Opening statements began this week in the highly publicized federal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. The music mogul faces serious charges, including sex trafficking, prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. The courtroom was filled with attention, as Diddy's children and his mother sat by his side to show support.
This trial will not be televised, but major news outlets are reporting updates. One of the first witnesses to take the stand was a former security guard from a Los Angeles hotel, the same hotel where the 2016 surveillance footage showed Diddy allegedly assaulting singer Cassie Ventura.
The security guard testified that after getting a report of a woman in distress, he checked the cameras and saw Diddy pacing. He said he found Cassie on the floor and Diddy in a towel. He claimed that Diddy tried to pay him off to stay quiet, but Diddy’s legal team says the money was just for a broken vase.
A second witness, a male sex worker, gave disturbing testimony, claiming that Diddy arranged explicit encounters, watched them happen, and gave detailed directions. He also claimed Diddy paid him and that Cassie was involved against her will.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty and his team insists he is not a criminal, just someone with an alternative lifestyle.