Day 1 of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Trial: A Shocking Start in Court

 May 12, 2025 – Day 1 of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Trial: A Shocking Start in Court

By: Nonillaah writer

The long-awaited federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs began today in New York City—and its first day was nothing short of explosive.

Combs, a fixture of hip-hop and business culture for decades, faces five serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The Prosecution’s Opening Statement: “A Criminal Enterprise Behind the Icon”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson opened with a stark contrast: the glamorous celebrity versus the alleged predator. Johnson painted Combs as the leader of a criminal ring that sexually exploited women using his fame, wealth, and inner circle to facilitate and cover up abuse.

Among the disturbing allegations laid out:

• Combs allegedly forced his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura to have sex with male escorts, recording the acts to use as blackmail.

• His businesses reportedly funded and enabled these activities.

• Johnson described multi-day sex events—referred to as “Freak Offs”—where women, including Ventura, were drugged and coerced into sexual acts.

• Much of the government’s case hinges on the testimonies of Ventura and another woman who will appear under the pseudonym Jane.

The Defense Pushback: “Violence Is Not Sex Trafficking”

Defense attorney Teny Geragos tried to draw a clear line between domestic abuse and sex crimes, arguing that while Combs admits to past violence, "domestic violence is not sex trafficking."

Key arguments from the defense:

• The jury will hear uncomfortable details about Combs’ sexual preferences, but “this trial is not about judging that.”

• The defense acknowledged the infamous 2016 hotel assault video, calling it “indefensible”—but argued it only proves domestic violence, not a federal sex crime.

• Geragos emphasized Ventura’s autonomy, stating she “chose” to stay with Combs for over a decade and ended things on her own terms.

First Witness: Former Hotel Security Officer Testifies

Officer Israel Florez, working security at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in 2016, was the prosecution’s first witness.

He recounted:

• Responding to a call about a “woman in distress,” and finding Combs and Ventura in an elevator lobby.

• Escorting them back to their room, where Combs allegedly offered him a wad of cash—a gesture Florez interpreted as a bribe, which he declined.

• Later seeing Ventura with a purple eye, though no police report was filed at the time because “no one was pressing charges.”

Second Witness: Graphic Testimony from a Paid Escort

The second witness, Daniel Phillip, told a deeply troubling story that brought many in the courtroom to tears—and some to their feet.

Phillip, a male escort, testified that he was paid to have sex with Cassie Ventura, while Combs allegedly watched, directed, and filmed.

Details from his direct testimony:

• His first encounter in 2012 took place at the Gramercy Park Hotel, where he expected a bachelorette party, only to find Ventura alone with a disguised man he soon recognized as Combs.

• He testified that Combs gave directions during sex, recorded them, and once had Phillip urinate on Ventura, all while masturbating.

• He recalled Ventura being visibly intoxicated and once taking Molly offered by Combs.

• Phillip described a moment when Combs dragged Ventura by her hair into a bedroom, slapping her while she screamed and apologized.

Phillip also described Combs photographing his driver’s license under the guise of “insurance,” which he believed was an intimidation tactic.

A Visibly Emotional Courtroom

As Phillip described graphic and degrading sexual acts, Combs’ daughters left the courtroom. Later, one of Combs’ sons was seen comforting their grandmother as more painful testimony unfolded.

The prosecution also presented the 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura—footage that’s central to the government's case. Legal experts say this video serves as a cornerstone of the prosecution's broader narrative: that Combs used “force, fraud, and coercion” to fuel a criminal enterprise of abuse.

Cross-Examination and What's Next

Under cross-examination, Phillip admitted he wasn’t actively working as a stripper when first contacted. He thought he was going to a private party and only agreed to attend because he matched the client’s request for a Black male dancer.

Defense attorney Xavier Donaldson questioned whether Ventura appeared aroused during the encounters and attempted to suggest mutual consent—but Phillip’s detailed and emotionally charged testimony painted a far darker picture.

Judge Arun Subramanian instructed the jury not to discuss the case and warned the public not to attempt identifying jurors.

What to Expect Tomorrow

• Court resumes at 9:00 a.m. ET to argue evidentiary matters ahead of Ventura’s expected testimony.

• Phillip will return to the stand for further cross-examination.

