Overview
- Cassie Ventura, Sean 'Diddy' Combs' ex-girlfriend, testified about enduring frequent physical abuse, blackmail, and coerced participation in 'freak-off' sex parties during their decade-long relationship.
- Prosecutors presented a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs violently assaulting Ventura, which the defense characterized as evidence of domestic violence but not sex trafficking.
- Ventura described the 'freak-offs' as multi-day, drug-fueled sex performances involving male escorts, which she initially agreed to out of love but later continued under threats and blackmail.
- Defense attorneys argued that the encounters were consensual and part of Combs' 'swingers' lifestyle, while conceding his behavior was at times violent and indefensible.
- If convicted on charges including racketeering and sex trafficking, Combs faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison, with the trial expected to last approximately eight weeks.