“Diddy” Sex Trafficking Trial: Graphic Videos Shown in Court
In a high-profile trial, prosecutors unveiled explicit videos allegedly recorded by Sean “Diddy” Combs, adding a shocking dimension to the sex trafficking case. These videos, shown to the jury, are said to depict “freak-off” sex marathons, offering jurors an inside look at the events central to the accusations.
“Freak-Off” Footage Unveiled
The prosecution presented three sex videos from a phone account linked to Combs. The clips, recovered from a cellphone provided by his former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, offered a graphic portrayal of the encounters. One video, dated October 14, 2012, allegedly shows a “freak-off” involving Combs, Ventura, and sex worker Sharay Hayes.
Before the video was played, prosecutors presented an invoice for a room at the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Manhattan, booked under Combs’ alias, Frank Black. A note on the invoice stated the guest’s request for a 3 a.m. room.
Also presented were text messages where Ventura arranged the October 14 meeting with Hayes. In one message, she inquired about a 3 a.m. meeting at the Trump hotel, to which Hayes replied affirmatively, specifying a $200 cash fee.
More Video Evidence Presented
Excerpts from additional videos, dated October 20, 2012, and December 4, 2014, were also shown. The total viewing time for the clips was several minutes. Although some jurors reacted visibly, their reactions were mostly subdued. Defense attorneys argue the videos depict consensual sex, not criminal activity.
Due to their graphic content, only the jury, prosecution and defense teams, and Combs himself were permitted to view the videos, using headphones. Reporters and the public were excluded. The graphic content was the most striking element of the day’s court proceedings, as prosecutors neared the end of their case with summary witnesses who read aloud texts and records. Prosecutors stated they would conclude presenting their case on Wednesday, with Combs’ legal team then set to call their own witnesses.
Earlier in the trial, a forensic video expert identified the videos by their dates. A prosecutor described the videos as “sex videos” during testimony.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges after his arrest last year. He has been denied bail and remains in a federal lockup in Brooklyn.
Additional Texts and Testimony
Jurors also heard other text messages, including communications between Combs and his ex-girlfriend, identified as “Jane,” along with messages to his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram. “Jane” had complained to Combs about sex marathons and relayed his threats to release explicit videos to Khorram.
“Jane” told Combs that she felt exploited by their lifestyle. A month later, she texted Khorram that Combs had “just threatened me about my sex tapes” and would send them to her child’s father. Jane requested Khorram’s assistance because Combs was undergoing an “evil-ass psychotic bipolar” episode.
Before the jury was brought into the courtroom, Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed a juror due to inconsistencies in their answers about their place of residence during jury selection. The judge determined the juror’s credibility was compromised.
The judge had previously announced late Friday that he would dismiss the juror, but considered questioning the individual. However, he decided against it because it “could lead to another set of shifting answers.”
The revelation of graphic material in court can be a pivotal moment, as 40% of civil lawsuits are won or lost based on visual evidence (American Bar Association, 2024).