Prosecutors at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ s*x tr*fficking trial presented over the past six weeks substantial evidence that the hip-hop mogul physically ab*sed his former girlfriends and directed them to have s*x with paid male escorts. However, Combs’ defense is likely to emphasise instances where the women participated willingly. This aimed to strengthen their case to the jury, legal experts said.
Prosecutors Present Evidence Against Sean Diddy Combs
As reported by Reuters, prosecutors are expected to conclude their case against Combs. He is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a key figure in popularising hip-hop in American culture, on Monday in Manhattan federal court. The defense plans to call witnesses of its own later this week. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of s*x tr*fficking, along with charges of r*cketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in pr*stitution.
The s*x tr*fficking charges carry the highest potential prison sentences— a mandatory minimum of 15 years and possibly life imprisonment if convicted. To secure a conviction for s*x tr*fficking, prosecutors must demonstrate that the s*x acts were commercial. Also, prove that Combs used force, threats, fraud, or coercion to compel his girlfriends to participate. The defence contends that both former girlfriends, R&B singer Casandra Ventura and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane, were willing participants.
Prosecutor’s Allegations
“There’s got to be a linkage between the force, fraud, and coercion and the participation in the sex act,” said Sarah Krissoff, a former federal prosecutor in Manhattan. “There is some murky testimony and evidence in there regarding that, and the defence is certainly going to hammer that.” Prosecutors allege that for nearly 20 years, Combs forced two of his ex-girlfriends into ecstasy-fueled, days-long s*xual performances sometimes called “Freak Offs” with male prostitutes in hotel rooms while he watched, m*sturbated, and occasionally filmed the acts.
His defense lawyers do not deny that the s*x acts occurred and acknowledge Combs’ history of domestic ab*se. During cross-examination of government witnesses, the defence highlighted s*xually explicit text messages in which the women expressed affection for Combs. Both women testified that they participated in the s*xual performances at times to please Combs. They did so even after enduring brutal beatings by him.
Lawyers for the defense are expected to use this evidence to argue that Ventura and Jane participated consensually. They potentially could convince even a single juror, Krissoff explained, now a partner at law firm Cozen O’Connor. For any of the five counts to result in a conviction, the 12-member jury must unanimously determine that prosecutors proved their allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
About Trauma Bonds
Prosecutors contend that the length of Ventura’s and Jane’s relationships with Combs does not imply consent to the s*x acts. Both women testified that Combs had beaten them, threatened to cut off financial support, or publicly released explicit videos he had recorded of them. Experts, including forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes, have testified that her insights could be crucial in challenging the defense’s claim that Ventura and Jane participated consensually in the “Freak Offs.”
Also Read: Sean Diddy Combs Gets Slight Respite; Court DISMISSES 5 Charges In $30 Million S*xual Assault Lawsuit
Akankshya Mukherjee has a passion for creativity and the drive to contribute as a valuable asset to the organisation. She is hungry for learning new skills. For her professional journey, she sees potential growth in communications, content writing, and reporting.