Federal prosecutors in the Sean "Diddy" Combs sex trafficking trial presented more video evidence to the jury, which they described as "explicit," as they neared the end of their case. The videos depicted drug-fueled sex marathons, central to the allegations against the hip-hop mogul. These clips, totaling around 20 minutes and labeled as "freak-offs" or "hotel nights," were shown on Monday, following the initial presentation of security footage showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie, in 2016.
The prosecution's case, spanning seven weeks, aims to demonstrate that Combs engaged in sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. They argue that he utilized his resources, including employees, associates, and business accounts, to transport male sex workers to various locations such as Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York. There, his staff allegedly arranged hotel rooms for these encounters and handled the aftermath.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey used the term "explicit" to describe the video clips, prompting jurors to use headsets to view and listen to the recordings privately, without the public or media present in the Manhattan courtroom. The content of these videos, filmed by Combs himself, is considered key evidence by the prosecution.
Last week, the jury viewed approximately two minutes of footage from 2012 and 2014 featuring Cassie, a male sex worker, and Combs. Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, testified that she participated in numerous "freak-off" events during her relationship with Combs, which lasted from 2007 to 2018. In 2023, Cassie sued Combs, alleging years of abuse, which was settled within hours, leading to a series of similar lawsuits.
Defense lawyers previously presented around 18 minutes of video clips of sex performances involving Cassie, arguing that the videos demonstrated consensual sexual activity rather than evidence of a crime.
On Monday, prosecutors presented nearly 20 minutes of recordings from 2021 and 2022 featuring a single mother, identified as "Jane," male sex workers, and Combs. "Jane" testified for six days, stating she was romantically involved with Combs from 2021 until his arrest in September 2024 at a New York hotel.
Joseph Cerciello, a Homeland Security Investigations agent, testified that dozens of recordings from late 2021 until August lasted for many hours. Cerciello's testimony included reading aloud text message exchanges involving Combs and others.
Combs' legal team cross-examined Cerciello, and the prosecution was expected to rest its case on Tuesday. Closing arguments are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, following what is anticipated to be a brief defense presentation.
Sean "Diddy" Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
