Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial that’s been dubbed America’s celebrity trial of the century has kicked off in New York City as the music mogul faces serious charges that he denies
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial is expected to reveal celebrity names and show footage from his alleged Freak Offs. The rapper’s trial began in New York City today, with his mum and six children filling the courthouse.
Opening statements were read out following the jury selection in what has been called America’s celebrity trial of the century. The 55-year-old music mogul is accused of a number of serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has continued to deny all allegations against him since he was charged and put behind bars last year, with his multiple bail pleas rejected.
Today, the opening statements have given the public a preview of what to expect throughout the trial. Prosecutors have claimed that Combs, with help of his staff, “abused, threatened and coerced women” into drug-fuelled sex orgies, which he called “Freak Offs.”
They are expected to show recordings of alleged Freak Offs, which Combs has argued were consensual. The federal government’s case against Combs also includes 2016 hotel surveillance footage of him physically assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. She is expected to testify against him.
The judge, Arun Subramanian, issued a caution to jurors to be careful about what they consider as evidence. “Questions are not evidence,” Subramanian said to the jury. “Only the answers given by the witnesses and the documents are evidence”
The 12 jurors were sworn in following a delay due to concerns that some might drop out over the weekend if the panel was finalised on Friday as originally planned.
Combs’s defence team had requested the delay, but prosecutors had opposed the postponement. Prospective jurors were asked if they were familiar with several celebrities who may come up during the trial.
They were asked about their knowledge of Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers, Kid Cudi, and Kanye West. It is unclear if the celebrities will be called to testify, and they have not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani previously said the public should be prepared to hear the names of celebrities during the trial, according to the Sun.
Federal prosecutors in New York alleged Combs “abused, threatened and coerced women” into long, drug-fuelled orgies with male prostitutes he called “freak offs” and even threatened them into silence.
The indictment against him stated: “After Freak Offs, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use.”
He pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges, which is five counts in all.
Combs’ defence attorneys, including Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, have claimed his sexual encounters have all been consensual and said the rapper is a swinger who sometimes invited people into his bedroom.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
Source: Mirror
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