Diddy's Sex Trafficking Trial: Day 1 Highlights

The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs on sex trafficking charges began Monday in Manhattan Federal Court. The trial is not televised, but NewYorkNews.com is providing live updates.

Key Witness Testimony

Israel Florez, a former hotel security guard, testified that he witnessed Combs violently assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, in 2016. He described Combs offering him a bribe—a wad of cash—to keep quiet about the incident. Florez stated the money was “100%” a bribe. He also described Combs's “devilish stare” after the assault.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/cassie-ventura-p-diddy-assault-89947634.jpg?w=1024" alt="Screengrab from hotel surveillance video showing Diddy, Cassie">

Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, is expected to testify about the alleged abuse, which includes claims of physical assault and being forced into sex acts. Her husband, Alex Fine, was seen at the courthouse ahead of her testimony. <img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/alex-fine-husband-casandra-ventura-104330740.jpg?w=1024" alt="Alex Fine at courthouse">

The jury was shown the infamous 2016 hotel surveillance video of the assault. The video shows Combs dragging Ventura out of an elevator, throwing her to the floor, and kicking her. Ventura reportedly had a “purple eye” after the assault and repeatedly said, “I just want to leave.”

The Defense's Argument

Combs' defense lawyer, Teny Geragos, argued that videos of alleged "freak-off" sex sessions will prove the encounters were consensual. Geragos also noted that Combs’s “love of baby oil” is not a crime. The prosecution countered that the women were allegedly plied with drugs and directed by Combs.

Family Support

Combs' children, including his twin daughters and lookalike son, were present in court to support him. <img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/family-members-sean-combs-walk-104322415.jpg?w=1024" alt="Family members of Sean 'Diddy' Combs at the courthouse">

The Charges

Combs faces life in prison if convicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.