• All eyes will be on Cassie Ventura’s upcoming testimony, which is expected to be a major turning point in the trial.

Male Revue Manager Recalls Seeing Combs Drag Cassie Ventura by Her Hair

Daniel Phillip, a former male revue manager, testified about witnessing Sean “Diddy” Combs assault singer Cassie Ventura at her home. He recounted a disturbing incident where Combs grabbed Ventura by her hair and dragged her into a bedroom after yelling at her. According to Phillip, Ventura had been sitting at her computer when Combs demanded, “Come here.” When she replied that her personal information was visible on the screen, Combs stormed out and began pulling her by the hair.

Phillip said Ventura was screaming and repeatedly saying “I’m sorry” as Combs dragged her. From the other room, Phillip heard what sounded like slaps and Combs shouting, “B*tch, when I tell you to come here, you come. Now, not later.”

“I didn’t know what to do, I was shocked,” Phillip said. “In my mind, I thought if I tried to intervene, I might lose my life.”

When asked why he didn’t report the abuse, Phillip explained, “This is someone with unlimited power. Even if I went to the police, I feared I could still end up dead.”

He added that Ventura later emerged visibly upset, and Combs asked if they were ready to continue their encounter. Phillip said he didn’t think he could go on but may have tried to pretend everything was normal. He couldn’t recall if he was paid that day.

Despite witnessing the violence, Phillip said he continued seeing the couple, citing a sense of concern for Ventura. “It was my way of checking on her—to know that she was okay,” he said.

Phillip Testifies to Being Paid for Sex with Ventura, Directed by Combs

Phillip also testified that he was paid on multiple occasions to engage in sexual acts with Cassie Ventura, often under Combs’ direction. He stated that Combs would instruct him and Ventura during the encounters and frequently requested the use of baby oil. Sometimes, Phillip was asked to purchase supplies beforehand.

He described one incident where Ventura instructed him to urinate on her while Combs watched and masturbated. Phillip noted that he often did not use a condom and once brought his STD records to reassure them of his health.

According to Phillip, Combs recorded at least one or two of the sexual encounters using a phone and camcorder.

Initial Encounter at Gramercy Park Hotel

Phillip shared that their first encounter occurred at the Gramercy Park Hotel. Expecting a bachelorette party, he arrived to find Ventura alone, dressed in red lace lingerie, heels, a red wig, and dark sunglasses. She told him it was her birthday and that her “husband” had arranged something special. She offered him several thousand dollars and said she’d tip him afterward.

Phillip recalled a man in the room wearing a white robe, hat, and bandana covering his face from the nose down. Although the man didn’t identify himself, Phillip recognized the voice as Sean Combs. Ventura reassured Phillip that her husband wasn’t gay and wouldn’t touch him.

During that encounter, Phillip said he had sex with Ventura while Combs sat in the corner masturbating. He was paid a few thousand dollars more before leaving. This pattern repeated a few more times into late 2013 or early 2014, with meetings at hotels or the couple’s homes in New York.

Combs Took Photo of Phillip’s ID

Phillip also testified that Combs once photographed his driver’s license and said it was “for insurance purposes,” which Phillip interpreted as a veiled threat. “I was shocked,” he said.

Drug Use and Unpredictable Payments

Phillip said he once took the synthetic drug Molly, which was offered to him by Combs. The experience left him feeling both nauseous and euphoric.

He testified that Ventura once appeared to be under the influence when they met. “She was slumped over on a couch,” he recalled. Combs, observing her condition, told Phillip, “I don’t think this is going to happen today.”

Phillip said his payment for these encounters varied—from $700 to as much as $5,000 or $6,000—but at times, he received nothing. Despite the inconsistency, he didn’t mind. “I was just excited to be in this world, to be around people with such notoriety,” he said. “I didn’t care if I got paid or not.”

Second Witness Takes the Stand in Trial Involving Sean "Diddy" Combs

Prosecutors have brought forward their second witness, Daniel Phillip, in the ongoing trial against music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Phillip recounted his time managing a male revue show around 2012 and 2013, where he organized performances by male dancers for female audiences. During that time, he claimed he received payment from Cassie Ventura for a sexual encounter, which he said took place in the presence of Combs.

