In a shocking turn of events at the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking trial, jurors were presented with explicit videos that highlight the alleged “freak-off” sex marathons at the center of the case. The prosecution unveiled excerpts of these videos during a courtroom session on Monday, providing a vivid insight into the drug-fueled encounters that have been referenced throughout the trial, which commenced on May 12.
The prosecutors showcased clips from three sexually explicit videos recovered from a cellphone linked to Combs, which was provided to authorities by his former girlfriend, Cassie (real name Casandra Ventura). One particularly notable video was recorded on October 14, 2012, coinciding with an alleged encounter involving Combs, Cassie, and a sex worker identified as Sharay Hayes, known colloquially as “The Punisher.”
Prior to presenting the video to the jury, prosecutors displayed an invoice for a stay at the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Manhattan, booked under Combs’ alias, Frank Black. The invoice included a note indicating that the room was requested for 3 a.m., aligning with the timeline of the alleged meetup.
In addition to the videos, jurors were shown a series of text messages exchanged between Cassie and Hayes, where Cassie arranged for the meetup. In one message, she inquired, “Can we actually do 3 a.m. at the Trump hotel, Columbus Circle?” Hayes confirmed, stating, “Great. I’ll text when I’m on my way,” and mentioned a fee of $200 cash for the encounter.
Additional video excerpts were shown from dates including October 20, 2012, and December 4, 2014. The clips, although only a few minutes long, elicited reactions from jurors, with at least one visibly wincing at the graphic content. However, the overall response was largely subdued. Defense attorneys argue that the videos demonstrate consensual sexual activity, disputing the prosecution’s claims of criminal conduct.
The graphic nature of the videos led to them being restricted for viewing only by jurors, the prosecution and defense teams, and Combs himself, all of whom used headphones to listen to the audio. Members of the press and public were barred from accessing this explicit content. This event marked a significant moment in a trial that has otherwise seen a more procedural approach, as prosecutors are nearing the end of their case, planning to rest on Wednesday.
Following the prosecution’s conclusion, Combs’ defense team is set to begin calling their own witnesses. A forensic video expert previously testified for the prosecution, identifying the videos by date and characterizing them as “sex videos.” Until Monday, jurors had only seen still images from these videos.
Combs, aged 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. He was arrested in September at a New York hotel and has been denied bail multiple times, remaining in custody at a federal facility in Brooklyn since that time. Earlier in the trial, jurors heard text messages from Combs' ex-girlfriend, referred to as “Jane,” who expressed concerns about their tumultuous relationship and the alleged threats Combs made regarding explicit videos.
Jane, who dated Combs from 2021 until his arrest, characterized their lifestyle as “dark and humiliating.” She relayed to Combs that he exploited her, and in another message to his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, she detailed a threatening interaction where Combs allegedly threatened to share explicit videos with her child’s father.
Before the jury entered the courtroom on Monday, Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed a juror due to “clear inconsistencies” in his responses regarding his residency. The judge expressed concerns about the juror's honesty and integrity during the selection process. Despite defense lawyers’ protests about the potential impact on jury diversity, the judge opted not to question the juror further, stating that it could lead to “another set of shifting answers.”
As the trial unfolds, the evidence presented, particularly the explicit videos and the surrounding testimonies, will play a critical role in determining the outcome of this high-profile case involving one of hip-hop’s most prominent figures.
