Cassie, Jane, freak-offs and firebombs: Inside Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial

New York: The federal sex trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is entering its final stage after nearly seven weeks of graphic testimony, explosive allegations and a star-studded list of witnesses. Prosecutors rested their case earlier this week after calling 34 witnesses. Combs’ legal team declined to call any witnesses in response, and the Bad Boy Records founder confirmed he would not testify in his own defence.

As jurors prepare for closing arguments on Thursday and Friday, the government has dropped several racketeering claims, including attempted kidnapping and arson, and one count of aiding and abetting sex trafficking — a move intended to streamline jury instructions. However, the overarching conspiracy charges and multiple sex trafficking counts remain.

According to USA TODAY, this development followed a hearing where prosecutors and defence attorneys debated how the jury should interpret sex trafficking laws. Prosecutor Madison Smyser argued, “sex trafficking may sometimes have occurred without a completed commercial sex act.” Combs’ attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, contested this interpretation, claiming it would “severely prejudice” the defence.

Trial opens with violent hotel video

On day one of the trial, jurors were shown security footage from 2016 that captured Combs violently attacking singer and ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura in a hallway at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles. In the video, Combs is seen kicking, punching and dragging Ventura near an elevator. Prosecutors allege Combs paid $100,000 to suppress the video, which surfaced publicly in May 2024.

“I’m not a rag doll. I’m somebody’s child,” Ventura texted Combs after the incident.

Graphic accounts of 'freak-offs' and coercion

In testimony that spanned four days, Ventura told jurors that Combs subjected her to multi-day drug-fuelled “freak-offs” in which she was forced to engage in sex with strangers while he watched. She also accused him of rape and detailed years of abuse during their relationship from 2007 to 2018. Ventura first made the allegations public in a lawsuit in 2023, which was settled the following day for $20 million.

Another woman, referred to by the pseudonym “Jane,” testified that Combs coerced her into sex acts against her will during their relationship from 2021 to 2023. “I’m not an animal. I need a break,” she told the court she pleaded with him. She said she felt compelled to comply partly because he paid her rent. Jane also claimed Combs assaulted her and used threats to control her.

“You beat the love out of us,” she texted him during one of the many confrontations she described.

Witnesses from music and personal circles testify

Rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified that his car was firebombed after a confrontation with Combs in 2011. A former Combs employee, Capricorn Clark, said Combs showed up at her house waving a gun on the same day and declared: “We’re going to kill Cudi.”

Cassie’s friend Bryana “Bana” Bongolan told jurors that Combs once dangled her over the edge of a 17th-floor balcony and threw her onto patio furniture. Six former personal assistants also described a culture of intimidation, frequent clean-ups of drugs and baby oil, and stockpiling supplies for Combs’ parties.

Another ex-assistant, “Mia,” testified that Combs forcibly kissed her and raped her in 2010. His lawyers have denied those claims.

Drugs, weapons, and security threats

Brendan Paul, one of Combs’ aides, admitted to purchasing drugs for the music mogul, including cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine and marijuana. During federal raids at Combs’ residences in Los Angeles and Miami, and a hotel room in New York, agents reported finding AR-15 rifles, ammunition, and so-called “freak-off” supplies.

No defence witnesses, no testimony from Combs

Combs’ defence team concluded its case in less than 30 minutes. Instead of presenting new evidence or witnesses, the attorneys focused on cross-examining prosecution witnesses and highlighting inconsistencies in their accounts. They questioned the motivations of accusers, pointing to friendly messages exchanged with Combs even after alleged abuse and claiming the case was part of a "#MeToo money grab."

Combs officially waived his right to testify during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.

“I've thoroughly discussed this with my legal team and I've decided not to testify. That is my decision, your honour. That is solely my decision... my decision to make. I'm making it,” he said.

Prosecutors narrow focus before closing arguments

In a move to streamline jury deliberations, prosecutors announced they would drop certain racketeering theories — including allegations of attempted kidnapping and arson linked to the Kid Cudi incident — as well as a claim that Combs aided and abetted sex trafficking. However, the core charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy remain.

The prosecution insists jurors should still consider acts that did not result in completed sex acts as part of the broader trafficking claims. Defence lawyers opposed this interpretation, calling it prejudicial.

Judge Subramanian is expected to issue final jury instructions before deliberations begin next week. Closing arguments from both sides are scheduled for June 27 and 28.

Combs remains in custody at a Brooklyn detention centre. He has been denied bail three times, with judges citing concerns over witness tampering and threats to the community.

(With inputs from AP)