🧵🚨: I'll be posting updates today on X about Sean "Diddy" Combs sex trafficking trial.
The jury has been finalized and opening statements are underway. The jury is 8 men and 4 women.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and his defense attorneys have previously said all sexual encounters were consensual.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson is delivering the opening statements for the government.
The jury has been finalized and opening statements are underway. The jury is 8 men and 4 women.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and his defense attorneys have previously said all sexual encounters were consensual.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson is delivering the opening statements for the government.
All statements are PARAPHRASED.
Johnson beings by introducing the defendant. She tells jurors, this is Sean Combs… Puff Daddy, there is another side, a side that ran a criminal enterprise. You will hear about 20 years of crimes.
Johnson starts by describing one night. Says Combs was on hunt for then-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura. She says he had abused her and that night, had discovered he lost control of Cassie and learned she was with another man. Johnson says Combs took gun and bodyguard, while yelling that he would kill the man Cassie was with. The prosecutor says when Combs finally found her --he beat her brutally, kicked her in the back and flung her around like a rag doll. Johnson says Combs had to make sure he had control over Cassie while also threatening to release videos of her having sex w/ male escorts. What the prosecutor describes as "souvenirs" of most humiliating nights in Cassie's life. Johnson says this is just the tip of the iceberg, and Cassie isn't the woman beat or sexually exploited by Combs.
Johnson beings by introducing the defendant. She tells jurors, this is Sean Combs… Puff Daddy, there is another side, a side that ran a criminal enterprise. You will hear about 20 years of crimes.
Johnson starts by describing one night. Says Combs was on hunt for then-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura. She says he had abused her and that night, had discovered he lost control of Cassie and learned she was with another man. Johnson says Combs took gun and bodyguard, while yelling that he would kill the man Cassie was with. The prosecutor says when Combs finally found her --he beat her brutally, kicked her in the back and flung her around like a rag doll. Johnson says Combs had to make sure he had control over Cassie while also threatening to release videos of her having sex w/ male escorts. What the prosecutor describes as "souvenirs" of most humiliating nights in Cassie's life. Johnson says this is just the tip of the iceberg, and Cassie isn't the woman beat or sexually exploited by Combs.
****WARNING GRAPHIC DETAILS****
Moving forward, I'll use Comb's moniker "Diddy".
Johnson's opening statement continues, now she's describing more of Diddy's relationship with Cassie and a "Jane" (a pseudonym)
Prosecutor says for yrs, the defendant used power and covered up crimes. She describes them as violent acts. Goes on to say Comb's bodyguard kidnapped an employee, a man’s car was set on fire. She tells jurors they'll see evidence of all of it.
Prosecutor says Diddy had impossible demands.
Johnson says the case is not about a celebrity's private sexual preferences but instead, says the evidence will show Diddy threatened women, drugged them, even used violence.
Johnson says a lot this trial will focus on TWO women - Cassie & Jane. She says Diddy used lies, drugs, threats, and violence to force Cassie and later, Jane, to have sex with escorts. The sexual performances lasted multiple days and with escorts and were dubbed, “freak-offs” and “hotel nights.”
She says at times, Diddy had women and escorts travel out of state.
She goes on to say that Diddy had particular demands - room set with supplies, preferred lighting and linens. She states the drugs included Molly -- leaving Casse and Jane sick, at times.
She says Diddy fed Cassie & Jane drugs so they could stay awake and perform for days -- dictating every step of the freak-offs to which he masturbated throughout.
Johnson says Cassie was 19-year-old model and singer with hit song when she met Diddy. She says Diddy pursued and they dated on and off until 2018. Prosecutor says Diddy made her turn down opportunities, but paid for her cars and necessities -with a final say on music she released.
Johnson says Diddy's abuse started early on. She tells jurors Diddy hit her in the head, threw and kicked her.
In 2009, prosecutor says Diddy threw Cassie to floor of SUV and then stomped on her face. She goes on to say Diddy hid her in a hotel and wouldn't let her leave. She says the then introduced her to “freak-offs.” For more than half a week, she was in a hotel room while high and performing sex acts on male escorts according to the prosecutor who says Cassie will tell jurors she choked when Diddy made an escort urinate in her mouth.