According to Phillip, he had been directed by his supervisor to attend what he thought would be a bachelorette party at the Gramercy Park Hotel. Expecting to perform a routine striptease, he arrived near midnight, only to find Ventura alone, waiting at the door.

First Witness, LAPD Officer, Concludes Testimony

The prosecution’s first witness, Los Angeles Police Officer Israel Florez, concluded his time on the stand. Florez, who was working as assistant director of security at the InterContinental Hotel on March 5, 2016, responded to an altercation involving Combs and Ventura.

Details from Officer Florez's Testimony

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik led the questioning. Florez described arriving at the hotel’s elevator lobby and identifying Combs, whom he recognized and pointed out in court as wearing a gray sweater. He testified that Combs was wearing a towel and socks and appeared to have what he called a “devilish stare.”

Florez said Combs approached him holding a wad of cash, which he interpreted as a bribe. He also noted that Ventura appeared injured, with visible bruising around one eye. Despite offering to call police, Ventura allegedly insisted she just wanted to leave the premises.

Florez documented the incident in a detailed report that included names, photos, and a step-by-step account. Jurors were shown surveillance footage of the altercation as well as video taken from Florez’s cell phone. The footage reportedly showed Florez walking Combs back to his hotel room, followed shortly by Ventura.

Despite the apparent severity of the situation, Florez testified that he did not contact law enforcement at the time, explaining that there was no formal complaint and no one appeared willing to press charges.

Defense Challenges Witness on Report Details

Defense attorney Brian Steel focused on inconsistencies between Florez’s testimony and his written report. Specifically, Steel questioned why the officer’s description of Combs’ facial expressions was omitted from the official document. Florez responded that he didn’t find it relevant at the time.

Steel also questioned whether Combs was truly offering a bribe or simply paying for damages. Florez reaffirmed that he believed the cash was meant to influence him improperly.

Another point of contention involved an unidentified man allegedly present in Combs’ hotel room. Florez acknowledged seeing the man but said he didn’t question him or include the detail in his report, believing the individual had no involvement in the incident.

Prosecution Expected to Call Expert Witnesses on Victim Behavior

Legal analysts anticipate that prosecutors will soon introduce expert witnesses to explain typical behaviors of individuals in abusive or manipulative relationships. This could help jurors understand why victims, like Ventura, might hesitate to involve law enforcement.

The psychological experts might shed light on why some abuse victims delay reporting or choose not to press charges at all.

The defense, during opening arguments, asserted that Ventura remained in the relationship with Combs for over a decade by choice and left voluntarily. Trial consultant Richard Gabriel noted that modern jurors may be more attuned to the psychological complexities in abusive dynamics, including reluctance to report incidents due to emotional or power-based pressure.

Expert Witnesses for Both Sides

Combs’ legal team has indicated it will present its own psychological expert to counter the government’s expected testimony. Prosecutors reportedly plan to call Dr. Dawn Hughes, a clinical psychologist known for her roles in other high-profile sex trafficking cases, including those involving R. Kelly and Lawrence Ray. In response, Combs intends to bring Dr. Alexander Barney, a forensic psychologist, to offer an alternative perspective.

Cash Offer Highlighted as Possible Bribe

Florez reiterated during cross-examination that he perceived the stack of cash Combs handed him as an attempt to bribe him following the hotel incident. The defense pointed out that Combs may have simply been trying to cover property damage costs, but Florez maintained his interpretation of the gesture.

Defense Questions Officer Over Missing Details in Incident Report

During cross-examination, defense attorney Brian Steel pressed Officer Israel Florez on why his official incident report failed to mention Sean “Diddy” Combs’ facial expressions following a 2016 altercation at a hotel involving Cassie Ventura.

Earlier in the day, Florez had testified that Combs looked “devilish” and “scary” during the encounter. When asked about the omission, Florez explained that while those were his personal impressions both then and now, he did not believe they were necessary to include in the formal report.

Steel also challenged Florez on why he didn’t document Ventura’s apparent eye injury. Florez acknowledged the omission, adding that, to his knowledge, no one at the time contacted the police or requested an official investigation into the incident.

Jury Views Video Recorded by Officer

The jury was shown footage that Florez recorded on his cellphone during the incident. The video captures the moment he stepped out of the hotel elevator and began interacting with Combs and Ventura in the lobby.

