Federal prosecutors have opened their case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs with shocking allegations in his sex trafficking and racketeering trial, which began on May 12, 2025, in New York.
Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records, has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated a years-long criminal enterprise involving the sexual exploitation of over 120 victims.
In her opening statement, Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson told jurors that Combs forced a male escort to urinate in the mouth of his former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, during one of his infamous “freak off” parties. Johnson described these gatherings as orchestrated sexual encounters involving male sex workers and women coerced into participation.
Prosecutors also referenced a 2016 video showing Combs allegedly assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway, citing it as evidence of a pattern of abuse.
Key witness Daniel Phillip, a male sex worker, testified that he was hired multiple times to have sex with Cassie, earning up to $6,000 per encounter. Phillip claimed Combs would often direct or record these acts. He further alleged that Cassie once requested him to urinate on her, stating, “Cassie was actually the one that asked me to urinate on her. Apparently, I was doing it wrong because they both told me.”
Despite his participation, Phillip expressed fear for his safety, saying, “My thoughts were that this was someone with unlimited power. And chances are that, even if I did go to the police, I might still lose my life.”
Combs’ legal team is expected to argue that his relationship with Cassie was characterized by mutual violence and consensual acts. Cassie Ventura herself is anticipated to testify later in the trial.
Combs was arrested on September 16, 2024, in Manhattan and subsequently indicted by federal prosecutors. He faces severe penalties, including life imprisonment if convicted on racketeering charges, and a mandatory minimum of 15 years for sex trafficking.
The trial is set to continue over the coming weeks, with testimonies from multiple alleged victims and key witnesses.
