Witness claims Diddy directed and paid for Cassie encounter

The federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs opened Monday in New York with powerful opening statements and graphic witness testimony.

Combs faces five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Prosecutors allege that Combs used his celebrity status and employees to operate a criminal enterprise that enabled coercion, abuse, and “freak offs”—drug- and sex-fueled parties involving non-consensual sex acts. If convicted, Combs could face 15 years to life in prison.

On day one of the trial, jurors heard from former hotel security guard Israel Florez, who testified that Combs attempted to bribe him after being caught on surveillance video assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. Florez said Combs handed him a stack of money and told him not to report the incident.

Jurors also heard testimony from male escort Daniel Phillip, who claimed he was paid thousands to have sex with Ventura while Combs watched, filmed, and sometimes directed. Phillip described physical abuse, including Combs allegedly dragging Ventura by her hair and slapping her.

Defense attorney Teny Geragos acknowledged Combs’ volatile behavior but argued the charges stem from consensual adult relationships. She denied the trafficking allegations and claimed the case reflects flawed personal choices, not criminal conduct.

Cassie Ventura, now married and pregnant with her third child, is expected to testify this week. The trial is expected to last several weeks, with more witnesses, including other alleged victims and employees, scheduled to appear.