Sean "Diddy" Combs Sex Trafficking Trial Live Updates: Court is taking a short break

Court Session Ends for the Day

Proceedings have concluded for the day, and Judge Arun Subramanian is releasing the jury with instructions to avoid discussing the case or seeking out information related to it.

Daniel Phillip, who previously stated he was compensated for engaging in sexual encounters with Cassie Ventura, is expected to return to the witness stand on Tuesday morning as the defense continues its cross-examination.

Court Breaks Briefly After Phillip's Testimony

Prosecutors have concluded their questioning of Daniel Phillip, who testified that he was compensated for engaging in sexual encounters with Cassie Ventura on multiple occasions.

The court is now on a brief recess before the defense begins its cross-examination.

Former Male Entertainer Recalls Seeing Combs Pull Ventura by Her Hair

Daniel Phillip recounted an incident where he witnessed Sean "Diddy" Combs physically assault Cassie Ventura at her residence.

"I was in shock," he said during testimony.

Phillip said Ventura was working at her computer when Combs yelled for her to come over. When she replied that she was in the middle of something with personal information on the screen, Combs emerged and "grabbed her by the hair, dragging her into the bedroom," Phillip testified.

According to him, Ventura screamed and repeatedly apologized as he heard what sounded like Combs striking her. Phillip recalled hearing Combs shout, "When I tell you to come here, you come--right then, not later."

"I didn't know how to react--I was stunned," Phillip said.

He added, "In that moment, I kept thinking that if I stepped in, I could be killed."

When asked why he never reported the assault, Phillip responded, "I believed I was dealing with someone extremely powerful. Even if I went to the authorities, I feared I might still end up dead."

Phillip testified that eventually, Ventura came out of the room looking visibly shaken. Combs then asked if they were ready to continue. Phillip said he couldn't proceed after what he had just witnessed, though he itted he may have tried to pretend things were normal. He couldn't if he was paid for that day.

Despite the violent encounter, Phillip continued to see the pair afterward, explaining that he had formed a connection with Ventura.

"It became my way of making sure she was okay," he said.

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Legal Analyst Says Prosecution's Emphasis on Hotel Footage Signals Larger Strategy

According to defense attorney and legal analyst Misty Marris, who is not involved in the case, the prosecution's decision to highlight the 2016 hotel surveillance footage of Sean "Diddy" Combs physically attacking Cassie Ventura early in the trial suggests a broader strategy.

The jury viewed the footage during testimony from the first witness called by the prosecution.

"This video isn't just about showing an argument between Combs and Ventura," Marris explained. "It s the prosecution's wider narrative -- that Combs used force to control people, both in his alleged criminal enterprise and during the so-called 'freak offs.'"

This approach ties into what prosecutors must ultimately prove, Marris said: force, fraud, and coercion.

Earlier in the day, Officer Israel Florez, who was part of the hotel security team at the former InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, testified about his interaction with Combs and Ventura after the incident.

During cross-examination, Combs' attorney Brian Steel challenged the credibility of parts of Florez's testimony, questioning why several details he described in court were missing from the incident report he had written at the time.

Marris noted that the defense's line of questioning is designed to raise doubt. "It's about planting seeds of skepticism in the jurors' minds, shaping how they view the witnesses as the trial continues," she said.

In closing, Marris added, "Starting with that video shows just how important it is to the government's case."

Witness Recalls Incident Where Ventura Seemed Under the Influence

Daniel Phillip told the court that during one of their meetings, Cassie Ventura appeared to be under the effects of some substance.

He testified that Sean "Diddy" Combs turned to him and said, "I don't think this is going to happen today," as Ventura sat slouched on a couch.

Phillip also shared that on a separate occasion, he accepted a dose of Molly--a synthetic party drug--from Combs. He described the sensation as feeling "both sick and euphoric at once."

Former Entertainer Says Combs Took Photo of His ID as a Form of Leverage

Daniel Phillip, a former manager of a male revue, testified that Sean "Diddy" Combs once snapped a photo of his driver's license, claiming it was for "insurance." Phillip told the court he interpreted the gesture as a veiled threat.

Man Who Claims He Was Paid to Have Sex with Ventura Describes Intimate Encounters

Daniel Phillip, a former manager of a male revue who claims he was paid multiple times to have sex with Cassie Ventura, gave testimony describing how those encounters unfolded. According to Phillip, Sean "Diddy" Combs would often direct the sessions between him and Ventura.

He said baby oil was always involved during their encounters and that Combs would frequently tell them to apply more. At times, Phillip was asked to bring supplies with him before meeting them, he added.

During one incident, Phillip stated that Ventura asked him to urinate on her while Combs watched and masturbated.

Phillip also testified that he frequently did not use protection during intercourse with Ventura and once provided a medical history report to confirm he was free of sexually transmitted infections.

He further claimed that Combs recorded their sexual activity on at least one or two occasions using both a phone and a handheld camcorder.

Witness Testifies He Was Hired for Sexual Encounter with Ventura

Daniel Phillip took the stand and stated that he was sent to the Gramercy Park Hotel expecting to perform a routine for a bachelorette event. However, upon arrival, he found Cassie Ventura alone.