Tell jurors they will see on video that Diddy hit & kicked Cassie in hotel hallway trying to drag her back.
Johnson says Cassie tried the first freak-off because she loved Diddy but after that, didn’t want to. She goes on to say the consequences were severe -- says Diddy beat Cassie to show who was in charge. She says Diddy beat Cassie when she didn’t answer the phone, when he thought she took too long in the bathroom, when she tried to run away. She says Diddy always found her, with the help of his inner circle.
Moving forward, I'll use Comb's moniker "Diddy".
Johnson's opening statement continues, now she's describing more of Diddy's relationship with Cassie and a "Jane" (a pseudonym)
Prosecutor says for yrs, the defendant used power and covered up crimes. She describes them as violent acts. Goes on to say Comb's bodyguard kidnapped an employee, a man’s car was set on fire. She tells jurors they'll see evidence of all of it.
Prosecutor says Diddy had impossible demands.
Johnson says the case is not about a celebrity's private sexual preferences but instead, says the evidence will show Diddy threatened women, drugged them, even used violence.
Johnson says a lot this trial will focus on TWO women - Cassie & Jane. She says Diddy used lies, drugs, threats, and violence to force Cassie and later, Jane, to have sex with escorts. The sexual performances lasted multiple days and with escorts and were dubbed, “freak-offs” and “hotel nights.”
She says at times, Diddy had women and escorts travel out of state.
She goes on to say that Diddy had particular demands - room set with supplies, preferred lighting and linens. She states the drugs included Molly -- leaving Casse and Jane sick, at times.
She says Diddy fed Cassie & Jane drugs so they could stay awake and perform for days -- dictating every step of the freak-offs to which he masturbated throughout.
Johnson says Cassie was 19-year-old model and singer with hit song when she met Diddy. She says Diddy pursued and they dated on and off until 2018. Prosecutor says Diddy made her turn down opportunities, but paid for her cars and necessities -with a final say on music she released.
Johnson says Diddy's abuse started early on. She tells jurors Diddy hit her in the head, threw and kicked her.
In 2009, prosecutor says Diddy threw Cassie to floor of SUV and then stomped on her face. She goes on to say Diddy hid her in a hotel and wouldn't let her leave. She says the then introduced her to “freak-offs.” For more than half a week, she was in a hotel room while high and performing sex acts on male escorts according to the prosecutor who says Cassie will tell jurors she choked when Diddy made an escort urinate in her mouth.
Tell jurors they will see on video that Diddy hit & kicked Cassie in hotel hallway trying to drag her back.
Johnson says Cassie tried the first freak-off because she loved Diddy but after that, didn’t want to. She goes on to say the consequences were severe -- says Diddy beat Cassie to show who was in charge. She says Diddy beat Cassie when she didn’t answer the phone, when he thought she took too long in the bathroom, when she tried to run away. She says Diddy always found her, with the help of his inner circle.
****WARNING GRAPHIC DETAILS****
Prosecutor Johnson says Diddy threatened to destroy Cassie's career by releasing videos. She says Cassie knew failing to please Diddy had more than physical consequences -- the power to ruin her life.
Johnson says time and time again, when defendant suggested a "freak-off" Cassie knew she had no choice -- her livelihood and safety were dependent on keeping him happy.
The prosecutor says the relationship was complicated - they were unfaithful, violent, but only one had power and control - Diddy.
Johnson says it was part of pattern. She says Jane was a single mom who spent time w/ Diddy in 2020, desribing the first few months of their sex life as just the 2 of them until Diddy introduced Jane to freak-offs. Says Jane agreed to try one to make defendant happy. She says that night, Diddy took Jane to a hotel room that was set up and escort was on the way. Prosecutor says Jane thought first freak off was one time, wild night -- but was wrong.
Johnson says Diddy promised quality times and trips, but those were lies he told Jane to have more freak-offs. Johnson says Jane wanted the escorts to wear condoms -- and even tried to do the freak-offs without drugs, but broke down or vomited. Prosecutor says Diddy responded by telling her to hurry and get back in the room. Early on, she says Jane told Diddy he didn’t like encounters.
She says Diddy took steps to control Jane, financially, while threatening her with videos he recorded.
