Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing life in prison as prosecutors unveiled disturbing allegations during the opening statements of his sex trafficking trial on May 12. The hip-hop mogul stands accused of orchestrating a sprawling sex trafficking operation, including forcing a male escort to urinate in the mouth of his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, during one of his notorious “freak off” parties.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson, these gatherings were elaborate, orchestrated sexual events where male escorts and women were allegedly coerced or forced into participation. Johnson recounted one such party where Diddy allegedly instructed an unnamed escort to urinate on Cassie, leaving her feeling like she was “choking.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution.
The prosecution also referenced a 2016 video that allegedly shows Diddy kicking, hitting, and dragging Cassie in a hotel hallway—an incident that sparked outrage when it surfaced online.
Testifying for the prosecution, male escort Daniel Phillip claimed he was repeatedly hired to have sex with Cassie, sometimes under Diddy’s direction or on camera. He stated he earned up to $6,000 per encounter. Phillip also told jurors that Ventura once explicitly asked him to urinate on her, recalling her instructing him on how to do it correctly. “I felt like I was dealing with someone who had unlimited power. Even if I went to the police, I believed I could still lose my life,” Phillip testified.
Last week, Diddy’s legal team announced plans to argue that Cassie was a willing participant in mutual acts of violence during their relationship. Cassie is expected to testify during the trial, potentially revealing more about her experiences.
Combs was arrested in Manhattan on September 16, 2024, and subsequently indicted by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. In addition to the current charges, he faces accusations of sexually abusing 120 individuals, including women, men, and a 9-year-old boy.
If convicted of racketeering, Diddy could face life imprisonment. A separate conviction for sex trafficking carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years behind bars.
