Sean “Diddy” Combs is now in the midst of the most severe legal trouble of his life. Prosecutors have indicted the music mogul on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. In the meantime, R&B singer Cassie, a former girlfriend of Combs, could testify as soon as Tuesday. Authorities allege that Sean Diddy Combs assembled a ring of drug-fueled sex parties known as “freak-offs,” where he allegedly physically and emotionally abused women.
Jurors have viewed so far only disturbing 2016 footage. Combs, in the video, punched, kicked, and dragged Cassie down a hotel hallway, wearing nothing but a towel. A former security officer at the hotel corroborated the video with harrowing testimony about the evening.
Prosecutors Detail Abuse Behind ‘Freak-Offs’
On day one, prosecutors established a somber tone. They alleged Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs employed fame and influence to entice women into sex. In their case, he threatened, drugged, and coerced them into participating in the so-called “freak-offs.” Prosecutors contended that these parties were the basis of Combs’ supposed trafficking operation.
Combs denied everything. His attorneys conceded he had a violent streak, but they said all activities were consensual. They also asserted that the suits were designed to extort money from the Grammy winner.
Cassie’s Lawsuit Sparked the Storm
Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, sued Combs in 2023. She accused him of abuse spanning years. Although both parties resolved the case rapidly, the suit sparked a broader legal and criminal inquiry.
CNN broadcast the 2016 footage from the hotel, which left the public reeling. Prosecutors played the same video to the court. Ex-hotel guard Israel Florez also gave evidence. According to him, Combs made a bribe offer to him that evening. Florez denied it and sent Combs packing back to his room. His version corroborated Cassie’s allegations and supported the prosecution story of threats and manipulation.
New Allegations Pile on Pressure
Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson further added that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs mistreated multiple women. One of them, who was only identified as Jane, confronted Combs regarding the “freak-offs.” According to Johnson, Combs replied using violence. She also asserted Combs threatened to ruin Cassie’s music career by releasing sex tapes with male escorts.
Combs’ attorney, Teny Geragos, reacted with outrage. She contended that jurors may not like the way he acted or his “kinky sex,” but that didn’t equate to criminality. “He’s not accused of being a jerk,” she said.
Police arrested Combs last September and put him behind bars in a Brooklyn jail. He is still there today. If the jurors find him guilty, he faces 15 years to life imprisonment.
As Cassie is about to take the stand, Combs’ tumble from popularity continues unabated. The trial will not just decide his freedom—it could also destroy his reputation in the music industry.