"When I got there, Cassie opened the door and asked if I was comfortable with it just being the two of us," he said, describing her outfit as red lace lingerie, high heels, a red wig, and dark sunglasses.

Phillip testified that Ventura told him it was her birthday and that her partner had arranged something special for the occasion. "She said her husband wanted to do something nice, so she asked if I'd be okay rubbing baby oil on her, giving her a massage, and seeing where things went depending on comfort," he recalled.

According to Phillip, Ventura paid him several thousand dollars upfront and mentioned she would tip him afterward.

He also noticed a man in the room, seated and wearing a white robe, a hat, and a bandana covering his face from the nose down. Phillip said he recognized the voice immediately as belonging to Sean "Diddy" Combs, even though the man didn't directly introduce himself.

Phillip testified that Ventura reassured him the man was not gay and wouldn't touch him. He then said he had sex with Ventura while Combs remained in the corner of the room, allegedly pleasuring himself. Before Phillip left, Combs gave him additional cash, amounting to a few thousand dollars more.

Second Witness Takes the Stand in Combs Trial

The prosecution has brought forward its next witness, Daniel Phillip.

Phillip testified that back in 2012 and 2013, he worked as a manager for a male entertainment act, overseeing performances by male dancers for female audiences.

He stated that sometime in 2012, he was paid by Cassie Ventura "to engage in sex with her" and added that Sean "Diddy" Combs was present during the encounter.

Phillip recalled being sent by his employer to the Gramercy Park Hotel for what he believed was a bachelorette event. He expected to perform a brief dance routine, but when he arrived around midnight, he found Ventura alone at the door.

Prosecution's First Witness Finishes Testimony

Los Angeles Police Officer Israel Florez, who served as the assistant security director at the InterContinental Hotel on March 5, 2016, has completed his time on the stand.

Florez was working at the hotel when the incident involving Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie Ventura took place.

Court TV Commentator Says Jurors Can Be Swayed by Opening Arguments: "This Is Where It Begins"

As the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs moves into the witness testimony phase, the opening statements have officially concluded.

Though opening arguments are not considered evidence, Court TV host and former prosecutor Julie Grant told CNN that they often have significant impact.

"Studies show that jurors begin forming opinions as early as the opening statements," Grant explained, noting that first impressions carry major weight in a trial. With that in mind, the jury is now turning its attention to witness s and tangible evidence.

Grant also pointed out the makeup of the jury, which consists of eight men and four women. She called it a curious strategic move by both the prosecution and the defense.

"Believe it or not, women can sometimes be more judgmental of other women in cases involving sexual assault," she said. "That could explain why prosecutors were comfortable with a mostly male jury, and why the defense might favor it too, since their client is a man."

Defense Concludes Questioning of Officer Florez

Earlier in the day, Officer Israel Florez testified that he restrained Sean "Diddy" Combs by holding him against a wall after Combs allegedly snatched a phone from another security guard, accusing the guard of secretly recording their conversation.

Defense attorney Brian Steel highlighted that in the official report Florez submitted, he only wrote that he "grabbed his hand and told him to step back," with no mention of pressing Combs against the wall.

Steel has now completed his cross-examination of Florez.

Defense Attorney Presses Former Security Officer on Omitted Details in Report

During cross-examination, defense lawyer Brian Steel asked Officer Israel Florez why he left out any reference to another man he saw inside Sean "Diddy" Combs' hotel suite from both his written report and conversations with others.

Florez, who served as assistant security director at the InterContinental Hotel in 2016, itted he never approached the individual to ask his name, get his of the situation, or review camera footage to track his movements.

He testified that at the time, he didn't consider the man's presence important enough to include in the report--though the moment stood out to him and remains clear nearly a decade later.

Earlier, Florez told prosecutors the man had no part in the confrontation near the elevator and did not interact with either Combs or Cassie Ventura, which is why he chose to exclude him from the documentation.

Legal Analysts Say Prosecutors May Bring in Experts on Victim Psychology

Prosecutors are expected to call expert witnesses who can speak to how victims typically respond in situations involving abuse or coercion, according to two legal analysts.

During today's testimony, Officer Israel Florez, who responded to the 2016 altercation between Sean "Diddy" Combs and his former partner Cassie Ventura at a hotel, explained that he didn't involve law enforcement because no one officially reported a crime.

He said Ventura didn't answer his questions and simply repeated, "I just want to leave. I just want to leave."

Attorney and legal commentator Areva Martin noted that the prosecution will likely rely on psychological experts to help jurors understand victim behavior in coercive relationships. These witnesses might explain why individuals in abusive situations often hesitate to speak to police or press charges.

In their opening remarks, the defense argued that Ventura remained in the relationship by choice for over a decade and ultimately left when she decided to.

Trial consultant Richard Gabriel said that more jurors today recognize the complexity of power imbalances in relationships. "There are times when a victim is asked directly, 'Do you want to press charges?' and they say no--not because they're fine with what happened, but because they're torn internally," Gabriel explained.

