Diddy Trial Update: What Happened on Day 1 of Sean Combs’ Sex-Trafficking Case

The courtroom was packed. Reporters, fans, influencers, and even celebrities wanted a front-row seat to one of the most shocking trials in recent music history. Sean “Diddy” Combs, the legendary hip-hop mogul, faced the first day of his federal sex-trafficking trial on Monday in Manhattan, and it was nothing short of intense.

Let’s break down what happened, what both sides said, and what to expect next in this explosive case.

Prosecutors Say Diddy Ran a Criminal Sex Empire

Federal prosecutors did not hold back. In a gripping 50-minute opening statement, lead attorney Emily A. Johnson described Combs as a man who used his power, money, and fame to control and exploit women.

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To the public, he was Diddy, Puff Daddy, a hitmaker, and a businessman. But behind closed doors, prosecutors say he ran a hidden world filled with drugs, violence, and coerced sex.

Johnson told the jury that Combs organized what he called “freak-offs,” wild sex parties that lasted for days, where he ordered people to perform sexual acts. She claimed these weren’t just wild nights—they were part of a criminal plan to control and abuse women.

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Defense Admits to Violence, Denies Sex Trafficking

Combs’ lawyers didn’t pretend he was perfect. In fact, they told the jury that he had a temper, was jealous in relationships, and even admitted to domestic violence.

But they pushed back hard against the more serious accusations.

Teny Geragos, one of his lead attorneys, told jurors that while Diddy may have been “mean” or “a jerk” at times, that doesn’t make him a racketeer or sex trafficker. She described his relationships as messy, emotional, but consensual. Geragos argued that the women accusing him were adults who stayed in relationships with him for years, and now had something to gain financially.

Cassie at the Center of the Case

A big part of the case centers on Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, a singer and former model who met Combs as a teenager and was later signed to his label. The government says she was manipulated and abused for years.

One witness said he was paid thousands of dollars to have sex with Cassie while Combs watched. Another described a terrifying scene where Combs forced an escort to urinate in her mouth at a party, with Cassie present and unable to leave.

Perhaps the most disturbing story came from a 2009 incident. Prosecutors said Combs threw Cassie to the floor of an SUV and stomped on her face during a violent outburst.

The Jury Watches Hotel Footage From 2016

Jurors were shown security footage from the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. The now-infamous tape shows Combs in a towel kicking and dragging Cassie down a hallway. This wasn’t speculation. The jury saw it for themselves.

Combs’ team argued that the video had been edited or sped up, but a government expert clarified it had only been slowed down for better viewing.

A Former LAPD Officer Testifies About the Scene

Israel Florez, a police officer who was working security at the hotel, was the first witness called. He said he found Cassie in a hallway with a purple eye, curled up in a corner. Combs was calm, sitting in a towel, but gave what Florez called a “devilish stare.”

Florez also said Combs tried to bribe him with cash, saying, “Don’t tell nobody.” That detail seemed to stun the courtroom.

Second Witness Shares Graphic Details

Daniel Phillip, a male stripper, was the prosecution’s second witness. His testimony was explicit and emotional. He described being paid to sleep with Cassie multiple times, with Combs present and watching. He also recalled seeing Combs throw a liquor bottle at her, then drag her into another room and slap her.

Phillip said he heard Combs yell, “Bitch, when I tell you to come here, you come here now, not later.”

During his testimony, Combs’ three teenage daughters left the courtroom. That moment brought a heavy silence.

What’s Next in the Trial?

This is just the beginning. The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks, and more witnesses are likely to testify, including other women who were allegedly abused. Videos, messages, and recordings are expected to be shown in the coming days.

There are six federal prosecutors on the case, including Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey. Combs is being defended by a team led by Marc Agnifilo, who is known for handling other high-profile and controversial cases.