**Sean "Diddy" Combs stands trial for serious accusations, including racketeering and sex trafficking, as disturbing witness accounts shed light on allegations of abuse.**
**Diddy Faces Disturbing Allegations as Sex-Trafficking Trial Commences**
**Diddy Faces Disturbing Allegations as Sex-Trafficking Trial Commences**
**Court proceedings unveil shocking testimony against hip-hop mogul regarding abuse and exploitation.**
Prosecutors detailed their case against Sean "Diddy" Combs, highlighting claims of sexual exploitation and abuse linked to his celebrity status, as the high-profile sex-trafficking trial began Monday. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking.
The court proceedings commenced with a **security guard’s testimony** regarding a 2016 incident captured on video, where Combs was seen assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura. Prosecutor Emily Johnson emphasized how Combs allegedly used his fame and a network of loyal employees to dominate and abuse women, particularly focusing on Ventura and another unnamed woman.
The prosecution accused Combs of forcing Ventura into potentially humiliating sexual encounters with male prostitutes during so-called "freak-offs" that he recorded, threatening her career in the process. As graphic details of these claims were laid out, Combs maintained a stoic appearance in the courtroom, dressed in a casual gray outfit.
Defense attorney Teny Geragos countered the allegations, asserting that while the video depicted troubling behavior, it didn't reflect an organized criminal operation. "Domestic violence is not sex trafficking," she stated, adding that the women involved were "capable" and made their own choices.
Witness Israel Florez, a hotel security guard, recounted discovering Combs with Ventura in distress, describing her as frightened and with visible injuries but stating that she refused police assistance. Furthermore, Daniel Phillip, a former stripper, testified to witnessing Combs' abusive incidents and described moments of having sexual encounters with Ventura under Combs' observation. Phillip expressed fear for his safety, stating he didn’t report the abusive incidents.
The trial is expected to continue with Ventura's testimony on Tuesday as family members, including Combs' children, were present to support him in court.
