Diddy’s defence denies sex trafficking, admits violence

Opening statements have begun in the sex-trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs in New York, with the defence admitting that Combs could be angry and violent but insisting his relationships were consensual and not criminal.

Combs faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The prosecution says he used violence, intimidation, and threats to control women, describing his actions as "coercive and criminal."

Prosecution: Power, Violence and Blackmail

Addressing the court, prosecutor Emily A. Johnson said Combs operated a criminal enterprise for two decades with help from his staff and bodyguards.

She told the jury that Combs abused his power and "had the power to ruin" the lives of his victims.

The prosecution accused him of blackmailing victims using recorded sexual acts, coercing them with drugs, and violently punishing them.

Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former partner, was mentioned in detail.

The prosecution described an incident where Combs allegedly beat her after discovering she was seeing another man.

The court also heard claims that he forced her to have sex with male escorts and used the footage to blackmail her.

The prosecution said Combs used his music and business empire as a cover for a series of sex and drug crimes that left lasting damage on victims.

In response, the defence argued that Combs’ behaviour, while at times abusive, did not amount to sex trafficking.

Lawyer Teny Geragos acknowledged that Combs could be violent in relationships, but described the accusations as domestic issues, not part of a criminal enterprise.

The defence said Combs engaged in a swinger lifestyle involving “consensual threesomes by adults” and pointed to videos of what they called "freak-offs"—sex parties that involved multiple people.

According to the defence, these events were consensual, and none of the women reported them to police.

Geragos said the women involved were "capable, strong" and benefited from being in relationships with Combs.

"With each person, they are all getting something," she told the jury.

Combs Denies All Charges

Combs has denied all the charges and rejected a plea deal. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

He was present in court wearing a prison jumpsuit and glasses, with noticeably greying hair. Several of his family members and friends, along with lawyers for some alleged victims, were in attendance.

The trial is being overseen by Judge Arun Subramanian, who was nominated by President Joe Biden and is the first South Asian judge in the Southern District of New York.

Leading the defence is Marc Agnifilo, known for handling other high-profile cases, along with Teny Geragos.

The courtroom was packed as jury selection concluded last week. Spectators began lining up as early as Sunday night to witness the high-profile proceedings.

Sean Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, Diddy, or P. Diddy, is a long-time figure in the entertainment industry.

Beyond music, his career includes fashion, television, and film.