Background: Before the trial started, Combs' legal team stated that prosecutors had informed them of their intent to call Dr. Dawn Hughes, a clinical psychologist who has served as an expert in prior sex trafficking cases, including those of R. Kelly and Lawrence Ray, the latter convicted of targeting students at Sarah Lawrence College.

Combs is also expected to bring forward his own expert witness, Dr. Alexander Barney, a forensic psychologist, to challenge the prosecution's testimony.

Defense Presses Former Security Officer on Missing Details in Incident Report

Defense lawyer Brian Steel questioned Officer Israel Florez about why he failed to mention the presence of another man in Sean "Diddy" Combs' hotel room--both in his incident report and in conversations with others at the time.

Florez, who was working as the assistant security director at the InterContinental Hotel in 2016, itted that he did not approach the unidentified man to ask for his name, hear his , or check surveillance footage to track his actions.

He told the court he didn't believe the man's presence was important enough to include in the report, even though he clearly re the detail almost a decade later.

Earlier in his testimony, Florez explained that the man had no role in the elevator hallway confrontation and didn't interact with either Combs or Cassie Ventura, which is why he considered the individual irrelevant to the report at the time.

Officer Says Cash from Combs Was Clearly an Attempted Bribe

Officer Israel Florez testified that after the 2016 incident at the hotel, Sean "Diddy" Combs handed him a bundle of cash, which he interpreted as an attempt to buy his silence.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Brian Steel pointed out that Florez had previously told Combs he would be held financially responsible for property damage. Steel then asked whether Florez still believed the cash was meant as a bribe.

"Without a doubt," Florez replied.

Defense Questions Officer on Omission of Combs' Expression in Report

During cross-examination, defense attorney Brian Steel asked Officer Israel Florez why his incident report from 2016 failed to mention his earlier claim that Sean "Diddy" Combs had a "frightening" and "dark" expression following the hotel altercation.

Steel pressed him on why such a detail was left out of the original report.

"That was my personal impression then, and it still is now," Florez responded.

He added that he didn't believe it was necessary to include that observation in the official documentation.

Steel also pointed out that the report made no mention of Cassie Ventura having a bruised or swollen eye. Florez testified that, to his knowledge, no one ed police or requested an investigation at the time.

Defense Begins Cross-Examination of Officer Florez

The prosecution has finished its initial round of questioning with Officer Israel Florez.

Attorney Brian Steel, representing the defense, has now begun cross-examining the witness.

Jury Watches Phone Video of Surveillance Footage Captured by Officer

Jurors are viewing a clip of surveillance footage that Officer Israel Florez saved using his cellphone.

In the video, Florez--who was working in hotel security at the time--is seen exiting the elevator and speaking with Cassie Ventura and Sean "Diddy" Combs in the elevator area. Florez explained in court that he was discussing the property damage with them. The video then shows Ventura walking away down the hallway while Florez and Combs remain near the elevators.

Florez said he recorded the footage with his phone because he believed his wife wouldn't think it was real unless she saw it herself.

Officer Explains He Didn't Police After Hotel Incident Since No One Reported a Crime

Officer Israel Florez told the court he chose not to alert law enforcement following the hotel incident because, in his words, "there was no victim coming forward, and no one was filing a complaint."

He testified that when he spoke to Cassie Ventura, she didn't directly answer his questions. "All she kept repeating was 'I just want to go, I just want to leave,'" he recalled.

Florez added that by the time he reviewed the hotel security footage showing the altercation, both individuals had already left the premises.

More Hotel Hallway Footage Presented to Jury

Jurors are now viewing additional surveillance video from the sixth floor's north corridor at the InterContinental Hotel.

In the recording, Officer Israel Florez is seen guiding Sean "Diddy" Combs back toward his room, with Cassie Ventura walking behind them down the hallway.

Florez stated in his testimony that Ventura told him she wanted to collect her phone and personal belongings.

Later in the footage, Ventura is shown exiting the room with her bag and heading down the hallway. Florez appears a few moments later, following behind her.

Hotel Security Video of Altercation Shown to Jury in Courtroom

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik presented surveillance footage in court that captured a physical confrontation involving Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie Ventura at a hotel.

In the video, Ventura is seen standing near the elevator, putting on her shoes. Combs then approaches her from behind wearing only a towel, grabs her, and pulls her to the floor. As she lies there, he kicks her, gathers her things, and drags her toward their room. A short time later, Ventura returns to the hallway and is seen using a wall-mounted landline phone.

Officer Israel Florez explained that the phone was connected to the hotel's internal service line. It was that system that alerted him to respond to the incident.

The footage also shows Combs walking back and forth in the hallway, still in a towel. In the reflection of a mirrored wall, he can be seen hurling a vase, which shatters on impact.

When Florez reached the floor, he said he found shattered glass and flowers scattered across the hallway. He testified that Ventura told him she only wanted to retrieve her phone and bag so she could leave the hotel.

The video has no sound.

