Ex-bodyguard and male escort testify as jury shown disturbing video of alleged abuse by music mogul

Jurors in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile sex-trafficking trial were shown disturbing footage on the first full day of testimony in a New York courtroom on Monday, including a now-viral video allegedly depicting the hip-hop mogul assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.

The trial, unfolding under U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, marks the beginning of a dramatic legal reckoning for one of music’s most recognisable figures. Combs faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals across state lines to engage in prostitution. If convicted, the 55-year-old could face a life sentence.

The prosecution wasted no time in setting a graphic tone. In opening statements, they described Combs as a man who “used his fame, his fortune, and his fists” to manipulate and dominate women. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told jurors Combs ran a “criminal sexual enterprise” masked by celebrity, money, and the glitz of the entertainment industry.

Testimony began with Israel Florez, a former hotel security guard, who recounted responding to a “woman in distress” call. What he found, he told the jury, left a lasting impression: Combs with what he described as a “devilish” glare, and Cassie with a visibly swollen, purple eye. “She looked terrified,” Florez said. “I asked her if she wanted help, but she wouldn’t answer.”

Florez’s account appeared to reinforce the visual evidence captured in the 2016 surveillance video, which prosecutors say shows Combs physically attacking Ventura.

Following Florez, the prosecution called a male stripper, whose identity is protected for legal reasons. He testified about participating in what Combs allegedly called “freak offs” — lavish and coercive sex parties. The witness described being paid to engage in sex acts with Combs and his then-girlfriend, claiming Combs often pressured Ventura into participating.

According to prosecutors, these parties were part of a broader pattern of abuse and manipulation. They allege Combs exerted financial and emotional control over Ventura and another unnamed woman, coercing them into sexual acts with third parties and using violence when they resisted.

The defence, led by Combs’ attorney Robert Kramer, admitted the artist had a “complicated” personal life but rejected any criminal wrongdoing. “Mr Combs has been violent in the past. He’s not perfect,” Kramer said. “But these were consensual adult relationships within a swinger lifestyle. This is not sex trafficking.”

Kramer warned the jury against conflating moral judgement with criminal liability. “There is no conspiracy, no trafficking ring,” he said. “What you will see is a flawed man, not a felon.”

Despite the video and emotionally charged testimony, defence lawyers insisted the prosecution had failed to show a link between Combs’ private behaviour and a larger illegal enterprise.

The prosecution, however, intends to present further witnesses who they claim will demonstrate a pattern of predatory conduct dating back nearly two decades.

Throughout Monday’s proceedings, Combs remained composed, occasionally conferring with his legal team but showing little reaction as the damning video played before the court.

Cassie Ventura, who previously settled a civil suit with Combs last year, is expected to testify later in the trial.

The case is seen as one of the most high-profile celebrity trials since the #MeToo movement began, with widespread implications for the music and entertainment industry.

The trial resumes Tuesday, with more witness testimony expected.