Sean “Diddy” Combs forced an escort to urinate in his ex Cassie Ventura’s mouth, prosecutors claimed in their opening statements for the disgraced music mogul’s sex trafficking trial Monday.
Attorney Emily Johnson told the jury that Ventura first agreed to participate in Combs’ now-infamous “Freak-Offs” to make him happy, but the romps allegedly became violent over time, with the rapper beating his then-girlfriend if she left early or took too long in the bathroom.
During one particular incident, Combs told a prostitute to urinate in Ventura’s mouth, which led the “Me & U” singer to feel like she was “choking,” the prosecutor claimed.
Combs also allegedly once threatened to “destroy” Ventura’s career by releasing footage of her having sex with dozens of male escorts, according to Johnson.
The opening statements, which is when the lawyers outline their case — including the facts and evidence they plan to present during the trial — for the first time in front of the jury, were slightly delayed.
The jury selection process, which began May 5 during the first day of the trial, was postponed until early Monday after the feds and lawyers were unable to narrow the pool to 12 jurors and six alternates Friday.
Throughout the selection process, a series of questions were asked to potential jurors, including whether they were familiar with a list of celebrities who could be mentioned during the trial.
Kanye “Ye” West, who leaked a prison call he made with Combs, rapper Kid Cudi, whom Diddy has been rumored to have blown up his car, and Michael B. Jordan, who allegedly had a brief romance with the rapper’s ex Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, were among the names brought up.
Ex-“Destiny’s Child” member Michelle Williams, singer Dawn Richard — who is suing Combs for sexual abuse, producer Dallas Austin, rapper Yung Miami, who dated the Bad Boy Records founder, and his family members were also on the list of those who may be mentioned, per the defense and prosecutors.
Ventura — who dated Combs from 2007 to 2018 and has since sued him for allegedly raping and abusing her throughout their decade-long relationship — is a notable name confirmed to take the stand.
The very pregnant “Me & U” singer, who will be welcoming her third child with husband Alex Fine soon, is expected to testify as early as Monday afternoon.
Ventura is considered a key witness for the defense, as some of her claims have already been corroborated by a hotel surveillance video from 2016 that was leaked to the press last May.
The shocking footage showed Combs, now 55, beating his then-girlfriend and dragging her through the hallway. The “Last Night” rapper, who initially denied Cassie’s claims, was then forced to issue an apology.
The feds then charged Combs for racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution following a months-long probe that included raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Miami.
Investigators reportedly found mountains of evidence, including sex tapes, hundreds of bottles of lubricants and three AR-15’s that allegedly prove the rapper hosted nefarious “Freak-Off” parties, in which several sex crimes were allegedly committed.
Combs has pleaded not guilty. Ahead of the commencement of his trial, his lawyers hinted that they would try to use the defense that the “Bad Boy for Life” rapper was a “swinger” — not a criminal.
“There’s a lifestyle, call it swingers or whatever you will, that he thought was appropriate because it was common,” attorney Marc Agnifilo said at a pre-trial hearing in April. “Many people think it’s appropriate because it’s common.”
Combs’ lawyers reportedly also argued at the time that their client did not have the mental capacity to break the law due to the state of mind he was in because of his substantial drug use.
Combs’ federal trial is expected to last around two months. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
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