Johnson says not even 1 yr ago, Jane had the worst day of her life. She says Diddy and Jane argued over another woman. Johnson says Jane was upset, hit Combs, and threw things at him. Johnson says Diddy became enraged and Jane ran to a bedroom and locked the door. Johnson says Diddy kicked it open -- and Jane ran to other rooms, but Diddy kicked those doors open too. She says when Jane tried to run out, Diddy threw her to the ground.
Johnson says later that night, Diddy slapped Jane's face so hard she fell over and later would not let her leaving telling her, “you’re not going to f*** up my night” and made her call an escort -- the prosecutor says Jane followed instructions.
Prosecutor Johnson says Diddy threatened to destroy Cassie's career by releasing videos. She says Cassie knew failing to please Diddy had more than physical consequences -- the power to ruin her life.
Johnson says time and time again, when defendant suggested a "freak-off" Cassie knew she had no choice -- her livelihood and safety were dependent on keeping him happy.
The prosecutor says the relationship was complicated - they were unfaithful, violent, but only one had power and control - Diddy.
Johnson says it was part of pattern. She says Jane was a single mom who spent time w/ Diddy in 2020, desribing the first few months of their sex life as just the 2 of them until Diddy introduced Jane to freak-offs. Says Jane agreed to try one to make defendant happy. She says that night, Diddy took Jane to a hotel room that was set up and escort was on the way. Prosecutor says Jane thought first freak off was one time, wild night -- but was wrong.
Johnson says Diddy promised quality times and trips, but those were lies he told Jane to have more freak-offs. Johnson says Jane wanted the escorts to wear condoms -- and even tried to do the freak-offs without drugs, but broke down or vomited. Prosecutor says Diddy responded by telling her to hurry and get back in the room. Early on, she says Jane told Diddy he didn’t like encounters.
She says Diddy took steps to control Jane, financially, while threatening her with videos he recorded.
Johnson says not even 1 yr ago, Jane had the worst day of her life. She says Diddy and Jane argued over another woman. Johnson says Jane was upset, hit Combs, and threw things at him. Johnson says Diddy became enraged and Jane ran to a bedroom and locked the door. Johnson says Diddy kicked it open -- and Jane ran to other rooms, but Diddy kicked those doors open too. She says when Jane tried to run out, Diddy threw her to the ground.
Johnson says later that night, Diddy slapped Jane's face so hard she fell over and later would not let her leaving telling her, “you’re not going to f*** up my night” and made her call an escort -- the prosecutor says Jane followed instructions.
****WARNING GRAPHIC DETAILS****
Johnson says Diddy's violence got him what he wanted, she says Cassie will tell jurors about the time Diddy forced himself on her.
Johnson brings up the hotel video again, and says Diddy tried to cover it up -- saying he and inner circle tried to keep crimes out of public view to protect perception and power.
Prosecutor tells jurors Diddy is charged with multiple federal crimes: First, racketeering conspiracy. She says Diddy and enterprise agreed to commit crimes: kidnapping, drugs, bribery, obstruction, sex trafficking.
Johnson explains Diddy is charged separately for sex trafficking Cassie and Jane through force and coercion. She says Diddy made them participate in days-long, drug-fueled encounters with male escorts against their will.
She says Diddy is also charged with transporting Cassie and Jane across state lines.
Johnson tells jurors they'll hear from Cassie and Jane about how Diddy tried to control them with force and lies. She says both women will describe freak-offs in painstaking details -- tells jurors they'll hear about days awake in hotel rooms, high on drugs, dressed as characters.
Johnson tells jurors they'll also hear from the defendant’s employees - Nina, personal assistant, who will speak about the time Diddy forced himself on her sexually.
Johnson tells jurors they'll learn some witnesses have filed lawsuits.
Johnson tells jurors they'll hear from escorts about how Diddy directed the sexual activity with Cassie & Jane. She says jurors will hear from an escort who saw Diddy assault Cassie and drag her by the hair.
Johnson tells jurors they'll see records of physical damage on hotel rooms, messages from Jane telling defendant “over and over again” that she didn’t want to do freak-offs, and videos of freak offs.
Johnson tells jurors they'll see a video of defendant brutally beating Cassie during a freak off.
Johnson tells jurors they'll see what Diddy had in homes - guns, drugs, freak off supplies. She says they'll also hear how Diddy and others covered up to protect reputation.
