By: Joe Cardoso
Week 1 of the Federal criminal trial against hip-hop mogul Sean Combs started last week. Combs faces charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, transportation for purposes of prostitution. The 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been held without bond at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Last week opening statements were made, and the prosecution started to build its case against Diddy showcasing his often wild Freak Off’s parties also known as FOs. Many of Diddy’s former employees and those who have witnessed his temper and alleged illegal activities were called to the stand.
The witness that could so far be called the star witness was Diddy’s former girlfriend and Bad Boy Records recording artist Cassie Ventura. After jumping onto the music scene with the hit song “Me And You” she was signed to Bad Boy and soon thereafter became involved with Combs and was on and off again for 11 years. According to Ventura what started as a fairy tale relationship quickly turned into something different.
Mr. Combs would have these freak-offs where he would fly in sex workers from out of state to have sex with Cassie. Videotaping these encounters and participating as well. Ventura previously testified that she participated in the “freak-offs” to please Combs — and because she wanted to avoid his anger which often resulted in him beating her. I have to say being 8 months pregnant and reliving your trauma on an international stage Cassie is a strong-ass woman PERIOD.
Defense attorneys tried to portray Ventura as a loving partner to Combs who willingly participated in the “freak offs,” and attempted to link the volatility of the relationship to drug use and jealousy.
Because it is a Federal case it is not being live-streamed which has created a lane for false news and misinformation spreading. Finding a trusted source who is inside the courtroom is a must. This week we enter week 2 of the case. We should see Dawn Richards former Bad Boy Records artist with Danity Kane and Diddy Dirty Money. This could perhaps lead to seeing Aubrey O’Day who was in Danity Kane and has been outspoken on her feelings about Diddy over the years.
The prosecution is trying to establish Sean Combs as a powerful man with crazy sex fantasies. He uses his influence, power, and money to make them come true. If week 1 showed us anything, I fully expect week 2 to give us more bombshells. No one should have to suffer the way Cassie did and watching that brutal attack at the L.A. Hotel should get Sean Combs serious jail time if not more, but that is my opinion and a conversation for another day.
Will the jury see Cassie as a solid witness, or did she leave some holes in her testimony that the defense could use later to weaken her words? The witness list is long, and new details will be released to paint this picture of Diddy. Will the painting, when finished, get him his freedom, or land him behind bars? We all wait together week 2 begins now.