Federal prosecutors plan to present graphic video evidence in the sex trafficking and racketeering trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, including footage from the so-called "freak off" parties that have become central to the government's case. Combs, currently in custody, faces five federal charges and is scheduled to go to trial in May.
Electronic devices containing "images and videos of the freak offs, with multiple victims" were recovered during raids on Combs' Los Angeles and Miami residences in September 2024, according to court documents. The footage reportedly includes group sex acts, some involving alleged assault, and will likely be shown to jurors during the proceedings. "This isn't hearsay anymore - this is raw, documented evidence," a legal source told Hollywood journalist Rob Shuter.
In preparation, Combs' legal team submitted a 70-question jury questionnaire on April 11, probing potential jurors' comfort with sexually explicit material and their attitudes toward individuals with multiple sexual partners. The defense's move prompted concerns from prosecutors, who warned the questionnaire was excessively long and could intimidate or confuse jurors. Jury selection is set to begin May 5, with opening statements scheduled for May 12.
Combs' legal strategy appears to rely heavily on the belief that this footage may sway jurors in his favor. "He thinks the tapes will save him," said a source familiar with the defense. "But he might regret asking for the spotlight."
Combs is charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering. While three charges were handed down in the initial September indictment, two more were added earlier this month. He has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
The infamous "freak off" parties, reportedly orchestrated by Combs, featured mirrored walls and hired men and women who "called themselves 'models,'" but "it seemed obvious, at least to me, that they were actually sex workers," according to one alleged party planner cited in court filings.
Guests were required to sign strict non-disclosure agreements barring them from speaking about the events. Some footage, believed to be filmed without full consent, is now in the hands of federal investigators and will be used to substantiate claims by several plaintiffs in ongoing civil suits.
Among the key witnesses prosecutors plan to call is Combs' ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who in November 2023 accused the mogul of years of physical abuse and rape in a $30 million lawsuit that was settled just one day after it was filed. A full list of prosecution witnesses is expected to be released by April 18.
Meanwhile, Combs' legal team is seeking access to unedited interviews from The Fall of Diddy, a documentary that aired on Investigation Discovery. The footage includes statements from two individuals-referred to as Individual A and Individual B-who worked closely with Combs. Thomas Sullivan, legal counsel for the network, wrote that Individual A "is featured in the docuseries speaking about how Mr. Combs treated her when she was employed by him, as well as about various rumors she heard about his behavior during her time in his orbit."
Despite speculation, it remains unclear whether Combs will bring in additional legal representation before the trial, including high-profile criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos. When asked by TMZ's Harvey Levin whether he would join the defense team, Geragos declined to confirm.
Combs, 55, remains in federal custody as the high-profile trial looms, drawing widespread attention to a case that could reshape the public legacy of one of hip-hop's most influential figures.