Johnson tells jurors they'll see how all of these crimes were to fulfill sexual desires, protect reputation, and keep power.
Johnson asks 3 things of jurors: pay close attention to evidence, follow judge’s instructions on law, use & trust common sense. She says if jurors do this, they will reach only one conclusion - Diddy is guilty.
Courtroom producer says throughout the prosecution's opening statements -- Diddy sat quietly, hands on the desk, listening.
Johnson says Diddy's violence got him what he wanted, she says Cassie will tell jurors about the time Diddy forced himself on her.
Johnson brings up the hotel video again, and says Diddy tried to cover it up -- saying he and inner circle tried to keep crimes out of public view to protect perception and power.
Prosecutor tells jurors Diddy is charged with multiple federal crimes: First, racketeering conspiracy. She says Diddy and enterprise agreed to commit crimes: kidnapping, drugs, bribery, obstruction, sex trafficking.
Johnson explains Diddy is charged separately for sex trafficking Cassie and Jane through force and coercion. She says Diddy made them participate in days-long, drug-fueled encounters with male escorts against their will.
She says Diddy is also charged with transporting Cassie and Jane across state lines.
Johnson tells jurors they'll hear from Cassie and Jane about how Diddy tried to control them with force and lies. She says both women will describe freak-offs in painstaking details -- tells jurors they'll hear about days awake in hotel rooms, high on drugs, dressed as characters.
Johnson tells jurors they'll also hear from the defendant’s employees - Nina, personal assistant, who will speak about the time Diddy forced himself on her sexually.
Johnson tells jurors they'll learn some witnesses have filed lawsuits.
Johnson tells jurors they'll hear from escorts about how Diddy directed the sexual activity with Cassie & Jane. She says jurors will hear from an escort who saw Diddy assault Cassie and drag her by the hair.
Johnson tells jurors they'll see records of physical damage on hotel rooms, messages from Jane telling defendant “over and over again” that she didn’t want to do freak-offs, and videos of freak offs.
Johnson tells jurors they'll see a video of defendant brutally beating Cassie during a freak off.
Johnson tells jurors they'll see what Diddy had in homes - guns, drugs, freak off supplies. She says they'll also hear how Diddy and others covered up to protect reputation.
Johnson tells jurors they'll see how all of these crimes were to fulfill sexual desires, protect reputation, and keep power.
Johnson asks 3 things of jurors: pay close attention to evidence, follow judge’s instructions on law, use & trust common sense. She says if jurors do this, they will reach only one conclusion - Diddy is guilty.
Courtroom producer says throughout the prosecution's opening statements -- Diddy sat quietly, hands on the desk, listening.
****WARNING GRAPHIC DETAILS****
@tenygeragos gives the opening statement for the defense. She's part of Diddy's defense team which includes other prominent attorneys. Geragos says Combs has been violent and jealous, but that does not amount to racketeering and sex trafficking. She continues to explain that the relationship between Cassie Diddy was one that included domestic violence. She also says that Cassie will testify this week, possibly as early as today.
@tenygeragos gives the opening statement for the defense. She's part of Diddy's defense team which includes other prominent attorneys. Geragos says Combs has been violent and jealous, but that does not amount to racketeering and sex trafficking. She continues to explain that the relationship between Cassie Diddy was one that included domestic violence. She also says that Cassie will testify this week, possibly as early as today.
****WARNING GRAPHIC DETAILS****
Geragos says Diddy is a complicated man, but this is not a complicated case. She tells jurors it's about love, infidelity and money. She goes on to say that it’s about real life relationships the government is trying to turn into a racketeering, sex trafficking case.
Geragos says text messages will reveal people really loved him.
She introduces Diddy to jurors. Courtroom producer says Diddy stands, hands folded, facing the jury.
Geragos says there's not a single witness who will tell jurors about a racketeering enterprise - b/c there was none. She says this is about Diddy's private business. She goes on to tell jurors while the government may say it's not about Diddy's private sex life -- it is.
Geragos tells jurors prosecutors will bring in employees and have them testify Combs has a temper and got violent when he was on the wrong drugs. She says Diddy is not proud of it. She says sometimes Diddy gets so angry he gets out of control.
