- Combs pleads not guilty to racketeering, sex trafficking
- Twelve jurors and six alternates to be chosen
- Judge questioned nearly 100 prospective jurors
NEW YORK, May 10 — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs on Friday said they plan to accuse the hip-hop mogul’s ex-girlfriend of domestic violence when she takes the stand in his sex trafficking trial. Combs has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation for prostitution – all felonies. He could face decades or even life in prison if convicted at the trial in Manhattan federal court.
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo told US District Judge Arun Subramanian during a hearing Friday that he plans to show there was mutual violence between Combs and his ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is expected to testify as a star witness for the prosecution.
“I think we’re probably going to refer to that as domestic violence,” Agnifilo said, arguing Ventura’s alleged history of violence would undercut prosecutors’ argument that she was a victim.
Ventura’s lawyers declined to comment on Agnifilo’s remarks.
Subramanian appeared disinclined to allow the defense to introduce evidence of any alleged violence by Ventura but said he would rule on the issue on Monday, when a jury of 12 New Yorkers is set to be finalized ahead of opening statements by defense lawyers and prosecutors.
Combs, 55, was present in the courtroom Friday sported graying hair and a sweater over a white shirt. He has been held in a federal lockup in Brooklyn since his arrest last September.
Combs, a Harlem native who founded the pioneering record label Bad Boy Records and discovered iconic rappers including the Notorious B.I.G., was arrested last September and has been held in a Brooklyn federal lockup since then.
Prosecutors with the Manhattan US Attorney’s office say that for two decades Combs used his business empire to lure women into his orbit with promises of romantic relationships or financial support, then violently coerced them to take part in days-long, drug-fueled sexual performances known as “Freak Offs.”
Combs’ lawyers have said prosecutors are improperly seeking to criminalize Combs’ “swinger lifestyle.” They have signaled they plan to attack the credibility of the alleged victims who will testify by seeking to show they had financial incentives to accuse Combs. They have said the women gave inconsistent accounts of the alleged assaults to investigators.
Subramanian has said the trial will last around eight weeks, with the alternate jurors serving as backups in case jurors are unable to finish. Any verdict must be unanimous. — Reuters
