Additional Coverage:
- Diddy is building a ‘consensual sex’ defense. Ex-prosecutors say it’s his best shot. (businessinsider.com)
Diddy’s Defense Paints a Picture of Consensual Relationships in Sex-Trafficking Trial
The defense in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial is set to begin this week, and they’re presenting a starkly different narrative than the prosecution. Combs’ legal team is arguing that the relationships with his accusers, R&B artist Cassie Ventura and a second woman identified as “Jane,” were consensual, and that the women were willing participants in the sexual activities at the heart of the case.
Former prosecutors suggest that while this defense strategy may be a long shot, it’s Combs’ best chance for acquittal. The defense aims to portray the women as willing partners who later regretted their involvement. They’re highlighting text messages and other communications where the women appear to express enjoyment, arguing they were “properly compensated,” both financially and emotionally, for participating in what Ventura called “freak offs” and Jane termed “hotel nights.”
The prosecution, however, has presented evidence of force, fraud, and coercion, including testimony from both women about alleged beatings, supported by photographs and corroborating witnesses. They’ve also introduced emails and texts detailing the women’s distress over Combs’ alleged violence and broken promises.
The key legal point is whether the alleged force, fraud, or coercion directly led to the sex trafficking. If the jury believes the women willingly participated, regardless of other issues in the relationship, Combs could be acquitted.
The defense is working to disconnect the alleged violence and betrayal from the sexual encounters, emphasizing Combs’ “sexual curiosities” and the women’s willingness to fulfill them. They’re also pointing to the women’s repeated returns to Combs after breakups, questioning why they would go back to someone they considered a “monster.” This directly contradicts the prosecution’s expert witness, who testified about the complex trauma bond that can bind victims to their abusers.
The prosecution’s case spans a significant timeframe, encompassing numerous alleged incidents. While they’ve presented a well-prepared case, the complexity of the allegations makes it challenging. However, they only need to convince the jury that Combs used force to traffic Ventura or Jane on a single occasion for a conviction.
Both Ventura and Jane have testified about specific incidents they characterize as violent and coerced. Ventura described attempting to leave a 2016 encounter after Combs allegedly punched her, with security footage appearing to show Combs kicking her and dragging her back to a hotel room.
Jane testified about a 2024 incident where Combs allegedly beat her and then forced her to take drugs and have sex with a porn actor. The jury has reviewed text messages and photographs related to both incidents.
The prosecution is expected to argue that while the relationships were complex, the violence used to obtain sex was not. The jury will ultimately decide which narrative they believe.
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- Diddy is building a ‘consensual sex’ defense. Ex-prosecutors say it’s his best shot. (businessinsider.com)