In the ongoing federal criminal trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs, facing grave charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, jurors were recently shown explicit video evidence central to the prosecution’s case. The footage, described as depicting “freak-off” sexual encounters, was presented to the jury on screens equipped with privacy guards, highlighting the sensitive nature of the material.
Combs, 55, maintains his plea of not guilty to the charges, which stem from a September 2024 federal indictment and subsequent superseding indictments. His defense team argues that all sexual activities were consensual and part of a swinger lifestyle, denying accusations of trafficking and coercion.
Explicit Videos Presented as Key Evidence
During proceedings on Monday, June 16, excerpts from several explicit videos, recovered from a laptop belonging to Combs’ former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura (professionally known as Cassie), were shown to the jury. The prosecution characterized these videos, dating from 2012 and 2014, as segments of “drug-fueled sex marathons” that underpin their allegations of a criminal enterprise.
The footage was not displayed to the general courtroom audience or reporters. Jurors reportedly viewed the brief clips (some around 30 seconds, one excerpt from a longer 39-minute video) privately, with some exhibiting visible reactions like wincing or removing headphones. Prosecutors stated the purpose of showing these videos was to establish Ventura’s presence at specific hotel locations where they allege travel was arranged for male escorts to participate in these encounters.
One clip was linked to an October 14, 2012, stay at the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan. Evidence presented alongside this included an invoice booked under a Combs alias (“Frank Black”) and text messages between Ventura and a sex worker, arranging a meeting there. Another video was tied to an October 20, 2012 date, and a third from December 4, 2014.
Supporting Evidence and Allegations of Coercion
Beyond the video footage, prosecutors have presented a range of evidence to support their claims that Combs orchestrated elaborate, coercive sexual performances. This includes:
Text Messages: Communications between Combs and Ventura, such as a 2013 text where he asks about having a “freak-off” to celebrate Christmas. Texts between Ventura and another former girlfriend, “Jane,” and Combs’ former chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, have also been highlighted. Ventura and Jane allegedly sought help from Khorram regarding alleged violence and abuse, including Jane detailing alleged threats from Combs to release her sex tapes.
Financial Records: Credit card statements from a Bad Boy Entertainment account reportedly show payments for flights for both Cassie Ventura and a male escort named Jules Theodore, suggesting Combs intermingled business resources with personal arrangements related to the alleged activities. Travel invoices listing Bad Boy Entertainment for Ventura’s travel have also been shown.
Witness Testimony:
Cassie Ventura testified that Combs hindered her career and forced her into participating in “freak-offs” often involving sex with other men in his presence, describing them as drug-fueled, multi-day events.
Another former assistant, “Mia,” accused Combs of sexual assault and physical violence.
“Jane,” who dated Combs from 2021 to 2024, testified about “hotel nights” she felt coerced into enduring under the influence of drugs, which Combs allegedly watched. She described her relationship with Combs as a “dark and humiliating lifestyle” and mentioned alleged threats about explicit videos.
Former assistants like Jonathan Perez and Joey Chavez have testified about preparing for “king nights” or “freak-offs,” including specific room setups and difficult cleanups, and reporting explicit videos found on devices to Khorram.
A security officer testified about accepting a bribe related to footage of Combs allegedly assaulting Ventura.
Prosecutors describe Combs’ former chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, as his “right hand” and a potential “agent and co-conspirator,” presenting texts where she allegedly coordinated travel for escorts and drugs (“Guido package”).
Procedural Updates and Defense Stance
On Monday, prior to the video presentation, the judge dismissed a juror due to “clear inconsistencies” regarding residency, raising concerns about their candor. This followed objections from the defense regarding potential impacts on jury diversity. An alternate juror took the dismissed juror’s place.
The prosecution has indicated they may rest their case as early as Wednesday, after which the defense is expected to begin presenting their witnesses.
Sean Combs was arrested in September 2024 and has since been denied bail multiple times, remaining incarcerated in Brooklyn. The defense maintains that while Combs’ relationships may have involved domestic disputes, the sexual activity was consensual, and he was not engaged in criminal trafficking. The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks.
