The high-profile federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York City faced an unexpected delay this week. Proceedings were abruptly canceled on Wednesday, June 18, after a juror reported experiencing a medical issue described as vertigo symptoms on the way to court.
This sudden halt came just one day before the trial was already scheduled for a recess to observe the Juneteenth federal holiday on Thursday, June 19. The court, presided over by Judge Arun Subramanian, is expected to reconvene on Friday, June 20.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five criminal counts, including racketeering, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The trial has drawn significant attention, featuring dramatic testimony and the presentation of controversial evidence.
Key Witness Testimony Details Emerge
Recent court sessions have focused heavily on witness testimony. A significant portion of the proceedings has involved the testimony of a key government witness identified by the pseudonym “Jane,” who is also referred to as “Victim-2” in the indictment.
“Jane” testified about her relationship with Combs, stating that while initial encounters were consensual, she alleged that starting in May 2021, he began arranging for her to have sex with other men while he watched. She described these events, sometimes called “hotel nights” or “freak offs,” as often lasting 24-30 hours without sleep and potentially involving multiple men.
She claimed she felt immense pressure and obligation to participate in these acts because Combs was covering her living expenses, including rent and a negotiated monthly allowance, agreed upon during one of these “hotel nights” in what she alleged Combs called a “love contract.” “Jane” testified that if she objected to his requests, he would allegedly threaten to withdraw financial support, leaving her feeling financially trapped and unable to refuse, particularly as her own income declined while she prioritized the relationship.
Her testimony included graphic details about the physical toll of these sessions, including frequent infections and pain. She also recounted alleged demands from Combs, such as requesting she get her nipples pierced.
“Jane” further testified about an alleged severe physical assault in June 2024 following an argument, describing being kicked, put in a chokehold, dragged, and punched, resulting in visible injuries. Photos of a damaged door were reportedly entered as evidence. She also described an alleged forced “hotel night” on her birthday in 2023, stating that Combs appeared “disappointed” and allegedly refused to use condoms when she asked an escort to do so.
She told the court that reading the details of Cassie Ventura’s settled lawsuit against Combs was profoundly disturbing, feeling like reading her “own story” due to striking similarities. She alleged she texted Combs about this, describing the experiences as “sexual exploitation” where she felt “forced” and “heavily drugged” during recorded footage.
Other Developments and Evidence
Beyond “Jane’s” testimony, the trial has seen other significant moments. Jurors were recently shown several minutes of video footage, alleged by the prosecution to depict Combs’ “freak offs” from 2012-2014. While the gallery could not see the screen, reports indicated audible sounds from jurors’ headphones and visible reactions from those viewing the clips.
Recent testimony also included evidence from phone and text records related to the alleged 2016 assault of Cassie Ventura Fine at a Los Angeles hotel, previously seen in surveillance footage. Texts reportedly show Combs pleading with Ventura Fine to return and referencing a sex worker. Evidence also detailed the alleged involvement of Combs’ then-chief of staff and bodyguard in responding to the incident.
The court has also addressed ongoing juror issues, including a recent dismissal of a juror and potential concerns raised about another juror’s alleged improper conversation about the case. Defense motions for a mistrial have been denied.
The trial is expected to continue with further witness testimony upon its resumption on Friday. Among those potentially called to testify is Brendan Paul, Combs’ former assistant, who was previously arrested in connection with the government’s investigation.