Prosecutors Use Security Officer to Establish Timeline and Identify Combs Before Showing Video, Former Prosecutor Says

Former prosecutor and Court TV anchor Julie Grant explained that the prosecution is laying the foundation before showing surveillance footage from 2016 that appears to show Sean "Diddy" Combs grabbing, kicking, and dragging his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

Officer Israel Florez, who responded to a report of a woman in distress at the InterContinental Hotel on March 5, 2016, is currently testifying on the stand.

Grant noted that Florez gives jurors essential context and helps confirm Combs' identity at the hotel on the day in question, which is critical for the case.

"Prosecutors need to establish three basic elements -- the date, the person involved, and the location," Grant said. "By identifying Sean Combs as the individual he encountered that day, Florez is helping confirm the defendant's presence for the prosecution."

Although Combs' legal team tried to prevent the jury from viewing the footage, Judge Arun Subramanian ruled last month that the video can be shown during the trial.

In their opening remarks, the defense team portrayed Combs as a deeply flawed man who committed acts of domestic violence driven by jealousy, but firmly rejected the accusations of trafficking and criminal conspiracy.

"This witness is important because he helps bring the footage into context," Grant said. "He paints the picture for the jury and helps them follow the story of what happened that day at the hotel."

Officer Testifies He Filed Report Naming Combs and Ventura

Officer Israel Florez told the court that he prepared a written report after the 2016 situation at the InterContinental Hotel.

He submitted the document around 3 p.m. local time on the same day. The report covered the entire sequence of events and included the names of both Sean Combs and Cassie Ventura. Florez also attached photographs showing a shattered vase in the elevator area and smudges of dirt on the walls.

Although another man was seen inside Combs' hotel suite, Florez did not include him in the report that was later submitted as evidence. He explained that the man did not participate in the events that occurred in the elevator lobby and did not interact with Combs or Ventura, so he chose to leave him out of the report.

Officer Testifies Ventura Left Hotel with a Purple Eye

Officer Israel Florez told the court he intercepted Cassie Ventura as she was exiting the hotel toward the valet area and immediately noticed her eye was bruised deep purple. He offered to call the police, but she insisted she only wanted to leave.

After Ventura departed, Florez and another guard returned to Combs's suite to remind him of hotel rules. Combs stepped into the hallway, closed the door, and then grabbed the other guard's phone, accusing him of recording their conversation. Florez pressed Combs against the wall and demanded he release the phone.

Florez Testifies Combs Offered Him Cash

Security assistant director Israel Florez told the court that Sean "Diddy" Combs entered the hotel suite holding a bundle of bills, which Florez viewed as an attempted bribe.

He said the gesture felt like a warning to "keep this under wraps."

Florez refused the money, informed Combs he would be held responsible for any damage, and instructed him to stay inside his room.

Security Officer Says Combs Wore an Ominous Look After Hotel Incident

Israel Florez, who responded to the 2016 distress call and witnessed video footage of Sean "Diddy" Combs attacking Cassie Ventura, testified that Combs fixed him with a chilling glare.

Florez recalled stepping off the elevator at the InterContinental Hotel and finding Combs wrapped only in a towel and socks, staring at him with an unsettling intensity.

"He just kept staring," Florez told the court.

Ventura appeared terrified, hunched in her hoodie. Florez escorted both Combs and Ventura back toward her room. At one point Combs warned her that she would not be allowed to leave. Florez made clear that if she truly wished to go, she could

When they reached the door, both parties entered the suite while Florez held it open with his body. He noted another man was present but remained silent throughout the interaction.

Witness Describes Hotel's Extensive Surveillance Coverage

Officer Israel Florez, the prosecution's opening witness, explained that each hotel floor had at least three cameras focused on the elevator lounge, plus two more cameras monitoring the north and south corridors.

He added that any additional bends or turns in a hallway were equipped with extra cameras. All devices were motion-activated and began recording whenever they detected movement.

Florez also testified that whenever security staff responded to an incident, they were obligated to complete an incident report. If the event caused damage, the report would be accompanied by photographs.

Security Officer Recalls "Woman in Distress" Call and Spotting Combs

Officer Israel Florez, who was serving as assistant director of security at the InterContinental Hotel on March 5, 2016, testified that he responded to a report of "a woman in distress" on the sixth floor. Exiting the elevator, he encountered Sean "Diddy" Combs and the woman in the hallway.

Florez said he immediately recognized Combs and, when prompted, pointed him out in the courtroom, noting that Combs was wearing a gray sweater.

Prosecution Calls LAPD Officer as Its First Witness

The government's attorneys have called Los Angeles Police Department Officer Israel Florez to the stand first.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy Slavik is handling the questioning on behalf of the prosecution.

Officer Florez ed the LAPD in 2018 and also serves as an Army reservist. Before entering the police force, he spent ten years working for the security firm Securitas. In 2016 he was assigned to provide security at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City.

Here's a concise recap of what both sides presented in their opening statements, with fresh wording and no hyphens:

Prosecution's Key Points:

Wide-ranging allegations: Prosecutors say Combs and his close associates repeatedly engaged in crimes such as kidnapping, arson, drug trafficking, sexual offenses, bribery, and obstruction of justice.

