Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual harassment and domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
Explosive testimony continues in the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who faces serious allegations including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution – charges he vehemently denies.
A key witness, male escort Sharay Hayes, known by the stage name ‘The Punisher’, has revealed new details after video footage allegedly depicting Combs’ “freak offs” was shown in court for the first time earlier this week. Hayes claims he was present in some of these explicit videos and expressed shock at their existence, stating he was unaware he was being recorded during the encounters.
Inside the Alleged ‘Freak Offs’
Sharay Hayes, a former exotic dancer, previously testified about his alleged involvement in what have been described as often days-long “sex marathons” or “freak offs” allegedly orchestrated by Diddy. Hayes claims he was paid, initially $800 in 2012 and later $1,200 to $2,000, to engage in sexual acts with Combs’ longtime girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, while the music mogul allegedly watched and directed.
During his testimony, Hayes described multiple encounters over several years. He stated that during the 2012 session, which he claims was his first “freak off” at the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan, Diddy was present, allegedly disguised, and directed the acts. Hayes noted that while Cassie would sometimes “wince or sigh,” she otherwise appeared comfortable during these sessions – a point that could potentially complicate the prosecution’s case regarding coercion.
Courtroom Videos Shown for the First Time
After weeks of the jury hearing graphic details, audio recordings, and seeing still images related to the alleged events, video clips were played in court. These clips were presented during Monday’s session (June 16) as evidence, offering a visual element to the previous testimony from witnesses like Cassie Ventura and Sharay Hayes.
Three video clips, edited down to just over two minutes in total from original recordings made in October 2012, October 2014, and December 2014, were shown. Access was restricted to the jury, judge, witness, and involved parties; the defense monitors were reportedly not shown the footage to prevent public viewing.
Reports from within the courtroom describe the jury’s reaction as largely “stone-faced.” However, visible discomfort was noted, with some jurors lifting eyebrows, looking away, furrowing brows, or shaking their heads. One female juror was seen putting her hand to her head, while another appeared to wince in her seat, suggesting a “horrifying reaction” to the explicit content.
Witness’s Shock and Fear of Leaks
In a recent interview, Sharay Hayes revealed his profound shock upon learning that video recordings of his encounters allegedly existed and were being shown in court. He claims that any video featuring him must have been taken “candidly without my knowledge.”
“I’m shocked that there is a video because whatever video was taken was something that was done candidly without my knowledge,” Hayes stated, adding he had never seen any such footage before.
This revelation is particularly striking given Hayes’ account that discretion was paramount during these meetings. He testified that part of the standard procedure was having his phone confiscated specifically to prevent any recording or filming. The discovery that the encounters were allegedly filmed by others contradicts this insistence on privacy.
Hayes also voiced significant concern about the potential for the explicit footage shown in court to be leaked online. He expressed fear that the videos could end up on social media or even pornographic websites, causing deep embarrassment and permanently associating his name with the trial. He likened the public exposure to being on a “billboard in Times Square,” feeling the saga will define him for the rest of his life. While acknowledging his choice to participate, he stated he never anticipated being filmed.
Diddy’s Alleged Reaction Described as ‘Disturbing’
Adding another layer to the unfolding events, reports emerged regarding Sean Combs’ demeanor after Sharay Hayes was shown the footage in a side room during the trial. Diddy was allegedly seen licking his lips and grinning.
When asked about this reported reaction, Hayes found himself “speechless.” He described Combs’ alleged behavior as “disturbing,” “unusual,” and “curious,” stating it prompted his “first no comment” response.
Trial Progress and Defense Strategy
The trial continues, although it experienced a delay this week due to a juror’s medical issue. The prosecution is expected to conclude its case soon, with potential upcoming witnesses like Brendan Paul, identified in a civil lawsuit as Diddy’s alleged drug mule.
Sean Combs maintains his not-guilty plea. His legal team has reportedly conceded that he can be violent but denies using threats or his music industry influence for abuse. The defense has also reportedly attempted to counter allegations of coercion by presenting evidence, such as text messages from Cassie Ventura, suggesting she was involved in planning the “freak offs” and implying she was “into them.”
Sharay Hayes himself noted that despite the potentially damaging nature of the videos for Diddy, he does not believe his specific sexual encounters with Cassie rise to the level of the sex trafficking allegations, acknowledging the footage could potentially be interpreted in ways that support either side’s arguments.
The sensitive trial proceeds, with more developments anticipated as testimony continues.
