Summary of Diddy’s First Day in Court

Full Recap:

After jury selection concluded, the court heard opening statements from the prosecution, who accused the hip-hop mogul of using fame and violence to sexually abuse women

The rapper’s attorneys defended his “swinger” lifestyle and rejected sex trafficking claims

Following opening statements, the court heard from prosecutors’ first witnesses, including a security guard from a hotel where Mr Combs is seen in a now-viral video beating his ex-girlfriend in 2016.

Video was shown of Diddy assaulting Cassie

His testimony was followed by a man who said Mr Combs abused his ex-girlfriend during paid sexual encounters with the couple

Prosecutors focused on the two central victims in the case – Mr Combs’ former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, and another unnamed former girlfriend

Lawyers for Mr Combs said the video was evidence of Mr Combs’ “flawed” character, but not of a larger criminal enterprise

The Jurors were shown an assault video in the first testimony of Diddy’s sex-trafficking trial

A former hotel security guard and a male stripper were the first two witnesses in the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sex-trafficking case, as the trial got underway in earnest in New York

Warning: This page contains distressing details

The security guard says he was investigating a “woman in distress” call when he discovered Combs with a “devilish” stare and the hip-hop mogul’s ex-girlfriend Cassie with a purple eye

Combs is charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution

In opening statements, the defence says Combs has been violent, but his relationships were consensual and part of a “swinger’s lifestyle”

The prosecution alleges Combs used violence and exerted power over Cassie and another woman to coerce them to participate in sex parties he called “freak offs”

Combs has denied all charges. If found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison

Diddy’s Family Members and Friends Came to Court to Support him