In the video, Florez can be seen speaking with the pair about property damage. It then shows Ventura walking away down the hallway, while Florez and Combs remained in the elevator area.

Florez testified that he filmed the moment for personal reasons, stating that he believed his wife wouldn’t believe the situation if he didn’t have proof.

Officer Says Police Weren’t Called Because No One Pressed Charges After Hotel Incident

Testifying in court, Officer Israel Florez explained why law enforcement wasn’t contacted following a 2016 altercation involving music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and singer Cassie Ventura. According to Florez, there appeared to be no active complaint at the time. "There was no victim coming forward, and no one seemed interested in filing charges," he said.

Florez recounted his conversation with Ventura, saying she appeared distressed and uncommunicative. "All she said to me was, ‘I just want to leave,’” he testified. By the time Florez reviewed the surveillance footage of the incident, he said both Combs and Ventura had already exited the premises.

Surveillance Footage Reveals Timeline of Events

Jurors were presented with surveillance footage taken from the sixth floor of the InterContinental Hotel. In the video, Florez is seen guiding Combs back to his hotel room. Moments later, Ventura follows them down the hallway.

According to Florez, Ventura told him she needed to retrieve her phone and purse. The video shows her later leaving the room carrying a bag, with Florez close behind.

Additional footage played in court depicts Ventura near the elevator putting on shoes. Combs, wearing a towel, appears behind her and pulls her to the ground before kicking her and dragging her and her belongings back toward the hotel room. Ventura is later seen re-emerging into the hallway and using a wall-mounted phone, which Officer Florez identified as the hotel’s internal “instant service” line.

Florez said hotel staff contacted him shortly after Ventura used that phone. When he arrived, he observed shattered glass and flowers strewn on the hallway floor—debris from a vase Combs allegedly threw, which was seen in the reflection of a mirror in the video.

Officer Recounts Response to Scene

When asked about Ventura’s condition as she exited the hotel, Florez said she had visible bruising, including what he described as a “purple eye.” He offered to call the police, but Ventura declined, saying she just wanted to leave.

Afterward, Florez returned to Combs’ room with another hotel security guard to discuss hotel policy. He testified that Combs became confrontational, at one point snatching the other guard’s phone and accusing him of recording. Florez said he physically restrained Combs by pushing him against the wall to retrieve the phone.

Alleged Bribe and Combs’ Behavior

Florez also testified that Combs approached him with what he believed to be a bribe—a wad of cash. "I took it as a message to keep quiet," he said. Florez said he refused the money and reminded Combs that he would be responsible for damages.

He added that when he first encountered Combs after the incident, Combs was wearing only a towel and socks and stared at him with what Florez described as a “devilish” expression. Florez described Ventura as visibly frightened, wearing a hood over her head and remaining mostly silent.

Florez also said he had kept the door to Combs’ room propped open with his body during the incident to ensure safety. Another man was present in the room, but according to Florez, the man did not interact with anyone and was not included in the incident report due to lack of involvement.

Surveillance System and Incident Documentation

Florez described the hotel’s security system to the jury, explaining that each floor was equipped with multiple motion-activated cameras in the lobby and hallways. He said the hotel’s policy required incident reports when staff responded to any situation involving guests or property damage.

Florez submitted his report at 3 p.m. the same day as the altercation. It detailed the sequence of events and included names of those involved—Combs and Ventura—as well as photos of the broken vase and other damage.

Prosecution’s First Witness Sets the Scene

Florez, now a Los Angeles Police Department officer and U.S. Army reservist, was the first witness called by federal prosecutors. He had been working security for Securitas in 2016 when the incident occurred.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik questioned Florez about the events. Legal analyst Julie Grant noted that Florez’s testimony plays a critical role in identifying Combs in the surveillance footage and establishing the timeline for the jury. She emphasized the prosecution must prove identity, date, and location—elements that Florez’s account helps solidify.

Despite objections from Combs’ legal team, Judge Arun Subramanian allowed the video evidence to be shown in court. During opening statements, Combs’ attorney acknowledged his client had engaged in domestic violence driven by jealousy but denied all allegations related to human trafficking and conspiracy.

