Sean Combs Faces Trial in High-Profile S*x Trafficking Case
On May 12, 2025,
The federal sex trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” began at New York’s Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse, drawing intense public scrutiny. Combs, 55, faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, which he denies. Prosecutors allege he operated a criminal enterprise, coercing women into drug-fueled sexual “freak offs” through violence and blackmail, citing a 2016 video of Combs assaulting ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura as key evidence. The defense, led by attorney Teny Geragos, argues these were consensual relationships, framing Combs as a flawed but not criminal figure.
The trial’s opening day featured testimony from Israel Florez, a former hotel security guard, who described Ventura’s injuries during the 2016 incident and Combs’s attempt to bribe him. Ventura and other accusers are expected to testify in the eight-week trial, which follows over 70 sexual assault lawsuits against Combs since 2023. With a jury of 12 and a star-studded list of potential names involved, the case underscores the collision of celebrity and serious allegations, though it will not be televised. If convicted, Combs faces 15 years to life in prison.
Prosecution’s Case:
Prosecutors allege Combs ran a criminal enterprise through his business empire, coercing women into sexual acts during drug-fueled “freak offs,” using violence, blackmail, and career promises to control victims. A 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura is a central piece of evidence.
Defense’s Strategy:
Defense attorney Teny Geragos portrays Combs as a flawed individual who engaged in consensual, unconventional sexual relationships, arguing that the prosecution is criminalizing his private life. The defense challenges the credibility of accusers, suggesting financial motives behind their allegations.
Witness Testimony:
The first witness, Israel Florez, a former security guard at the InterContinental Hotel, testified about the 2016 assault, noting Ventura’s injuries and Combs’s attempt to bribe him. Other expected witnesses include Ventura and a male sex worker.
Trial Context: The trial, expected to last eight weeks, has drawn significant attention due to Combs’s celebrity status and the high-profile nature of the allegations. It follows over 70 sexual assault lawsuits against Combs since November 2023, sparked by Ventura’s initial lawsuit.
