Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial: Mogul’s Attorney Confirms Domestic Violence in Past Relationship
Court is officially in session for Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Nearly eight months after the rap mogul was arrested for sex trafficking, prostitution, racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, as well as transportation to engage in prostitution—his trial began May 12. (The 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges.)
In opening statements, prosecutor Emily Johnson described Combs as a “king” who “expected to be treated like one” from his sprawling network of employees, according to NBC News reporters in the courtroom.
“He used his companies to manipulate women, forcing them with male escorts to have sex while he watched,” Johnson told the jury, which consists of eight men and four women. “He and his inner circle made sure he got everything he wanted.”
She then discussed Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, telling the jury that the Bad Boy Records founder “beat her brutally, kicking her in the back and flinging her around like a rag doll” after learning that she had begun a romantic relationship with someone else. (Combs and Ventura dated on and off from 2007 to 2018.)