Grant called Florez’s testimony a key component in building the narrative of what occurred that day, saying, “This witness brings context to the footage and helps the jury understand how events unfolded inside that hotel.”

Opening Statements Outline Stark Contrast in Diddy Trial

As the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs resumes, both sides presented dramatically different accounts during opening arguments Monday morning, laying the groundwork for what is expected to be a high-profile and emotionally charged legal battle.

Prosecution’s Argument: A Pattern of Power, Abuse, and Crime

Federal prosecutors painted a picture of Combs as a man who wielded his power to orchestrate a series of violent, abusive, and criminal acts over many years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told jurors the music mogul used fear, control, and manipulation—often aided by his closest associates—to engage in behavior that included kidnapping, distributing narcotics, sexual exploitation, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.

Johnson focused heavily on Combs’ relationship with his former partner, Cassie Ventura. The prosecution alleges that Combs forced Ventura into non-consensual sexual acts with male escorts, filming the encounters to later use as leverage. In one disturbing claim, Johnson said Combs compelled a sex worker to urinate on Ventura.

The prosecution also described a retaliatory attack after Combs allegedly discovered Ventura had a new romantic partner. Armed with a weapon, he is accused of violently beating her.

Prosecutors explained that Combs surrounded himself with loyal insiders who facilitated his behavior. Referring to himself as a "king," Combs allegedly demanded obedience and carried out what Johnson described as "Freak Offs" — multi-day parties where women were drugged and coerced into degrading sexual acts.

Two women, Ventura and another alleged victim referred to by the pseudonym “Jane,” will be central to the prosecution’s case. Johnson said the jury would be shown texts, videos, hotel records, and bills that document these alleged events. The racketeering conspiracy charge hinges on the claim that Combs and his staff worked together to carry out many of these crimes.

Defense’s Response: Flawed, Not Criminal

In response, defense attorney Teny Geragos acknowledged Combs’ troubled history in his personal relationships, describing him as "complex" and admitting to instances of domestic violence. However, she rejected the prosecution’s depiction of Combs as a criminal mastermind.

“This case is not about sex trafficking or organized crime,” Geragos told jurors. “It’s about jealousy, love, and adult decisions.”

Geragos emphasized that while the 2016 hotel surveillance video—showing Combs assaulting Ventura—is “inexcusable,” it depicts an isolated act of domestic violence, not a broader criminal enterprise. She also noted that Ventura remained in a relationship with Combs for over a decade and left on her own accord.

Explicit videos of the “Freak Offs,” the defense argued, will prove that the acts were consensual, albeit possibly uncomfortable for jurors to watch. Geragos pushed back on the notion that such private sexual behavior constitutes a federal offense.

Addressing a widely reported seizure of large quantities of baby oil during a law enforcement search, Geragos dismissed it with sarcasm: “He likes baby oil. Is that a crime?”

Geragos closed by encouraging jurors to stay critical of the motivations behind each witness. “Everyone has a reason for what they say,” she said.

Family and Supporters Present in Court

Sean Combs arrived in court Monday morning to a visible show of family support. Smiling, he acknowledged his children and mother with gestures of love and affection. His adult children sat in the second row with his mother between them, while his sister was seated nearby.

Familiar Face in the Gallery: Mark Geragos

Veteran criminal attorney Mark Geragos, father of lead defense lawyer Teny Geragos, was seen in court during a recess. While he is not officially part of the defense team, the prosecution previously expressed concern over his presence during jury selection, suspecting he may be providing behind-the-scenes counsel. Geragos was only there to support his daughter and longtime friend, Combs.

Ventura’s Testimony Expected to Be Critical

Legal analysts say that Ventura’s appearance on the witness stand could be a turning point in the trial. Criminal defense attorney Joey Jackson told CNN that her testimony could be pivotal in helping jurors grasp the prosecution’s narrative.

"She is expected to deliver the story with all its disturbing elements—sex, drugs, violence—directly to the jury," Jackson explained. However, he also noted the defense will likely challenge her credibility, carefully balancing their approach due to the potential emotional impact of cross-examining a pregnant witness.

“They’ll need to be cautious,” Jackson said. “She’s likely to be very sympathetic, but she may also hold the keys to some of the most critical evidence in this case.”