The seven-week trial in Manhattan federal courtroom uncovered the internal workings of Combs’ enterprise empire and gave the 12-member jury an intimate look into his risky romantic relationships with the rhythm and blues singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a lady recognized in courtroom by the pseudonym Jane.
Ventura sued Combs in November 2023 for intercourse trafficking, the primary of dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse.
Combs, additionally recognized all through his profession as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy and as soon as feted for turning artists like Infamous B.I.G. and Usher into stars, settled with Ventura for US$20 million.
He has denied all wrongdoing.
On the trial, jurors noticed surveillance footage from 2016 exhibiting Combs kicking and dragging Ventura within the hallway of an InterContinental resort in Los Angeles, the place she mentioned she was making an attempt to depart a “Freak Off.”
Jane later testified that Combs in June 2024 attacked her and directed her to carry out oral intercourse on a male entertainer, though she instructed him she didn’t need to. That alleged assault happened a month after Combs apologised on social media for his 2016 assault of Ventura, footage of which had been broadcast on CNN.
In keeping with prosecutors, bodily violence was only one means Combs compelled Ventura and Jane to participate within the performances – an act of coercion they are saying quantities to intercourse trafficking as a result of the male escorts have been paid. Each ladies testified that he threatened to withhold monetary help and to leak sexually express pictures of them in the event that they refused to conform.
“The defendant used energy, violence and worry to get what he wished,” prosecutor Christy Slavik mentioned in her closing argument on Jun 26. “He does not take no for a solution.”
Combs’ defence legal professionals argued that whereas Combs might have dedicated home violence within the context of risky romantic partnerships, his conduct didn’t quantity to intercourse trafficking.
They argued that Ventura and Jane have been robust, impartial ladies who voluntarily took half within the sexual performances as a result of they wished to please Combs.
Each ladies testified they hung out with Combs and took half in sexual performances after he beat them. Defence legal professionals argued that Ventura and Jane have been retrospectively accusing Combs of forcing their participation within the performances as a result of they have been jealous he was seeing different ladies.
“If he was charged with home violence, we would not all be right here,” Combs’ defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo mentioned in his closing argument on Jun 27. “He didn’t do the issues he is charged with.”
