Share this @internewscast.com
This article contains references to domestic violence and sexual assault.
A male stripper testified overnight on the first day of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial, alleging he had sex with the hip-hop mogul’s then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, for money multiple times in 2012 and 2013 while Combs watched and masturbated.
Stripper Daniel Phillip, the prosecution’s second witness, also described an incident in a New York City hotel, where Combs allegedly threw a liquor bottle in Ventura’s direction, grabbed her by the hair and dragged her screaming into another room.

Phillip said he allegedly heard Combs shouting and slapping Ventura, and that she was visibly shaken after the incident.

“She literally jumped into my lap and she was shaking, like literally her whole entire body was shaking. She was terrified,” Phillip told jurors in Manhattan federal court.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five felony counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted on all counts, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and could face life in prison.

Prosecutors allege women forced to participate in ‘freak offs’

Prosecutors say Combs lured women into romantic relationships, forced them to take part in days of drug-fuelled sex parties — referred to as “freak offs” — and then blackmailed them with videos he recorded of the encounters. When women resisted, he allegedly turned violent and “viciously attacked” them.
Before Phillip’s testimony, jurors viewed a 2016 video in which Combs assaulted Ventura, threw her to the ground in the hallway of a Los Angeles area hotel and kicked her as she tried to enter an elevator.
In the footage, Combs, wearing only a towel, is then seen grabbing Ventura’s belongings and dragging her into the hallway, before leaving her behind.
The footage showed her lying motionless on the ground for a moment before getting up and walking to a hotel phone mounted on the wall.

Israel Florez, a former security guard and the prosecution’s first witness, testified that Ventura looked “scared” during the incident and that Combs offered him a stack of cash to keep quiet. He declined the offer.

‘Most painful experiences of their lives’

Prosecutor Emily Johnson told jurors they would hear testimony from victims who said Combs routinely beat them and exploded with rage at the smallest slights. “They will tell you about some of the most painful experiences of their lives,” Johnson said.
“The days they spent in hotel rooms, high on drugs, dressed in costumes to perform the defendant’s sexual fantasies.”

Johnson described Combs as a violent offender who had set a man’s car ablaze and dangled a woman from a balcony, as well as making impossible demands of his lovers.

A court drawing of a trial features a woman gesturing with her hand as she speaks. People are sitting behind her in rows in front of laptops and looking up at her.

Assistant US attorney Emily Johnson, right, gestures to Sean “Diddy” Combs, far left, while giving her opening statement on the first day of trial at Manhattan federal court. Source: AP / Elizabeth Williams

“Let me be clear … this case is not about a celebrity’s private sexual preferences,” Johnson said. “It’s coercive and criminal” in nature, she said as Combs watched intently.

The trial, expected to run eight to ten weeks, has drawn widespread media attention due to Combs’ celebrity status and long career shaping hip-hop stars like The Notorious BIG and Mary J Blige.

The 12 jurors and six alternates will remain anonymous but not sequestered.

Defence suggests money as a motivator

Defence lawyer Teny Geragos told jurors prosecutors were trying to twist Combs’ romantic relationships into a racketeering and sex trafficking case.

“Sean Combs is a complicated man, but this is not a complicated case. This case is about voluntary choices made by capable adults in consensual relationships,” Geragos said.

A woman in a black outfit and blonde hair walks next to a woman in a white outfit.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ family and supporters, including his mother Janice Combs (left), attended the first day of the trial. Source: AP / Seth Wenig

“Ask yourself why are they making this allegation now? What is their motive? For many of them, the answer is simple: money,” Geragos said.

Combs stood and faced the jury when Geragos introduced him. He smiled and blew kisses at his family, including his mother and six of his children seated in the front row.
He has faced at least 50 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse, including one from Ventura whose lawsuit was settled for undisclosed terms.
With additional reporting by Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.

For the latest from SBS News, and .
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
A White's Seahorse floats in the current, its tail wrapped around a net.

The Disappearance of Seahorses from Australian Waters: Understanding the Concerns

Measuring about 15cm from top to tail, the endangered White’s Seahorse is…

Exploring Australia’s $17.3 Trillion Wealth: A Breakdown of Where the Money Resides

New findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveal that household…
Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate in Australia and now a groundbreaking medical machine could be the key to early detection.

‘Revolutionary Device May Unlock Early Detection of Australia’s Most Lethal Cancer’

Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate in Australia but now, a…
a male taking money out of the valet.

Increased Salaries, Improved Parental Leave, and Enhanced Superannuation: Upcoming Changes on July 1

The lives of millions of Australians are going to change next week.…
A desperate search continued today for the missing remains of alleged murder victim Julian Story.

Search Ongoing for Missing Remains Following Reality TV Star’s Murder Charge

Warning: This story contains content some readers may find distressing. A desperate…
People gather next to a car that was damaged in an Israeli airstrike in Nabatieh town, south Lebanon, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

Israeli Strikes on Southern Lebanon Result in One Dead and Eleven Injured

Israel’s air force launched forceful airstrikes on mountainous regions overlooking a city…

How a Reported Coding Mistake Left an Australian Trapped in Iran

Sydney resident Amir, unknowingly about to become embroiled in a tense geopolitical…

The Global Fascination with Australia’s ‘Mushroom Murder’ Trial

Recently, the regional Victorian town of Morwell has gained global attention. Patterson…
Trump is ending trade talks with Canada

Trump Decides to Halt Trade Negotiations with Canada

President Donald Trump said Friday (Saturday AEST) he has put an end…
Shooting suspect appears in court as victims and their dog lie in state

Shooting Suspect Appears in Court as Victims and Beloved Dog Honored in State Ceremony

Former President Joe Biden paid tribute to Minnesota’s former speaker of the…
Heavy rain which could bring flooding as well, strong winds and large surf is set to hit Australia's east coast next week.

Powerful weather system to impact NSW with potential flooding, strong winds, and large waves.

Heavy rain which could bring flooding, strong winds and large surf is…

East Coast Prepares for Possible Severe Weather Conditions

A looming low pressure system is set to intensify, bringing possible flooding…