Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial kicked off on Monday in Manhattan Federal Court with disturbing evidence and intense witness statements. The 55-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges, including sex trafficking, transporting people for prostitution, and conspiracy. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Video Shows Violent Hotel Assault on Cassie
One of the most powerful moments on the first day came when jurors were shown surveillance footage from a 2016 incident at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. The video shows Combs—wearing only a towel—dragging his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, out of an elevator, throwing her to the ground, and kicking her multiple times.
Security Guard Testifies to Cassie’s Injuries
Hotel security guard Israel Florez, now a police officer, said he saw Cassie right after the attack. “She had a purple eye,” he testified. “She just kept saying, ‘I want to leave.’”
Florez added that Combs tried to stop hotel staff from using their phones and even offered him a stack of cash to keep quiet. When asked if it was a bribe, Florez responded, “100%.”
Prosecutors Say Diddy Paid $100K to Hide Video
Prosecutor Emily Johnson told the jury that Diddy paid $100,000 to prevent the hotel footage from ever being released. Despite that effort, CNN obtained and published the video in 2023.
Male Escort Describes Sexual Abuse and Control
The most emotional testimony came from Daniel Phillip, a male escort who said Combs paid him thousands of dollars to have sex with Cassie while he watched and recorded. One incident took place in 2012 at the Gramercy Park Hotel in Manhattan. Phillip said Combs sat in the corner with a camera, giving instructions like “use more baby oil.”
Phillip said he was paid between $700 and $6,000 per session depending on his performance, and the encounters could last up to 10 hours. He also claimed he wasn’t paid once because he “couldn’t perform.”
Escort Says He Witnessed Combs Beating Cassie
Phillip described witnessing several incidents where Combs physically abused Cassie. In one, he said Combs threw a bottle at her, dragged her by the hair, and shouted, “When I tell you to come here, you come.”
In another, at the Jumeirah Essex House Hotel, Phillip said he heard Cassie screaming and being slammed around the room.
Threats and Fear Kept Witness Silent
Phillip admitted he never went to the police, fearing for his life. He told the court that Combs once took a photo of his driver’s license and he took it as a threat. “He had unlimited power,” Phillip said. “Even if I did go to the police, I still might lose my life.”
Diddy’s Daughters Walk Out During Graphic Testimony
Combs’ daughters—D’Lila, Jessie, and Chance, all 18—left the courtroom when Phillip began detailing explicit moments. They returned briefly but left again as the testimony continued.
What’s Next in the Trial
This trial is expected to last several weeks and will include testimony from other alleged victims and witnesses. The case has drawn national attention and could have life-altering consequences for the once-celebrated music mogul.