Geragos tells jurors they may see some texts that make them not like Diddy. She says jurors may think he’s mean and a jerk -- but he’s not charged with being mean or a jerk. She says violence is not connected to sex trafficking or prostitution -- it's called domestic violence and assault. Geragos says it’s very serious, a bad legal problem and goes on to say, we take full responsibility that was domestic violence in this case -- but she tells jurors, domestic violence is not sex trafficking. She reiterates to jurors that Diddy is charged w racketeering, sex trafficking. She says Diddy is not guilty of those crimes.
Geragos says Diddy cannot be the only person who accepts responsibility in this case. She says the alleged victims were capable, strong, women who were getting something they wanted from him. She says adults have free choices, with pros and cons.
She tells jurors when listening to evidence, ask yourself what are these people getting from being with Diddy. She says the government will try and show Combs is the only one getting something.
She tells jurors to watch closely to the role jealousy plays in this case.
She tells jurors that Diddy is a “many woman man.” She goes on to say that Diddy has 7 children from 4 different women. She adds that he was in multiple relationships and not always honest -- and is also extremely jealous.
She tells jurors while they listen to the evidence they should ask -- what is causing that fight? She says the answer is jealousy or drugs.
Geragos tells jurors the evidence will show the same women over and over and that they'll sdee alcohol and drugs played a major role in Diddy's temper.
She tells jurors they'll hear from 2 women - Cassie & Jane. She says, sometimes Diddy watched as his girlfriend participated in acts w/ escorts. Geragos tells jurors they'll hear things that should never be heard in a federal courtroom.
Geragos tell jurors they're not there to judge Diddy for sexual preferences.
She says Diddy gave gifts to Cassie & Jane and says they didn't stay with him because of force, fraud, or coercion.
She says the case started with Cassie, who I expect you will hear from this week. She says the pair met when Cassie was an up and coming artist. She says the two fell in love when Cassie had a boyfriend and Diddy was with Kim Porter, mother of 4 of his children. She says the two continued that relationship until Porter died from pneumonia in 2018.
Geragos says Jealousy plagued the relationship with Diddy and Cassie. Evidence showed they deeply loved each other.
Geragos references the hotel hallway video. She says Diddy was jealous and on drugs. She says the assault happened on March 5, 2016 and she expects jurors to see it many times. She says what Diddy did to Cassie is indefensible - horrible, dehumanizing and violent. She goes on to say it's not evidence of sex trafficking but rather evidence of domestic violence and jealously.
She tells jurors as they watch, Cassie is walking to elevator and Combs wearing only towel. She says Diddy pulls hoodie, stomps on backside, starts to drag her back to hotel room. She tells jurors it's overwhelming evidence of Diddy wanting his phone, not sex trafficking.
She says jurors will hear there was another fight over a phone, later.
Geragos says Cassie called security from hotel phone and Combs is slumped over. She says security officer tells them to leave public area of phone.
She tells jurors Combs assaulted Cassie, but he’s not charged with assault. She says evidence will show the fight was over a phone.
Geragos says Cassie made a choice every day for yrs -- a choice to stay with Diddy, to fight for him because that was a better choice, preferred choice. She says Cassie was not coerced to continue with Diddy. She says Cassie made choice to leave and communicated that to him.
Geragos tells jurors the end of Cassie and Diddy's relationship was when Combs publicly said Kim Porter was his soul mate. She says Cassie spent 11 years trying to get that, but it was made clear she would never get that. She goes on to say this was a relationship that although toxic at times, was not based on coercion.
Geragos tells jurors Cassie and Diddy haven't seen each other since Kim’s funeral. She says the first time they'll see each other again is today or tomorrow in the courtroom. She says Cassie is now married to a personal trainer, has 2 kids and is pregnant with third child.
Geragos says Cassie was willing participant in their sex life and what Cassie may testify to, does not match the real life evidence.
Geragos says Diddy is a complicated man, but this is not a complicated case. She tells jurors it's about love, infidelity and money. She goes on to say that it’s about real life relationships the government is trying to turn into a racketeering, sex trafficking case.
Geragos says text messages will reveal people really loved him.
She introduces Diddy to jurors. Courtroom producer says Diddy stands, hands folded, facing the jury.
