Key Points Summary: Diddy Trial Testimony
- Cassie Ventura expected to testify Monday in Diddy sex-trafficking trial
- Prosecutors say she was forced into โfreak-offsโ and filmed without consent
- Diddy accused of decades-long abuse and racketeering at Bad Boy Records
- First two witnesses include an escort and another unnamed individual
- Trial includes disturbing footage of Combs attacking Cassie in 2016
- Defense admits abuse but alleges โmutual violenceโ in their relationship
- Diddy faces life in prison if convicted on all charges
Diddy Trial Testimony Begins With Cassie as Key Witness
The explosive sex-trafficking trial of Sean โDiddyโ Combs is set to begin Mondayโand his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura will take the stand as one of the first witnesses.
Federal prosecutors say Ventura, 38, will provide emotional testimony detailing how the hip-hop mogul allegedly forced her into drug-fueled sexual encounters, known as โfreak-offs,โ while he filmed the abuse.
The courtroom drama begins just days after Ventura was spotted in New York, preparing for her moment on the stand.
Federal Judge Delays Jury Finalization
On Friday, Judge Arun Subramanian postponed the final stage of jury selection until Monday, citing juror anxiety about the highly publicized case.
One potential juror even requested removal for โpersonal well-being.โ
Twelve jurors and six alternates will now be sworn in Monday morning, followed immediately by opening statements.
Cassie Among First to Testify
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey, Ventura will be the prosecutionโs third witness. Two othersโan escort and a logistics-limited individualโwill testify first.
Court documents identify Cassie as โVictim-1,โ but sources confirm she will testify using her real name.
Among the evidence is disturbing video footage allegedly showing Diddy kicking and punching Ventura during a 2016 hotel attack.
Abuse Allegations and Leverage Tactics
Venturaโs testimony is expected to cover shocking accusations, including claims that Combs used recorded sex acts to manipulate and control his victims.
The indictment alleges the music mogul operated Bad Boy Records as a โcriminal enterprise,โ orchestrating kidnappings, assaults, and even an arson.
The Harlem-born artist is also accused of dangling a victim from a balcony.
Defense Admits AbuseโBut Calls It Mutual
Diddyโs legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, plans to admit that Combs physically assaulted Ventura. However, they argue the violence was mutual.
โThere was hitting on both sides,โ Agnifilo told the court.
The defense sought to introduce Cassieโs alleged violent past to undermine her credibility, but Judge Subramanian rejected that as a โstretch.โ
โStrong People Can Be Coercedโ
Subramanian pushed back on the claim that Cassieโs strength makes her immune to coercion. โStrong people can be coerced just like weak people,โ the judge said.
The court also approved Venturaโs request for bathroom breaks every 90 minutes due to her pregnancy.
Doug Wigdor, Venturaโs civil attorney, was spotted in court Friday and later seen in private talks with prosecutors.
Trial Could Last Two Months
Prosecutors expect the trial to stretch over at least eight weeks.
The charges include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals to engage in prostitution. Diddy has pleaded not guilty.
His defense insists the โfreak-offsโ were part of a consensual, albeit unconventional, sex lifeโnot criminal behavior.
But if convicted, the music mogul could face life behind bars.
A Trial That Could Reshape the Music Industry
With shocking allegations, celebrity witnesses, and high-stakes implications, the Diddy trial is set to be one of the biggest courtroom battles of the year.
The spotlight is onโand it starts with Cassie.