The sex trafficking and racketeering trial of disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is nearing its end, with jurors expected to hear closing arguments Thursday and Friday. The trial, which has spanned over seven weeks, has featured graphic video evidence, emotional witness testimony, and disturbing allegations that have cast a long shadow over the career of the 55-year-old hip-hop icon. Combs has pleaded not guilty to five felony charges, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking involving former girlfriends Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a woman identified only as “Jane.”
Trial opens with assault video of Cassie
The prosecution set the tone early, showing jurors a 2016 surveillance video of Combs violently assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel. The footage, long hidden from public view, was revealed by CNN in May 2024 and became a key piece of evidence. A hotel guard testified that Combs paid $100,000 to suppress the video. In the clip, Combs is seen hitting, kicking, and dragging Cassie, who texted him afterward: “I’m not a rag doll. I’m somebody’s child.”
Cassie’s testimony
Cassie, who dated Combs from 2007 to 2018, testified over four days about a pattern of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. She described being coerced into multi-day “freak-offs, sex parties with male sex workers, at Combs’ demand. Cassie also alleged that Combs raped her when she tried to end their relationship. She first made her accusations public in a 2023 civil lawsuit, which Combs settled within 24 hours for $20 million.
Jane’s encounter with Combs
Another former girlfriend, “Jane,” offered equally harrowing testimony. She said she felt pressured to participate in sexual acts with other men because Combs was paying her rent. She described being physically assaulted and choked by Combs, and alleged he once forced her into sex with a sex worker after punching her in the face. Jane recounted sending Combs desperate texts, including: “You beat the love out of us.” She also testified that he threatened to release sex videos of both her and Cassie if they defied him.
Other accusers and witnesses
Several other women and former associates also took the stand, expanding the allegations of abuse and intimidation. “Mia”, a former personal assistant, alleged Combs sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions, including at his 40th birthday party in 2009. Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, a friend of Cassie’s, said Combs once dangled her over a 17th-floor balcony and threw her onto patio furniture. Kid Cudi, the rapper, testified that his car was firebombed weeks after a confrontation with Combs over dating Cassie. He said he believed Combs was behind the incident.
Former employees: Baby oil, drugs, and firearms
Six of Combs’ former personal assistants testified to the behind-the-scenes chaos that allegedly enabled his behavior. George Kaplan said he routinely cleaned up drugs and baby oil from hotel rooms and resigned after witnessing Combs assault Cassie. David James testified he was tasked with stocking rooms with baby oil, condoms, and Viagra.Brendan Paul, described as Combs’ personal drug runner, said he procured cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, and marijuana for the star.
Federal agents confirmed that during raids on Combs’ properties in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York, they found large quantities of drugs, sex paraphernalia, and multiple firearms, including AR-15 rifles.
Despite the mountain of evidence, Combs’ defense team has mounted a sharp counterattack by focusing on inconsistencies in witness accounts and portraying the relationships as consensual.
Combs, who chose not to testify, called no witnesses of his own. His lawyers highlighted affectionate messages sent to Combs after alleged incidents and argued that the women were motivated by fame and financial gain. They accused the prosecution of building a case driven by “#MeToo money grabs.”
Some witnesses were more favorable to the defense: Kaplan, while detailing disturbing events, said he still respects Combs and invited him to his wedding.Celebrity stylist Deonte Nash was shown messages praising Combs even after their professional relationship ended.
Missing witnesses and dropped testimonies
Several key figures mentioned in the case never appeared in court, Gina, once identified as “Victim-3,” was expected to testify but was quietly dropped from the prosecution’s case. Still, she was referenced repeatedly during trial testimony. Others mentioned but not called included Combs’ former chief of staff, security personnel, and a bodyguard named “KK.”
With both sides having rested their cases, jurors will hear final arguments before beginning deliberations. If convicted on all counts, Combs could face life in prison. The trial, already one of the most explosive celebrity court cases in recent memory, could result in a historic verdict for the music industry.