Diddy's Sex Trafficking Trial: Day 1 Highlights

The highly anticipated trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering began in New York City. The first day presented graphic testimony from witnesses detailing encounters involving Combs, his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, and male escorts.

Key Witness Testimony

Daniel Phillip, a male revue manager, testified about encounters with Ventura and Combs at hotels and residences. He described encounters involving baby oil, lubricant, and Combs directing sex acts, receiving thousands of dollars from Ventura afterward. He also testified about witnessing Combs physically assault Ventura.

<img src="https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2025/05/12/67daf4b1-3a8c-4bc5-b6cf-73cc2fd2f68b/thumbnail/620x465/c895b9bd459bba7e193788a31ac114be/diddy-sketches-0512-credit-jane-rosenberg-28.jpg?v=1706c0c091b9b085a70a8db995d9c23a#" alt="Daniel Phillip testifies in the sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs." width="300">

Israel Florez, a former hotel security officer, described a 2016 incident involving Combs and Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel. He testified about seeing Ventura scared and Combs preventing her from leaving. He also detailed Combs throwing a wad of cash at him, instructing him not to tell anyone about the incident and the subsequent hotel security video showing Combs assaulting Ventura. The video, initially suppressed by Combs' legal team, was shown to the jury.

<img src="https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2025/05/12/4451050e-91d0-4311-9bb1-b8ed9aac4210/thumbnail/620x465/9a6a9ed722d77a6516814f5b82b0b180/diddy-sketches-0512-credit-jane-rosenberg-23.jpg?v=1706c0c091b9b085a70a8db995d9c23a#" alt="Israel Florez testifies in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs." width="300">

Opening Statements

The prosecution painted a picture of Combs using his power and resources to exploit women, detailing allegations of violence, threats, and drug use. The defense countered that the case is about consensual adult choices, and that evidence may be misrepresented due to jealousy and witness bias. They emphasized that Combs is not charged with being a "jerk" and urged the jury to focus solely on the evidence.

Combs' Appearance

Combs appeared in court with noticeably grayed hair due to his time in pretrial detention. The judge allowed him to wear civilian clothes, unlike the jail uniform he wore in previous hearings.

<img src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2025/05/12/0dd5ede6-7037-44c3-866d-454c10ccf161/thumbnail/620x349/f9611301177edb76fca4b4fefddd8d89/ap25132603200920-1.jpg?v=1706c0c091b9b085a70a8db995d9c23a#" alt="Sean Diddy Combs in court." width="300">

The trial is expected to last several weeks and will continue with further testimony and evidence.