Attack on Cassie Ventura: After learning Ventura was seeing someone else, Combs allegedly armed himself, tracked her down, and beat her severely. They also claim he forced her to have sex with male escorts and recorded the encounters to blackmail her.

"King" mindset: The team described how Combs referred to himself as royalty and expected to be treated accordingly, with his inner circle facilitating crime after crime.

Focus on two women: The case will zero in on testimony from Ventura and a second acc identified only as Jane.

Multi-day "Freak Offs": These events are alleged to have spanned days, with women drugged and coerced into unwanted sexual acts while Combs and others watched. Ventura was reportedly forced to take drugs in advance and physically abused to show who was in control.

Organized crime conspiracy: Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson explained that the racketeering count covers t plans by Combs, his top staff, and his bodyguards to commit a series of offenses.

Evidence preview: Jurors will see extensive records, including hundreds of text messages about these events, bills for hotel stays and car services, damage invoices, and video clips from the "Freak Offs."

Defense's Main Arguments:

Personal complexity, not criminal enterprise: Teny Geragos said this trial is about adult choices, jealousy, and money, not about running a criminal organization or trafficking. She acknowledged Combs has flaws and its to isolated incidents of domestic violence driven by jealousy or substance use

.Domestic violence versus trafficking: Geragos stressed that while Combs accepts responsibility for any domestic abuse, those acts are not sex trafficking. Jurors were reminded not to judge him for his private sexual life.

2016 assault video: The defense called the hotel surveillance footage of Combs striking Ventura "inexcusable" but maintained it demonstrates domestic violence, not trafficking. They also highlighted that Ventura stayed in the relationship willingly for over a decade and left on her own .

Consensual nature of "Freak Offs": The defense argued that although the videos may be hard to watch, they show consensual encounters rather than forced ones.

Baby oil seized: Geragos downplayed the significance of the large cache of baby oil found in Combs' homes, asking "Is a fondness for baby oil a federal offense? No."

Witness motives: Closing her statement, the defense urged jurors to consider why each witness is testifying, pointing out that many have financial incentives to make claims against Combs.

The jury is taking their seats in the courtroom for Sean "Diddy" Combs's trial.

The judge is already seated at the bench.

Attorney Mark Geragos Steps Out of Courthouse During Recess

Mark Geragos, famous for defending clients such as the Menendez brothers and Michael Jackson, was spotted leaving the courthouse during Monday's recess. He is the father of Teny Geragos, one of Sean "Diddy" Combs' lead defense lawyers who delivered the opening statement. Teny Geragos is a founding partner at Agnifilo Intrater alongside Marc Agnifilo, another of Combs' principal attorneys.

Last week, the prosecution raised concerns about Mark Geragos' presence in the courtroom during jury selection, suggesting the defense might be consulting with him. At the time, Geragos told reporters, "I'm here to my daughter. He is a friend." He made clear he will not formally the legal team.

Court Break Underway

The courtroom will pause and reconvene at 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time.

Defense counsel Teny Geragos has just wrapped up her opening remarks. She reminded the jurors that they are not here to judgment on Sean "Diddy" Combs as a person.

"You are here as a jury of your peers to decide whether the government has met its burden of proving these crimes beyond any reasonable doubt," Geragos told the .

Jurors May Find 'Freak Off' Videos Hard to Watch

Defense lawyer Teny Geragos told the jury that footage from the so-called "freak offs" is very personal and could be upsetting to view, yet she argued it shows these encounters were consensual rather than forced.

Geragos explained that the woman known as Jane chose to Combs in hotel rendezvous over a three-year span.

"She tried many times to steer their relationship toward something deeper or more meaningful," Geragos said. "But it always reverted to what you would call party nights in those hotel suites."

The defense attorney went on to say that jealousy drove Jane's decisions. "If she had walked away she would have lost him and she was not willing to do that."

Geragos described their bond as unhealthy and unstable. She noted that Jane traveled repeatedly to see Combs and kept participating in the freak offs even after a troubling phone call in 2023.

"Taking part willingly in your own sexual life is not the same thing as sex trafficking," she told the jury

Defense Urges Jury to Question Witness Motives

Defense attorney Teny Geragos closed her opening statement by reminding jurors to think about why each witness is testifying in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial.

She pointed to one of Combs's staff mwhom prosecutors allege was sexually abused and urged the to examine communications as they happened, noting that every witness comes with an agenda.

Geragos challenged why none of Combs's employees reported the alleged misconduct at the time it occurred. "For many of them, the explanation is obvious: financial gain," she said.

She then asked jurors to ponder how many millions of dollars might tempt a witness to lie, even when swearing to tell the whole truth.

Defense Attorney Says Ventura Ended Things on Her Own

Defense lawyer Teny Geragos told the jury that Sean "Diddy" Combs' former partner Cassie Ventura chose to leave the relationship on her own .

"The way Cassie's relationship with Mr Combs came to an end matters," Geragos said. "She walked away by her own decision and for reasons that she believed were right."