Geragos says there's not a single witness who will tell jurors about a racketeering enterprise - b/c there was none. She says this is about Diddy's private business. She goes on to tell jurors while the government may say it's not about Diddy's private sex life -- it is.
Geragos tells jurors prosecutors will bring in employees and have them testify Combs has a temper and got violent when he was on the wrong drugs. She says Diddy is not proud of it. She says sometimes Diddy gets so angry he gets out of control.
Geragos tells jurors they may see some texts that make them not like Diddy. She says jurors may think he’s mean and a jerk -- but he’s not charged with being mean or a jerk. She says violence is not connected to sex trafficking or prostitution -- it's called domestic violence and assault. Geragos says it’s very serious, a bad legal problem and goes on to say, we take full responsibility that was domestic violence in this case -- but she tells jurors, domestic violence is not sex trafficking. She reiterates to jurors that Diddy is charged w racketeering, sex trafficking. She says Diddy is not guilty of those crimes.
Geragos says Diddy cannot be the only person who accepts responsibility in this case. She says the alleged victims were capable, strong, women who were getting something they wanted from him. She says adults have free choices, with pros and cons.
She tells jurors when listening to evidence, ask yourself what are these people getting from being with Diddy. She says the government will try and show Combs is the only one getting something.
She tells jurors to watch closely to the role jealousy plays in this case.
She tells jurors that Diddy is a “many woman man.” She goes on to say that Diddy has 7 children from 4 different women. She adds that he was in multiple relationships and not always honest -- and is also extremely jealous.
She tells jurors while they listen to the evidence they should ask -- what is causing that fight? She says the answer is jealousy or drugs.
Geragos tells jurors the evidence will show the same women over and over and that they'll sdee alcohol and drugs played a major role in Diddy's temper.
She tells jurors they'll hear from 2 women - Cassie & Jane. She says, sometimes Diddy watched as his girlfriend participated in acts w/ escorts. Geragos tells jurors they'll hear things that should never be heard in a federal courtroom.
Geragos tell jurors they're not there to judge Diddy for sexual preferences.
She says Diddy gave gifts to Cassie & Jane and says they didn't stay with him because of force, fraud, or coercion.
She says the case started with Cassie, who I expect you will hear from this week. She says the pair met when Cassie was an up and coming artist. She says the two fell in love when Cassie had a boyfriend and Diddy was with Kim Porter, mother of 4 of his children. She says the two continued that relationship until Porter died from pneumonia in 2018.
Geragos says Jealousy plagued the relationship with Diddy and Cassie. Evidence showed they deeply loved each other.
Geragos references the hotel hallway video. She says Diddy was jealous and on drugs. She says the assault happened on March 5, 2016 and she expects jurors to see it many times. She says what Diddy did to Cassie is indefensible - horrible, dehumanizing and violent. She goes on to say it's not evidence of sex trafficking but rather evidence of domestic violence and jealously.
She tells jurors as they watch, Cassie is walking to elevator and Combs wearing only towel. She says Diddy pulls hoodie, stomps on backside, starts to drag her back to hotel room. She tells jurors it's overwhelming evidence of Diddy wanting his phone, not sex trafficking.
She says jurors will hear there was another fight over a phone, later.
Geragos says Cassie called security from hotel phone and Combs is slumped over. She says security officer tells them to leave public area of phone.
She tells jurors Combs assaulted Cassie, but he’s not charged with assault. She says evidence will show the fight was over a phone.
Geragos says Cassie made a choice every day for yrs -- a choice to stay with Diddy, to fight for him because that was a better choice, preferred choice. She says Cassie was not coerced to continue with Diddy. She says Cassie made choice to leave and communicated that to him.
Geragos tells jurors the end of Cassie and Diddy's relationship was when Combs publicly said Kim Porter was his soul mate. She says Cassie spent 11 years trying to get that, but it was made clear she would never get that. She goes on to say this was a relationship that although toxic at times, was not based on coercion.
Geragos tells jurors Cassie and Diddy haven't seen each other since Kim’s funeral. She says the first time they'll see each other again is today or tomorrow in the courtroom. She says Cassie is now married to a personal trainer, has 2 kids and is pregnant with third child.
Geragos says Cassie was willing participant in their sex life and what Cassie may testify to, does not match the real life evidence.
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