Federal prosecutors opened their case against Sean "Diddy" Combs on Monday with graphic and disturbing allegations, claiming the music mogul coerced, assaulted, and degraded his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, during a years-long pattern of abuse centered around so-called "freak off" sex parties.
In opening statements at the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson described one of the most shocking allegations yet, telling jurors that Combs once forced a male sex worker to urinate into Ventura's mouth during one of the events. She "felt like she was choking," Johnson said.
Combs, who pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution, sat quietly in the courtroom. The charges stem from a September 2024 federal indictment that also references hotel surveillance footage showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura in a hallway in 2016.
The eight-week trial is expected to include Ventura's testimony. Her 2023 civil lawsuit, which was privately settled one day after being filed, ignited a wave of additional legal complaints from dozens of other alleged victims accusing Combs of similar abuse. Prosecutors are using elements of that lawsuit as part of their broader criminal case.
"Her livelihood depended on keeping him happy," Johnson told the jury, explaining that Ventura, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, feared Combs would destroy her career by leaking sexually explicit footage.
The prosecution's narrative paints a picture of "elaborate and produced sex performances," allegedly orchestrated by Combs, involving both female and male sex workers. Prosecutors say Ventura initially participated to please Combs but became entrapped in increasingly violent and humiliating scenarios.
The case has also drawn attention due to the number of public figures referenced during jury selection. Names such as Kanye West, Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers, and Kid Cudi were presented to potential jurors, though there is no indication they will be called to testify. Sources told PEOPLE that Jordan's name appeared because of a past "flirtatious relationship" Ventura referenced in her lawsuit.
The hotel surveillance footage, released in May 2024, appeared to show Combs kicking Ventura in a Los Angeles hallway as she tried to flee. Combs later posted an apology video on Instagram: "My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility... I'm disgusted."
His legal team maintains the footage was selectively edited and that CNN, which obtained the tape, destroyed the original-a claim the network has not addressed publicly. The defense also contends that Combs is being unfairly targeted and has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.
If convicted, Combs faces up to life in prison.
