple accusers and former employees, painting a picture of a systematic pattern of abuse and exploitation.

Defense’s Position

Combs’ legal team, led by attorney Teny Geragos, argues that the relationships and sexual activities described were consensual. They maintain that while Combs may have exhibited a volatile temper, his actions do not constitute sex trafficking or racketeering. The defense contends that the prosecution is overreaching into Combs’ private life and that the charges are a result of a financial ploy by the accusers seeking damages.

Evidence and Legal Proceedings

Federal investigators have seized 96 electronic devices from Combs’ residences in Miami and Los Angeles, as well as from a private airport in Florida. These devices reportedly contain over 90 terabytes of data, including explicit recordings, communications, and other materials pertinent to the case. The prosecution has also presented a 2016 surveillance video allegedly showing Combs assaulting Ventura, which is expected to play a significant role in the trial.

Combs remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, having been denied bail multiple times. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence. The trial is expected to last approximately eight weeks, with testimonies from key witnesses, including Ventura, anticipated in the coming days.