Sean “Diddy” Combs is predicted to face three witnesses throughout his intercourse crime trial which kicked off this week, together with ex-girlfriend and singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Cassie’s claims of abuse are closely cited by federal authorities, however within the newest courtroom session, Diddy’s attorneys recommend the singer wasn’t precisely a saint of their relationship.
Throughout the prolonged jury choosing course of, the attorneys and prosecutors have taken time to put some issues on file and deal with some housekeeping motions forward of opening arguments. Nonetheless, on Friday (Might 9), Combs’ attorneys revealed one of many playing cards they plan to play in his protection.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson reportedly advised Decide Arun Subramanian that “Sufferer-1,” who’s presumed to be Ventura, is not going to be cross-examined about “sure medical points,” per TMZ.
In response, the choose mentioned if another points are introduced up by the prosecution, it’s free-game for Combs’ attorneys to ask the witness about them, the report says. Abruptly, the report says Combs’ legal professional Marc Agnifilo mentioned the rapper’s crew plans to “take the place there was mutual violence of their relationship,” citing “hitting on either side.”
“We’re completely going to confess to home violence. However at what level does it grow to be coercive?” the legal professional mentioned in courtroom, including a declare that Ventura is a “sturdy” individual with a “nature of violence and able to beginning bodily confrontations,” based on PEOPLE.
“You’re arguing that they’re simply violent?” the choose responded, per TMZ.
“Sturdy individuals could be coerced similar to weak individuals,” the choose added, through PEOPLE.
This stunning declare in regards to the singer comes months after the world noticed her being dragged, kicked and punched by the Dangerous Boys Founder in leaked resort surveillance footage. Combs’ attorneys have made a number of makes an attempt to kill the video from being proven to the jury, arguing the footage was doctored.
Prosecutors have since provided to submit the unique footage in addition to two telephone video recordings associated to the incident, per TMZ’s report.
Combs faces costs of racketeering conspiracy, intercourse trafficking and interesting in interstate transportation for prostitution and cites three nameless victims. He’s pleaded not responsible and was denied bond.