Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Prosecutor accuses rapper of running “a criminal enterprise”
On May 12th, the prosecutor in the Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs trial delivered an opening statement at the Federal District Court in Lower Manhattan, accusing him of running a “criminal enterprise” that spanned decades.
The trial was allowed to proceed with opening statements following the conclusion of the jury selection. Eight men and four women are on the jury, with the alternates consisting of two women and four men. Combs is charged with five counts of sex trafficking, racketeering, and sexual abuse of a number of both men and women. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.
Prosecutor Emily A Johnson began proceedings in Manhattan with her opening statement, which alleged “there was another side” to Combs that the public didn’t see. She then elaborated by stating, “A side that ran a criminal enterprise.”
Johnson continued: “During this trial you are going to hear about 20 years of the defendant’s crimes. But he didn’t do it alone. He had an inner circle of bodyguards and high-ranking employees who helped him commit crimes and helped him cover them up.”
She also claimed: “He sometimes called himself the king, and he expected to be treated like one.”
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: a timeline of charges as sex trafficking case begins
The prosecutor then maintained that the trial is an extremely serious matter and stated, “This case is not about a celebrity’s private sexual preferences.”
Johnson’s opening statement continued by detailing allegations made against Combs by five witnesses, including Cassie Ventura, who has waived her right to anonymity.
Focusing on the allegations made by Ventura, Johnson alleged that “she knew she had no choice but to agree” to Combs’ freak-offs. It’s also alleged that she “felt like she was choking” when Combs “made an escort urinate into her mouth” on one incident.
Combs was also accused of being violent to Ventura, as well as another witness, who is using the pseudonym Jane. Regarding Jane, Johnson alleged that Combs “grabbed her in a chokehold, lifted her off the ground by her neck and kicked her to the ground” following an argument about him engaging in sexual activity with another woman.
Combs, who denies all wrongdoing, will have his lawyer deliver his opening statement on May 12th. If found guilty, he could spend his life in prison.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.