Geragos emphasized that Ventura was a willing participant in their private life.

"This was a voluntary choice made by two capable adults," Geragos added.

Defense Attorney Says Ventura Stayed with Combs for Years

In 2018 Cassie Ventura spotted a tabloid report showing Sean "Diddy" Combs emerging from a hotel room with another woman and resolved to end their relationship, defense lawyer Teny Geragos told the jury.

"She made a choice every single day for years to stay with him, to fight for him, because for eleven years that was her preferred decision. That was what she wanted. Then one day she chose to leave, because that choice became her priority," Geragos explained during her opening statement.

"Once she decided to walk away there were no repercussions as the government has suggested. She informed him of her decision and then ran into the arms of another man, the personal trainer Combs had hired to work with her," Geragos added.

Defense Attorney Says Surveillance Footage is "Inexcusable," But Not Proof of Sex Trafficking

Defense attorney Teny Geragos referenced the 2016 hotel surveillance footage showing Sean "Diddy" Combs physically attacking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

"Unfortunately, jealousy took over that day," Geragos told the jury, explaining that Combs had consumed "dangerous substances."

"What you will see Combs doing to Cassie in that footage is completely inexcusable. It's brutal, degrading, violent, and frankly horrifying," Geragos said.

She continued, "But this footage doesn't show sex trafficking. It shows domestic violence."

Evidence Will Show Combs Was a "Deeply Flawed Person," But Not a Trafficker, Defense Says

Defense attorney Teny Geragos told jurors that evidence in the trial will reveal Sean "Diddy" Combs as "a deeply flawed person," but insisted it does not portray him as a racketeer, a sex trafficker, or someone who transports individuals for prostitution.

"The violent actions those we openly acknowledge were often driven by jealousy or drug use," Geragos explained during her opening remarks.

Combs' Lawyer Tells Jury: "You're Not Here to Judge His Sexual Choices"

Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense attorney, Teny Geragos, addressed the jury directly, telling them they'll hear evidence about Combs' sexual lifestyle that might make them uncomfortable.

She explained that the events in hotel rooms were part of a consensual, alternative lifestyle, describing it as "a more sophisticated way of saying group intimacy."

Geragos emphasized, "Your job isn't to judge Mr. Combs for his personal sexual preferences."

"Domestic Violence Is Not Sex Trafficking," Says Combs' Defense Attorney

In her opening remarks, Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense attorney, Teny Geragos, acknowledged that while Combs fully accepts responsibility for incidents of domestic violence in this case, such actions do not amount to sex trafficking.

"Domestic violence is extremely serious. It's illegal and unacceptable," Geragos stated. "We fully accept that domestic violence occurred here. But domestic violence and sex trafficking are two different things. Let me say it again clearly domestic violence is not sex trafficking. If the charges were domestic violence or assault, we wouldn't be sitting here today."

Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.

Geragos openly addressed Combs' past behavior, describing it as deeply flawed, but insisted it did not constitute organized criminal activity.

"Sean Combs has a temper, and when he drank and used certain drugs, he sometimes became violent," Geragos explained. "My client isn't proud of those actions. He has issues controlling his anger, especially when jealousy or emotions get intense, and he has made serious mistakes."

Geragos told jurors they might conclude during the trial that Combs is unlikeable or morally flawed.

"But he's not charged with being a jerk or a bad person. He's charged with running a criminal enterprise, and that's simply not the case," she concluded.

Defense Argues That Combs' "Baby Oil Obsession" Isn't a Federal Crime

During opening statements, Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense attorney, Teny Geragos, brought up the significant amount of baby oil seized by authorities during searches of Combs' properties last year.

"You might have heard about Mr. Combs' obsession with baby oil. But is liking baby oil a federal offense? Absolutely not," Geragos told the jury.

Prosecutors allege that Combs used baby oil during sexually charged events known as "freak offs." These encounters reportedly involved drugging victims and coercing them into prolonged sexual acts with male escorts.

Last year, authorities seized various items described as "Freak Off supplies," including drugs and over a thousand bottles of baby oil and lubricants, from Combs' homes, according to court documents.

Today, Geragos emphasized in court that Combs "will own up to what he actually did."

"But we will vigorously defend his innocence regarding acts he did not commit," she added.

Prosecutor Describes Text Messages and Videos Jury Will See During Trial

Prosecutor Emily Johnson told jurors they will also hear testimony from some of Sean "Diddy" Combs' other employees, including a staff member whom Combs allegedly forced into a van at gunpoint, as well as one of his chefs and several assistants.

She acknowledged that some victims and witnesses have received financial settlements or still have active lawsuits against Combs.

Johnson also described various pieces of evidence that will be presented during the trial, including numerous text messages related to scams, hotel room charges, car services, and damage to hotel rooms. Additional texts will show that Combs instructed his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura to take specific drugs before "going wild," Johnson said.

Video evidence will also be presented, according to Johnson.

"You will see videos of some of these 'freak offs,' the very recordings the defendant used to blackmail Cassie and Jane," Johnson told the jury, referring to two of Combs' alleged victims his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a woman identified as Jane during this trial.

