In court on Friday, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers admitted that he was violent towards his ex, Cassie Ventura, but they argued that the violence was mutual. Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo told Judge Arun Subramanian that the defense will argue that both Combs and Ventura were violent in their relationship, including hitting each other.
“We will admit to domestic violence,” Agnifilo said, “but at what point does it become coercive?”
Combs’ lawyers also said that Ventura is a strong person who could start physical fights, but Judge Subramanian responded, “strong people can be coerced just like weak people.”
Combs is facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting people to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty and denies all the accusations. His trial started with jury selection on May 5, and opening statements will begin on May 12.
Ventura is expected to be the main witness for the prosecution. The accusations against Combs became public in 2023 when a video seemed to show him assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel.
In 2023, Ventura filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in New York, accusing him of sexual assault, rape, and physical violence. The case was settled the next day. This lawsuit was followed by several other civil lawsuits and a criminal indictment in September 2024.
The 2024 indictment claims that Combs used his music businesses to lure women with promises of romance, but then forced them to take part in sex acts at “Freak Off” parties through threats and drugs. These parties sometimes lasted days. The indictment also accuses Combs of running a violent criminal group involved in kidnapping, arson, drugs, and sexual abuse.
The final jury for Combs’ trial will be selected next week, with opening statements starting soon. Over three days, 45 potential jurors were chosen from an initial group of 22.
