In a gripping session on Thursday, Sean Combs’ ex-girlfriend took the witness stand, recounting the dramatic events of a night in January 2024. This incident allegedly unfolded in a Las Vegas hotel room, involving another renowned rapper, a male escort, and a group of attendees. Although the rapper's identity remained undisclosed, Combs’ attorney, Teny Geragos, characterized him as “an icon in the music industry.” Throughout her questioning, Geragos repeatedly referenced this incident, framing it within the context of the "swingers lifestyle," a key element of Combs’ defense strategy.
The ex-girlfriend, referred to as Victim-2 in the sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy indictment against Combs, described how she found herself in the situation after arriving in Las Vegas on a private jet owned by the unnamed rapper. Accompanied by a friend, she asserted that Combs was unaware of her trip. At the time, she had recently confronted Combs about her emotional “trauma” following the 2023 sex trafficking lawsuit filed by Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, which had led to a temporary break in their relationship.
Under the pseudonym “Jane,” the witness detailed the purpose of her trip, which was to celebrate the birthday of the rapper’s girlfriend or wife. She expressed her astonishment when the celebration included a male “entertainer,” a euphemism for the escort Combs allegedly hired for their drug-fueled threesomes, often referred to as “hotel nights.” Jane recounted that although she and Combs had knowledge of the escort's presence, she was still taken aback when he appeared at the birthday gathering.
As the festivities transitioned to a private suite at the Encore hotel, Jane testified that the escort engaged in sexual acts with a woman while a group of seven or eight onlookers watched. The unidentified rapper then approached her, engaging in what she described as “flirty banter.” Jane recounted, “He said something like he thought I was beautiful and always wanted to ‘blank’ me.” As the night progressed, she admitted to flashing her breasts and dancing around in the hotel room.
During the intense cross-examination, Geragos pressed Jane on why the couple inquired about her knowing “anybody else in the lifestyle,” suggesting a suspicion that she and Combs might also be involved in similar activities. Jane reasoned that the rapper might have picked up on her energy or assumed her connection to the lifestyle.
The line of questioning was crucial for Combs’ defense. Prior to jury selection, a lengthy meeting took place involving Combs’ defense team, Jane’s attorney, and prosecutors regarding the request to disclose the rapper’s name in court. While the defense underscored the importance of revealing more details about the Las Vegas incident to potentially encourage others present that night to come forward, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey argued that naming the rapper would serve only to “harass and intimidate” Jane. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that while the defense could question Jane about that night, the rapper’s identity must remain confidential.
In her opening remarks, Geragos informed jurors that the evidence would illustrate Combs’ engagement in a “swingers lifestyle” with both Ventura and Jane, claiming it was a mere euphemism for consensual adult encounters. She contended that both women willingly participated in these activities due to their long-term relationships with Combs, asserting that this behavior did not constitute sex trafficking as alleged in the indictment.
Over the course of six days, Jane’s emotional testimony revealed the complexity of her relationship with Combs, which began in early 2021. She described her initial experiences with “hotel nights” as overwhelming, noting that her willingness to engage stemmed from a desire to please Combs. What started as a single encounter spiraled into a series of “hotel nights” that Jane felt trapped in, despite expressing her desire for a monogamous relationship.
Prosecutors allege that Jane was predominantly a victim of sex trafficking characterized by fraud, as she was misled into believing that these marathon sessions would lead to meaningful time with Combs afterward. Instead, the aftermath often left them recovering from excessive partying, with little one-on-one interaction that Jane craved.
In distressing testimony, Jane described an incident on June 18, 2024, when she alleged Combs became violent during a confrontation at her home, reportedly breaking down doors and physically assaulting her. She claimed he demanded she cover her injuries with makeup for a “forced” sexual encounter with a male escort, who happened to be the same escort from the earlier birthday party.
As the questioning progressed, Jane revealed that her relationship with Combs was rife with emotional manipulation and pressure. She recounted feeling obligated to fulfill her role as a “good girlfriend” and disclosed her struggles with understanding why she continued to engage in activities that ultimately caused her distress.
When asked if she would return anything she received from Combs if given the chance to erase her experiences, she affirmed, “Yes.” This response highlighted the depth of her feelings towards Combs and the tumultuous nature of their relationship.
Sean Combs, now 55, remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center, facing serious charges including sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence ranging from 15 years to life. His attorneys assert that while Combs may have exhibited problematic behavior and struggled with substance abuse, his interest in consensual “kinky sex” does not equate to criminal activity. They argue that the women involved were consenting partners in a complicated relationship, not victims of trafficking.
This high-profile trial continues to unfold, revealing the intricate dynamics of celebrity relationships and the serious implications of the allegations against Combs.
