Sean “Diddy Combs” is on trial facing a number of charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex ­trafficking by force.

The first week of the once acclaimed rapper’s federal criminal trial in Manhattan is officially over. It was marked by emotional testimonies and disturbing allegations, as prosecutors began presenting their case against the music mogul.

Combs faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution—the testimonies were so gripping ang graphic Combs’ three kids had to leave the room twice, People reports.

Cassie Ventura’s Testimony

Central to the prosecution’s case was the testimony of Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend. Over four days on the witness stand, Ventura detailed an 11-year relationship characterized by manipulation, coercion, and abuse. 

She described being forced into drug-fueled sexual encounters, referred to as “freak-offs,” which involved paid male escorts and were often filmed by Combs. These “Freak Offs” were held at both her and Combs’ houses, in addition to hotels in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Ibiza, and Turks and Caicos.

Ventura testified that these encounters were not consensual and that she participated out of fear of retaliation. 

In December 2011, P. Diddy allegedly threatened her when he learned she was dating Scott Mescudi, also known as rapper Kid Cudi. “He told me about videos that he had that he was going to release, and that he was going to hurt Scott and I,” she said, adding the videos he was referring to were of the “Freak Offs.”

She also recounted a 2016 incident, captured on video, where Combs physically assaulted her in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. The video, previously released publicly, was shown in court, eliciting strong reactions from those present.

Additional Witnesses

“It’s important that people recognize Cassie Ventura is not going to be the only witness in this case,” Areva Martin, an attorney and CNN legal analyst, told CNN on Friday after the singer completed her testimony. “No case is built on a singular witness… Cassie is a star witness but not the only witness.”

Singer Dawn Richard, a former member of the group Danity Kane, also testified, corroborating Ventura’s accounts of abuse. 

Richard described witnessing Combs physically assault Ventura during an argument over breakfast, stating that he threw a skillet at her and kicked her while she was on the ground. Richard’s testimony aimed to demonstrate a pattern of abusive behavior by Combs.

“He came downstairs screaming, belligerent, asking where his food was, and proceeded to hit her over the head, kicked her and beat her to the ground in front of us,” she claimed.

According to Richard, Combs then dragged Cassie as he continued to yell. “I was scared for her, and for me, too,” she said. She also added that she “often” saw violence against Ventura from Combs.

She did not, however, call the police because she was “scared to do anything in fear of what that might mean for me, too.”

Additionally, Homeland Security agent Yasin Binda testified about evidence collected during a raid on Combs’ hotel suite in Manhattan. Items seized included large quantities of lubricants, cash, and drugs, which prosecutors argue support the allegations of organized sex trafficking activities.

Defense’s Position

Combs’ defense team acknowledged that he had a volatile temper and engaged in a tumultuous relationship with Ventura. However, they contended that the relationship was consensual and that the activities described did not constitute sex trafficking or racketeering. 

The defense argued that the prosecution’s case relies heavily on Ventura’s testimony, which they claim is motivated by financial gain and personal vendetta.

Trial Outlook

The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with prosecutors aiming to establish a pattern of coercive and abusive behavior by Combs that supports the charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. If convicted, Combs faces the possibility of life imprisonment.