Federal prosecutors began their case against Sean 'Diddy' Combs, claiming he transformed his hip-hop empire into a racketeering operation that coerced women over two decades. Combs, who pleaded not guilty to various charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, appeared in court alongside his defense team as jury selection commenced. Testimony may include witnessing and evidence of alleged violent acts, notably against singer Cassie. His attorneys plan to claim that allegations misinterpret consensual relations while challenging the prosecution's narrative, highlighting the complexity of the unfolding trial.
Combs, wearing a white sweater and with his formerly jet-black hair now almost completely gray, entered the courtroom shortly before 9 a.m., hugging lawyers and giving a thumbs up to supporters seated in wooden court benches behind him.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges including one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
The prosecution will be allowed to show the jury security video of Combs beating and kicking one of his accusers, the R&B singer Cassie, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016.
Diddy's attorneys are expected to argue at trial that the government is demonizing and distorting the sexual activity of consenting adults.
Collection
[
|
...
]