Sean “Diddy” Combs made a heart gesture with his hands in court on May 13, in a moment captured in courtroom sketches during his ongoing sex trafficking trial. He directed the gesture toward family members present in court, as he faced charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related offenses.
As reported NBC News, Combs appeared in a light sweater and white collared shirt, his hair visibly graying. Present in court were his mother Janice Combs and six of his children Quincy Brown, Justin, Christian “King,” Chance, and twins Jessie and D’Lila who attended to show support.
The gesture came as Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former partner, took the stand to deliver graphic testimony about their decade-long relationship. Ventura described incidents of physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and coerced sex acts, including orchestrated “freak offs” involving escorts and substance use.
While Combs’ legal team acknowledged past domestic violence, they maintain he is innocent of the federal charges now before him. His attorney stated that prosecutors are attempting to reframe consensual acts as criminal behavior.
The heart gesture sharply contrasted with the graphic testimony being delivered and quickly drew public attention online and in court coverage. As the trial proceeds, more witnesses are expected to testify. Proceedings are scheduled to continue into the summer.
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