"You'll see them putting on a performance, high on ecstasy, pretending to enjoy themselves because that's exactly what the defendant demanded," she added.

Prosecutor Accuses Combs and Staff of Running Organized Crime Ring

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told jurors that the organized crime conspiracy charge against Sean "Diddy" Combs involves alleged criminal plans carried out with help from his closest staff and bodyguards.

Johnson said they worked together to commit crimes like kidnapping, arson, drug distribution, and exploiting employees.

She told the jury that Cassie Ventura and Jane will describe how Combs tried to control their lives, from where they lived to their careers.

"They will tell you how he used lies, drugs, threats, and violence to intimidate them and force them into sex acts with male escorts," Johnson said.

Johnson also said the jury would hear from Combs' personal assistant, who will testify that he sexually assaulted her.

Combs Stands and Faces the Jury During His Introduction

Sean "Diddy" Combs stood up in the courtroom and faced the jury as his attorney Teny Geragos introduced him. She reminded the jurors that while they may know him by different names, today he stands before them as Sean Combs.

"At 55 years old, standing in the city where he was born and raised, he carries the same name he was given at birth, Sean Combs," Geragos said.

She told the jury that this case is not about his music or his businesses. It is about his private and personal sex life, which she said has nothing to do with illegal conduct.

Combs' Defense Attorney Delivers Opening Statement

Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense lawyer, Teny Geragos, began her opening remarks by telling the jury, "Sean Combs is a complicated man, but this is not a complicated case. This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity, and money."

She argued that the case centers on "choices made by capable adults in consensual relationships."

"At a time when trust in the government may feel uncertain, one thing remains the same. A jury of our peers is the only thing that stands between any of us and a criminal conviction," Geragos said.

She acknowledged the public attention the case has received and urged the jury to stay focused.

"There's been a lot of noise around this case for the past year. Now it's time to block that out and focus on the evidence in this courtroom. And once you do, things will become very clear."

Prosecutor Says Combs' Inner Circle Helped Cover Up His Crimes

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told the jury that people close to Sean "Diddy" Combs helped him hide his crimes. This included keeping Cassie Ventura hidden for several days and reaching out to potential witnesses to keep them quiet.

Johnson referred to the hotel surveillance video from Los Angeles that shows Combs assaulting Ventura.

"You will hear how far the defendant, his bodyguards, and his chief of staff were willing to go to get what they believed was the only copy of that video," Johnson said. She added that they offered a brown paper bag containing $100,000 in cash in an effort to cover it up.

Prosecutor: Combs Sexually Abused One of His Employees

Prosecutor Ashley Johnson said that Sean "Diddy" Combs also sexually abused one of his employees.

She stated that Combs forced the woman to perform oral sex on him and climbed into her bed to penetrate her against her will.

Prosecutors Reveal Shocking Details About "Freak Offs" Allegedly Orchestrated by Combs

Prosecutor Ashley Johnson shared disturbing s of the so-called "freak offs," events where women were allegedly drugged and forced to engage in sex acts for several days.

She said Sean "Diddy" Combs introduced his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura to these encounters early in their relationship.

"For half the week, Cassie was trapped in a dark hotel room, awake for days, and forced to perform sex acts she did not want to do with male escorts," Johnson told the jury.

In one instance, Ventura still had an open wound on her face from a recent assault by Combs, according to Johnson.

"He hit her to show he was in control," Johnson said. "He hit her when she didn't answer his calls. He hit her when she left without permission. He hit her when he thought she took too long in the bathroom."

Johnson added that whenever Ventura tried to escape, Combs would find her, often with the help of his inner circle.

He allegedly recorded the abuse and used it to blackmail her.

"He told her he could destroy her career by releasing videos of her performing sex acts with dozens of male escorts," Johnson said.

Prosecutor Highlights Power Imbalance Between Combs and Cassie Ventura: "Only One Was Truly in Control"

During her opening remarks, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told the jury that Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team would attempt to portray his relationship with Cassie Ventura as "messy" and misunderstood.

Johnson acknowledged the jury would hear that both parties had moments of jealousy, infidelity, and anger.

"But only one of them had the upper hand," she said. "Only one held true authority in that relationship and that was the defendant. He used that control to force Cassie into doing whatever he wanted, behind closed doors in dark hotel rooms."

Cassie Ventura Was 19 When She First Met Sean Combs in 2006

At just 19 years old, Cassie Ventura was a rising model and aspiring singer with a charting single when she first crossed paths with Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2006.

Combs, who was 17 years her senior, signed her to his record label, and within a year, the two began a romantic relationship that continued on and off until 2018.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson, the abuse began early on. "From the start, the defendant subjected Cassie to violence. At first, she resisted," Johnson told the jury during opening remarks.

In one particularly brutal incident in 2009, Combs allegedly slammed her to the floor of a vehicle and "stomped on her face multiple times," Johnson said. She added that Combs then forced Ventura to remain hidden in a hotel for a week to prevent anyone from seeing her injuries.

