A Manhattan jury was confronted with shocking footage during the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, showcasing the depraved “freak-off” sex sessions that are central to the allegations against him. On Monday, video excerpts featuring Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, were presented to the jury, but were not accessible to members of the press or anyone else in the courtroom. This decision comes after Manhattan federal court Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that publicly airing the graphic content could further traumatize the women involved who have reportedly faced brutal treatment.
The videos, filmed by Combs between 2012 and 2014, depict Ventura, who was in a relationship with the rap mogul for 11 years, along with male escorts engaged in explicit sexual performances. One significant video was recorded at the Trump International Hotel located by Columbus Circle, with prosecutors presenting an invoice for the reservation, which was booked under the pseudonym “Frank Black.” In her testimony, Ventura alleged that Combs coerced her into participating in “hundreds” of drug-fueled sexual performances with hired male escorts, many of which included instances of assault where Combs would direct men to urinate on her.
Ventura testified that Combs frequently threatened to release footage of these sordid sex parties as a form of blackmail, using it to control her both professionally and financially. Throughout their tumultuous 11-year relationship, which began around 2007 after her signing with Bad Boy Records, she claimed that Combs physically assaulted her on numerous occasions, providing photographic evidence of her injuries as proof.
The jury has been informed that these “freak-off” events were characterized by excessive use of baby oil, with Combs often directing the performances while filming and engaging in masturbation. Law enforcement witnesses testified about the recovery of substantial amounts of lubricants, narcotics, ammunition, and semiautomatic weapons with altered serial numbers from Combs’ residences, highlighting the severity of the situation.
While Combs’ defense team has acknowledged that he has a history of violence against women, they assert that all sexual performances involved the consent of all participants. The trial is set to continue on Tuesday, with former Syracuse men’s basketball player Brendan Paul anticipated to take the stand as one of the prosecution’s final witnesses. Paul, alleged to have been Combs’ former drug mule, played as a walk-on for two seasons with the Orange before transferring to Fairmont State University.
On Monday, the jury was shown not only the videos but also text messages and bank records that have yet to be admitted into evidence. Prosecutors are expected to conclude their case in the coming days. Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, indicated that the defense intends to call three witnesses to the stand.
In an unexpected turn, Judge Subramanian dismissed a juror after discovering inconsistencies in his statements regarding his residency. The juror had initially claimed to live in the Bronx but later informed a court security officer that he had moved in with his girlfriend in New Jersey. After discussions about the juror’s lack of candor, the judge decided to replace him with an alternate. Combs’ team had argued against this replacement, suggesting that the prosecution was attempting to manipulate the jury due to the juror's race, a claim that the judge dismissed as baseless.
Sean Combs, 55, faces serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for prostitution, all of which could lead to decades in prison if he is convicted. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with prosecutors alleging that his public persona masked years of violence and abuse towards vulnerable women, aided by a criminal enterprise that maintained control over his victims and instilled fear in anyone perceived as a threat to his power.
