- Tuesday, May 13, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faced a federal jury in New York City on Monday as his highly anticipated criminal trial began. The 55-year-old music mogul is charged with five felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Prosecutors allege that Combs ran a criminal enterprise that used threats, drugs, and violence to manipulate women into degrading sexual acts. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
The courtroom drama kicked off with opening statements and testimony from two key witnesses, bringing shocking details into public view. Here’s a breakdown of the most critical developments from day one.
1. Cassie Ventura and “Jane” Lead Prosecution’s Case
Federal prosecutors are focusing on two primary accusers: singer Cassie Ventura and a woman identified only as “Jane.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson said both were coerced into “Freak Offs,” drug-fueled sexual encounters allegedly orchestrated by Combs. These events spanned cities, with his staff managing logistics and his businesses covering the costs. Ventura, who met Combs at 19, is described as enduring years of abuse, including beatings and a shocking incident where a male sex worker was allegedly forced to urinate on her.
2. “Freak Offs” Video Will Be Shown to Jury
Prosecutors plan to introduce video evidence of the “Freak Offs,” asserting these were not consensual but involved coercion, drug use, and blackmail. The defense, led by attorney Teny Geragos, countered that the videos will show that the participants acted voluntarily. Both sides agree the footage will be graphic and emotionally intense.
3. Combs’ Team Admits to Domestic Violence, Denies Trafficking
Geragos conceded that Combs had committed domestic violence, even calling the 2016 hotel surveillance video of him beating Ventura “indefensible.” However, she argued that these acts do not equate to racketeering or sex trafficking. “He will be accountable for the things he did, but we will fight for the things he did not do,” she told the jury.
4. Defense Attacks Accusers’ Credibility
Combs’ legal team questioned the motives of his accusers, suggesting they were driven by jealousy and financial gain. Geragos claimed some, like Ventura, sought civil settlements instead of criminal justice, branding it a “money grab.” She urged jurors to scrutinize every witness’s potential bias.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 12: Charlie Lucci departs after the opening statements in the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial at the Southern District Manhattan Federal court on May 12, 2025 in New York City. Combs has been in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn New York since his arrest last September and has pleaded not guilty on all charges. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)5. 2016 Hotel Surveillance Video Takes Center Stage
The prosecution’s first witness, security guard Israel Florez, confirmed the violent 2016 assault, describing Ventura with a purple eye and testifying that Combs attempted to bribe him for silence. The video, released last year by CNN, is a key piece of evidence. Legal experts say it supports the narrative that Combs used violence to maintain control over his victims.
6. Second Witness: Paid Sex Worker Alleges Assaults
Daniel Phillip, a 41-year-old man, testified he was paid thousands of dollars between 2012 and 2014 to have sex with Ventura while Combs watched. He described two separate incidents of abuse, including one where Combs allegedly dragged Ventura by her hair into a room and slapped her while yelling commands. Phillip’s cross-examination begins Tuesday.
7. Explicit Testimony Prompts Family Walkouts
Graphic descriptions of sexual acts, urination, voyeurism, and violence dominated much of Monday’s session. At one point, Combs’ daughters walked out of the courtroom during disturbing testimony, returning briefly before leaving again. His son comforted their grandmother as the testimony continued.
8. Family Support on Display
Despite the grim accusations, Combs’ family showed up in full support. He greeted them with smiles, hand gestures, and a heart symbol. His children, sister, and mother were all seated behind him, exchanging supportive glances throughout the proceedings.
9. Jury Selection Finalized
Before opening arguments, the final jury of 12, including eight men and four women, was seated, along with six alternates. The selection process involved scrutiny over media exposure, and although some had seen the infamous surveillance video, all jurors pledged impartiality. The defense challenged the government’s jury strikes for racial bias, but Judge Arun Subramanian ruled in the prosecution’s favor.
The trial continues Tuesday (13) with further cross-examination of Daniel Phillip and possibly more harrowing testimony. As both sides fight to shape the narrative—consent versus coercion—the courtroom will remain at the center of one of the most shocking celebrity trials in recent history.