Prosecutor: Case Will Center on Two Key Victims

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told the jury that the prosecution's case will largely focus on two women: Cassie Ventura, the former girlfriend of Sean "Diddy" Combs, and another woman identified only as "Jane," a pseudonym that will be used throughout the trial to protect her identity.

Johnson said the defendant used deception, drugs, intimidation, and violence to manipulate and coerce both Cassie and Jane into engaging in sexual acts with him in front of male escorts. "These acts were not spontaneous. The defendant demanded that they be carried out in a precise and deliberately orchestrated way," she said.

According to Johnson, these sexual encounters often stretched over several days and involved multiple escorts.

Over the years, Combs allegedly referred to these events using like "Freak Offs," "Wild King Nights," and "Hotel Nights," presenting them as extravagant private gatherings.

Prosecutor: Combs "Called Himself the King and Expected to Be Treated Like One"

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson described Sean "Diddy" Combs' inner circle as a loyal network that enabled and protected him while he committed crime after crime.

"They worked together to elevate the defendant's power, carefully crafting and preserving his public image," Johnson told the jury.

"He called himself the king and expected to be treated like one," she said. "He demanded that his inner circle fulfill his every desire, including his sexual desires. And they made sure he got whatever he wanted."

Johnson alleged that Combs used his business resources to sexually exploit multiple women, including coercing them into sex acts with male escorts while he watched.

Prosecutor Describes the Night Sean Combs Allegedly Went After Ex-Girlfriend Cassie Ventura

During opening statements, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told the jury they will hear extensive evidence of serious crimes allegedly committed by Sean "Diddy" Combs.

"Kidnapping, arson, drug use, sexual assault, bribery, and obstruction--these are just some of the offenses the defendant and his close associates engaged in repeatedly," Johnson said. "This trial will expose them all."

She then turned to one of the most disturbing episodes. "Let me start with one particular night. The defendant was looking for his then-girlfriend," she said, referring to Cassie Ventura.

According to Johnson, Combs coerced Ventura into having sex with male escorts, filmed the encounters, and kept the footage as a means of intimidation. "These were recordings of the most degrading nights of her life," Johnson stated.

She went on to say that after learning Ventura was involved with another man, Combs armed himself, brought his bodyguard, and shouted that he had killed the other man.

When he found Cassie, Johnson said, he physically assaulted her: "He kicked her hard in the back and tossed her around like she was nothing--like a rag doll."

Opening Statements Underway in Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial

Opening statements have begun in the federal criminal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. Judge Arun Subramanian has finished delivering preliminary instructions to the jury, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson is now presenting the prosecution's opening remarks.

"This is Sean Combs," Johnson began, pointing to the defendant seated at the defense table. "To the public, he was Puff Daddy or Diddy -- a cultural icon, a businessman, larger than life. But there was another side to him. A side that ran a criminal enterprise."

She continued: "Over the course of this trial, you will hear about nearly 20 years of the defendant's crimes. But he didn't act alone. He had a close inner circle of bodyguards and senior staff who helped him carry out those crimes -- and cover them up."

Meet the Judge Presiding Over Sean "Diddy" Combs' Trial

Federal Judge Arun Subramanian is overseeing the high-profile criminal trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022 and confirmed in 2023, Subramanian brings a strong legal background to the bench. Before becoming a judge, he worked as a civil litigator at the prestigious law firm Susman Godfrey and previously served as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Subramanian is the third judge to be involved in the case since Combs' arrest in September 2024. The artist initially appeared before Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky. The case was then randomly assigned to District Judge Andrew Carter, who later recused himself, leading to the case being transferred to Subramanian.

Notably, all three judges involved so far have denied Combs' legal team's requests to grant him release on bail.

Everything You Need to Know About the Case Against Sean "Diddy" Combs

Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing a federal sex trafficking trial that could lead to a life sentence if found guilty on all charges. The high-profile trial begins today in New York, with Combs currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn following his arrest in September 2024.

The Charges

Combs was originally indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and interstate transportation for prostitution. In April 2025, prosecutors filed a superseding indictment adding a second sex trafficking charge and another count of transportation for prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The Allegations

Prosecutors allege that between 2004 and 2024, Combs ran a criminal enterprise through his business empire that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.

Authorities claim that at least three women were drugged and coerced into sexual acts with Combs and, at times, with male prostitutes, during events referred to as "Freak Offs." Some of these encounters were allegedly filmed. Prosecutors also say Combs manipulated his victims through promises of career opportunities and threats of violence.

Cassie Ventura's Case

In 2023, singer Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend, filed a lawsuit accusing him of rape and years of physical and emotional abuse. Although Combs denied the allegations, the lawsuit was settled privately the day after it was filed.

In May 2024, surveillance footage from 2016 was released showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway. He publicly apologized two days later. A judge has ruled that the video may be shown to the jury during the trial.

Civil Lawsuits

Beyond the criminal proceedings, Combs is also facing multiple civil lawsuits from alleged victims -- including some who were minors at the time -- who accuse him of drugging and sexually assaulting them. These civil cases are separate from the federal trial and will not be considered by the jury.