As the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking trial heats up in Manhattan, lawyers on both sides previewed their approaches ahead of witness testimony.
Jury selection was delayed Friday morning as Combs’ defense attorneys and federal prosecutors deliberated on certain topics they agree will be off-limits during the cross-examination of witnesses.
Referencing “separate” incidents of alleged violence, Combs’ defense lawyers indicated that they hope to portray Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ longtime ex-girlfriend and the star witness in this trial, as an “aggressive and violent” person who is “capable of starting physical confrontations.” Combs’ lawyers wish to undermine the government’s argument that Ventura was “coerced” by Combs into sexual activity by painting her as a “strong” person “with a nature of violence.”
Federal prosecutors argued that such incidents are outside of the scope of this trial, while Judge Arun Subramanian questioned whether the defense’s claim that Ventura was at times “violent” is relevant to the allegations of sex trafficking and coercion.
“Strong people can be coerced just like weak people,” the judge said firmly.
Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lead counsel, said the defense will “definitely” take the position that “there was a huge role of violence in [Combs and Ventura’s] relationship.” Combs’ lawyers believe that these separate incidents of alleged violence are relevant because they relate to “pertinent character traits” belonging to Ventura. It is uncertain whether the judge will allow the defense to make such assertions to the jury.
Ventura, who is referred to as “Victim-1” in court documents, is a key witness in the prosecution’s case against Combs. She had an intimate relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018 and accused him of rape and abuse in a 2023 civil lawsuit that was promptly settled. Combs denies those allegations.
A hotel surveillance video published by CNN that allegedly depicts Combs beating Ventura and dragging her across a hallway was seen by many of the potential jurors. CNN’s copy of the video will not be used as evidence in the trial, but “variants” of the footage will be shown to the jury.
Ventura is expected to testify next week after opening statements begin Monday, May 12. The jury has still yet to be confirmed for the trial, as the 43 potential jurors will be brought in early Monday morning for peremptory strikes.
Combs’ trial began Monday in a New York courthouse and is expected to last at least eight weeks. During jury selection, potential jurors were asked about their prior knowledge of the case, their opinions on Combs, and whether there is any reason they couldn’t render a fair and impartial judgment, among many other questions. They also were shown a list of more than 190 people and places and asked if they personally know any of the names.
Combs is facing five counts, including one for racketeering, two for sex trafficking and two for transportation to engage in prostitution. If he is convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Since 2023, the music mogul has been hit with more than 70 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct ranging from rape to sex trafficking. Those lawsuits are separate from the federal trial, which will feature testimony from Ventura and other alleged victims.
Having interviewed more than 50 witnesses and recovered evidence from more than 100 electronics, federal prosecutors will set out to paint Combs as a serial abuser who led a vast criminal network upheld by assistants, security guards and other employees who kept their mouths shut for years. The charges in the indictment stem from alleged crimes that span from 2004 to 2024. Combs has denied all allegations and has insisted that all sexual activities were consensual.
