Diddy Used Fame and Fear to Exploit Women, Prosecutors Say at Trial
Prosecutors allege Sean "Diddy" Combs used his celebrity and inner circle to sexually exploit women, while his defense paints the behavior as part of a consensual lifestyle.
Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing explosive allegations of using fame, intimidation, and violence to control and abuse women, as prosecutors laid out their case during opening statements in the hip-hop mogul’s criminal trial.
The 55-year-old music executive has pleaded not guilty to several serious charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.
The trial began with emotional and disturbing testimony from key witnesses, including a hotel security guard who recalled a now-viral 2016 incident in which Combs was seen on surveillance video assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer Cassandra Ventura.
Prosecutors argue that Combs operated a criminal enterprise backed by a loyal team of employees, using his power in the music industry to coerce women into degrading, non-consensual acts. At the center of the case are two alleged victims: Ventura and another unnamed former girlfriend.
According to prosecutor Emily Johnson, Combs not only used threats and physical abuse to manipulate Ventura, but also filmed her engaging in sex acts with male prostitutes during so-called "freak-offs." Johnson claimed Combs threatened Ventura's career to force her compliance, stating, “He had the power to ruin her life.”
During opening statements, Combs appeared emotionless, dressed in a grey sweater and trousers, sitting silently as the details were read aloud. The government’s case hinges on the 2016 video, in which Combs is seen dragging Ventura by her hair in a Los Angeles hotel.
Defense attorney Teny Geragos acknowledged the violence in the video but dismissed the broader allegations of organized crime. “Domestic violence is not sex trafficking,” she said, defending Combs' behavior as part of a nontraditional, consensual lifestyle.
Geragos emphasized that the women involved were "strong and capable," insisting they made their own choices to remain in relationships with Combs. “They had the freedom to make the choices that they made,” she argued.
The prosecution’s first witness, former hotel security guard Israel Florez, testified about the March 5, 2016, incident at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. He said he responded to a report of a "woman in distress" and found Ventura visibly shaken, sitting in a corner with her face covered and what appeared to be a purple eye. Combs was nearby, wearing only a towel and displaying what Florez described as a “devilish” expression.
Florez claimed Ventura repeatedly asked to leave, but Combs insisted she stay. When she eventually exited the hotel, Florez said Combs attempted to bribe him with a wad of cash to keep quiet—an offer Florez says he refused. During cross-examination, Combs’ legal team questioned the accuracy of his account, noting omissions in his official incident report.
Following Florez, Daniel Phillip, a former male stripper manager, testified that he met Combs and Ventura under the guise of a bachelorette party. He claimed he was later drawn into multiple paid sexual encounters with Ventura—encounters that Combs allegedly watched and recorded.
Phillip described scenes of abuse and fear, saying he witnessed Combs physically assault Ventura and coerce her into continuing the sexual acts. “I was shocked,” he said. “It came out of nowhere. I was terrified.” Phillip added that he did not go to the police, fearing for his life due to Combs’ influence and reputation.
The trial is expected to continue on Tuesday, with Ventura set to take the stand.
Outside the courtroom, Combs’ children, including his daughters, were seen holding hands in a show of support. His mother and publicist also appeared at the courthouse.
Warning: This story contains descriptions of alleged sexual abuse and violence that may be distressing to some readers.
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