Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sat immobile as federal prosecutors unveiled a list of graphic and disturbing allegations in opposition to him on the opening of his trial – calling them “simply the tip of the iceberg”. The music business has been intently watching this high-profile case because it unfolds, with potential implications for the leisure world at massive.
The 55-year-old music mogul is accused of operating a intercourse trafficking ring and abusing a number of ladies over 20 years, together with his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, and his trial started on Monday (12.05,25) on the US District Courtroom in Manhattan, the place Combs is going through 5 federal legal costs, together with racketeering, intercourse trafficking and prostitution. The courtroom was stuffed to capability with media, authorized observers, and relations of these concerned.
A jury — composed of eight males and 4 ladies — was seated shortly earlier than opening statements. The jury choice course of was accomplished after thorough questioning of potential jurors by each prosecution and protection groups.
The case facilities round claims Combs operated his Dangerous Boy Information agency as a “legal enterprise” whereas utilizing workers and shut associates to hide violent and exploitative habits. Authorized specialists observe this prosecutorial strategy is commonly utilized in instances involving alleged organized legal exercise.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson described Combs as a “larger-than-life movie star” who allegedly dedicated crimes with the assistance of his “internal circle”. Her opening assertion outlined the federal government’s case in opposition to the music mogul.
She instructed the court docket Combs allegedly reacted violently upon studying that Casandra Ventura, 37, had began seeing somebody new. Ventura, recognized professionally as Cassie, had beforehand filed a civil lawsuit in opposition to Combs that was settled out of court docket.
“So he threatened her and mentioned if she defies her once more he’ll launch video of her having intercourse with male escorts,” Ms Johnson mentioned. This assertion appeared to attract seen reactions from a number of members of the jury.
She added the movies have been “souvenirs of essentially the most humiliating nights of her life”. The prosecution introduced a timeline of occasions to assist their allegations of manipulation and management.
The prosecution additionally claimed Combs used the movies — which he allegedly known as being from “freak-offs”, or drug-fuelled intercourse events — to regulate Cassie and different ladies. These allegations kind a central a part of the federal government’s case in opposition to the music mogul.
“That is simply the tip of the iceberg in 20 years of Combs utilizing his internal circle to cowl up crime after crime,” Johnson added. This assertion suggests prosecutors might introduce extra proof all through the trial proceedings.
One other alleged sufferer within the case – a girl recognized solely as Jane Doe – was launched throughout opening statements. The court docket has applied safety measures to guard the identities of sure witnesses within the case.
Ms Johnson instructed the court docket the one mom met Combs in 2020 and was quickly underneath his management. The prosecution alleges a sample of habits that prolonged to a number of victims over a few years.
“She wished the escorts to put on condoms however he wouldn’t allow them to, then he would make her take medication, she broke down and took ecstasy,” Johnson mentioned. Knowledgeable witnesses are anticipated to testify about coercion ways later within the trial.
She added: “One time she vomited, he instructed her to rush up and get again within the room the place an escort was ready.” The graphic descriptions prompted many jurors to take in depth notes through the proceedings.
Prosecutors additionally mentioned Mia, a former private assistant to Combs, will testify through the trial. Her testimony is anticipated to supply perception into the day by day operations inside Combs’ group.
“She is simply starting to grapple with the instances he pressured himself on her sexually — she wished to maintain the key to her grave,” Ms Johnson mentioned. Sufferer advocacy teams have highlighted the challenges confronted by these coming ahead in high-profile instances.
Combs arrived at court docket in a beige sweater and khaki trousers and acknowledged his household — together with his 84-year-old mom Janice Combs and 6 of his youngsters — as they stuffed the second row of the courtroom gallery. All through the proceedings, his household has maintained a visual presence of assist.
He was seen blowing a kiss to them earlier than proceedings started. Courtroom officers maintained strict decorum because the emotional opening day unfolded.
Initially charged with three offences, Combs now faces two extra counts added later by prosecutors. The expanded costs adopted extra proof introduced to the grand jury.
He has pleaded not responsible to all costs. The trial is predicted to proceed for a number of weeks with quite a few witnesses scheduled to testify.
His authorized workforce maintains the relationships have been consensual and argue there was “nothing unlawful” about his “swinger way of life”. Protection attorneys are making ready to current their opening statements, outlining their technique to counter the federal government’s allegations.