In the latest development of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial. Prosecutors accuse Combs of performing non-consensual s*xual acts with two of his former girlfriends while he watched and occasionally recorded them. Jurors in Diddy’s s*x trafficking trial, which is still going on in Manhattan federal court, were reminded that defendants are not compelled to provide evidence or testify during the trial.
What Did Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Defence Say About The Freak Offs And Cassie Ventura
Primary witnesses include singer and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ long-time ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman who testified under the pseudonym ‘Jane.’ Both spoke over a number of days, describing physical abuse, coercion, and threats by Combs/ The threats included threats to release s*x tapes and end financial support. The prosecution also introduced testimony from forensic psychologist Dr. Dawn Hughes, describing how victims of s*xual violence can become trauma-bonded and thus find it psychologically hard to leave abusive relationships.
Combs’ defence, however, does not dispute incidents of violence against his past partners. Rather, they say that the incidents characterised as ‘Freak Offs’ were all consensual. On Tuesday, defence lawyer Anna Estevao read out a string of messages between Ventura and Combs, ranging from affectionate to s*xually explicit, to imply mutual consent.
Outside of the presence of the jury, Estevao testified that these messages suggest Combs thought the s*xual acts were consensual. Judge Arun Subramanian will meet with lawyers on Wednesday to wrap up instructions to the jury. Closing statements are set for Thursday, with deliberations by the jury likely to start late Friday or Monday. Combs could face the remainder of his life behind bars if found guilty of all five charges, which carry a mandatory minimum of 15 years.