"Combs, 55, was convicted on two counts of arranging for paid male escorts to travel across state lines to take part in drug-fueled sexual performances - sometimes known as "Freak Offs" - with Combs' girlfriends while he recorded video and masturbated. The jury acquitted him on the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, which could have earned him a life sentence. Combs pleaded not guilty and is expected to appeal his conviction."
"Over the course of a two-month trial earlier this year, prosecutors with the Manhattan US Attorney's office argued Combs coerced two of his former girlfriends - the rhythm and blues singer Casandra Ventura and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane - into partaking in the performances through violence and threats to withhold financial support. Jurors saw surveillance footage of Combs kicking and dragging Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016, an incident she testified took place after a Freak Off."
"Jane testified that Combs last year attacked her and told her to perform oral sex on a male escort after she said she did not want to. Combs' lawyers acknowledged he had physically abused his girlfriends, but argued they willingly took part in the sexual performances. Both Ventura and Jane testified that they at times took part consensually because they loved Combs and wanted to please him."
Combs, 55, was convicted on two counts for arranging paid male escorts to travel across state lines to take part in drug-fueled sexual performances while he recorded video and masturbated. The jury acquitted him on racketeering and sex trafficking charges that could have carried a life sentence. Combs pleaded not guilty and is expected to appeal. The sentence was imposed by US District Judge Arun Subramanian after prosecutors sought 11 to 14 years and defence lawyers sought release or a 14-month term. Combs has been jailed since his September 16, 2024 arrest. Prosecutors said he coerced two former girlfriends through violence and threats to withhold financial support.
Read at Irish Independent
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]