The high-profile sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs intensified on Monday as key witness Daniel Phillip, a 41-year-old male escort, took the stand. His hour-long testimony, described as extremely graphic, focused on his sexual encounters with Combs and his then-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, from 2012 to 2014. Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey meticulously questioned Phillip about the nature of these interactions, revealing shocking details about the events that transpired during that period.
According to Phillip, he was compensated anywhere between $700 and $6,000 for his sexual engagements with Ventura, often while Combs observed. Phillip recounted instances of witnessing Combs physically abuse Ventura, and chillingly, he mentioned being given the drug MDMA on one occasion. His introduction to Combs' world began in 2012 when he managed a male revue show in Manhattan. A request from his boss led him to the Gramercy Park Hotel for what he thought would be a bachelorette party, only to find Ventura waiting in lingerie, ready for a much different experience.
Upon entering the hotel room, Phillip was immediately handed a significant amount of cash as Ventura explained it was her birthday and that Combs had arranged this special gift for her. Unbeknownst to Phillip at the time, Combs was also in the room, disguised in a white robe and bandana. As Phillip engaged with Ventura, Combs remained seated in a corner, watching and masturbating. Phillip only recognized Combs by his voice during the encounter, which lasted several hours. Afterward, Ventura texted Phillip to return for another session, which involved similar acts of intimacy as Combs continued to observe.
Phillip's encounters with Combs and Ventura became a regular occurrence at various hotels and residences across Manhattan. He described the scene during these meetings, which often included candles, baby oil, and Astroglide lubricant. Role-playing was also a part of these interactions, with Combs directing the activities and instructing Phillip on when to ejaculate. Phillip noted the discomfort of these arrangements, particularly when Combs would switch places with him to engage with Ventura directly.
Notably, Phillip mentioned that during these meetings, Combs would sometimes exhibit violent behavior. One alarming incident involved Combs allegedly throwing a glass bottle at Ventura and dragging her by her hair while she screamed for mercy. Phillip expressed his fear during these moments, feeling that intervening could threaten his own life. He described Combs as someone with “unlimited power,” making it difficult for him to act against the abuse he witnessed.
On one occasion, Phillip was offered MDMA by Combs, which left him feeling both euphoric and physically ill. Despite the troubling dynamics, Phillip admitted that the excitement of being involved with famous individuals overshadowed any concerns about the money exchanged for sex. However, he started to feel uncomfortable as he witnessed more instances of abuse directed toward Ventura, which affected his ability to perform sexually in Combs' presence.
Despite the risks and the troubling behavior he observed, Phillip maintained contact with both Combs and Ventura, citing concern for Ventura's well-being as a primary reason. He described feeling like he needed to check on her, driven by fear of aggravating Combs, who he believed posed a danger. The trial has also seen testimonies from other witnesses, including a security guard who recalled an incident of alleged assault in a hotel.
The trial officially commenced this week with the jury sworn in and opening statements delivered. Federal prosecutors are working to establish that Combs utilized his fame and influence to engage in sex trafficking and abuse, while Combs' defense team argues that all sexual activities cited were consensual. As more testimonies unfold, including anticipated statements from Ventura herself, the courtroom is poised for further shocking revelations regarding the allegations against Sean Combs.
