Sean “Diddy” Combs is now at the center of serious allegations as his federal sex trafficking trial officially gets underway. During opening statements, prosecutor Emily Johnson painted a disturbing picture of Diddy’s relationship with singer Cassie Ventura, accusing him of years of abuse. Johnson claimed that Diddy physically abused, beat, and exploited Cassie throughout their 11-year relationship, describing one night in particular when things allegedly turned violent.
According to Johnson, Diddy became enraged after finding out Cassie may have been romantically involved with another man. “Furious he set out to find her. He said he would kill the man,” Johnson told the court. She said Diddy broke into the man’s home but did not locate him. The prosecutor then described what happened next, claiming Diddy found Cassie and “brutally” beat her, saying he kicked her in the back and tossed her around “like a rag doll.”
The prosecution also alleged that Diddy had kept explicit videos of Cassie with male sex workers and threatened to use them against her. Johnson said those videos were kept as “souvenirs of the most humiliating nights of her life.”
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He has consistently denied any criminal behavior. This includes the allegations that he beat Cassie. He chose not to accept a plea deal offered by the government. When asked in court if he had rejected the offer, Diddy answered, “Yes, I did.” He acknowledged that going to trial could result in a harsher sentence if he is convicted.
The trial is expected to last between eight and ten weeks. During jury selection on May 5th, Diddy showed signs of unease. Speaking to the judge, he said, “I’m sorry your honor, I’m a little nervous today,” and asked to use the restroom. The judge initially declined but later granted the request.
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