Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is preparing to argue that his past relationship with ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura was “mutually violent” as he faces serious charges in his upcoming federal sex trafficking trial. During a recent court session in New York, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, indicated they plan to frame the relationship as one involving domestic violence on both sides—an approach aimed at challenging Ventura’s credibility.
The case stems from a lawsuit Cassie filed in late 2023, accusing Combs of multiple rapes, beatings, and drug-fueled coercion over the course of their on-and-off relationship between 2007 and 2018. Although the lawsuit was quickly settled, the accusations triggered a wider federal investigation. In March 2024, hotel surveillance footage from 2016 surfaced, showing Combs assaulting Ventura—footage he later acknowledged with a public apology, calling it the “darkest time” in his life.
Following that, Combs was arrested in September 2024 on charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Authorities later raided his homes and reportedly found disturbing evidence, including over 1,000 bottles of lubricant and several assault rifles. He’s currently being held without bail in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
Ahead of the trial, Combs has rejected a plea deal and continues to plead not guilty. His defense team may also argue that his lifestyle was part of a consensual “swinger” culture, not a criminal enterprise. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
