Disturbing images from Diddy trial from baby oil, drugs to dark sex sessions
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES All the disturbing photos and text messages from the ongoing trial shed light on the dark and controversial relationship between Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Cassie Ventura, including drug-fueled sex marathons and alleged coercion
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' federal trial in Manhattan took a dark turn this week, as jurors were shown newly released images from the rap mogul's September 2024 arrest - visuals that prosecutors claim paint a stark picture of his alleged double life.
During Monday's proceedings, the courtroom was presented with a set of photographs taken at the Park Hyatt in Midtown Manhattan, where Combs had been staying for several days while awaiting his arrest. According to federal agents, rather than lying low, Combs had orchestrated what they described as a final drug-fueled 'freak off' before surrendering to authorities.
When law enforcement entered the suite, they reportedly found it prepped for what one agent called a 'sexual marathon': bottles of baby oil, various controlled substances, and over $9,000 (£6,700) in cash were scattered across the room. Mood lighting equipment and prescription bottles bearing the alias 'Frank Black' - an identity allegedly used by Combs - were also recovered.
The visuals caused an uproar online after being made public, especially in light of past text messages from Cassie Ventura, Combs' former partner, in which she wrote that she 'loved freak offs.'
Other evidence presented to jurors included intimate images reportedly taken during the couple's first sexual encounter, one allegedly involving ecstasy, as well as graphic photos of injuries Cassie claims she suffered during the course of their relationship.
The government argues these materials point to a pattern of coercion, manipulation, and abuse - central themes in the broader allegations of sex trafficking and criminal conspiracy facing the 55-year-old music executive.
As the trial continues and prosecutors build their case, here, we take a look at some of the most disturbing photographs seen in the courtroom.
Diddy's hotel room arrest
In the ongoing federal trial of Combs, the courtroom was reportedly stunned as prosecutors presented photographs taken during his September 2024 hotel room arrest.
As the case against the embattled musician unfolds, these images have been presented to the jury in a lower Manhattan court.
Diddy, 55, is facing a slew of charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He continues to vehemently deny any wrongdoing and pled not guilty.
Despite Combs having agreed with his attorneys to surrender to authorities before his arrest, his hotel room showed what appeared to be preparation for a 'freak off'. A number of bottles of baby oil were found, as was mood lighting when authorities arrived.
The images depicted an unsettling scene: bottles of baby oil, Ziploc bags containing a pink powder later identified as ketamine and MDMA, and prescription bottles labeled under the alias "Frank Black." Additionally, mood lighting devices and stacks of cash were found, suggesting preparations for illicit activities.
There was also a wallet full of wades of cash found in the room. Among the drugs found in the room, according to prosecutors, was ketamine and MDMA.
Ventura, Combs' ex-girlfriend, testified that she was coerced into participating in "freak-off" sessions - drug-fueled sexual encounters orchestrated by Combs and his associates, which were often filmed and used to coerce participants into silence.
The singer had claimed the star was meticulous about his planning for his 'freak offs'. She claimed she was told to eat up the baby oil before they would use it in the 'freak offs.'
Her testimony, alongside that of other witnesses, paints a picture of a controlled and abusive relationship, with Combs allegedly using drugs and threats to maintain dominance. These revelations continue to shock the public and raise serious questions about the extent of Combs' alleged misconduct.
Taking the witness stand, former personal assistant to Diddy, David James shared inside details about his time working with the music mogul while he was dating Cassie. David recounted how he aspired to join the fashion world and sought employment with Diddy after a New York Times piece caught his eye.
In court, David reflected on an interview where the head of HR at Diddy's Bad Boy Entertainment indicated a photo of Diddy saying, "This is Mr. Combs's kingdom. We're all here to serve in it."
David also detailed a conversation with Cassie during their early days, where he advised her to consider leaving the chaotic lifestyle experienced alongside Diddy. This moment took place as they were both outside in Miami during a raucous party thrown by Diddy.
According to David, Cassie expressed her overwhelm, "Man, this lifestyle is crazy," prompting him to ask why she didn't just leave. Cassie's alleged response painted a picture of someone seemingly trapped: "I can't get out," she said, "Mr. Combs oversees so much of my life."
Cassie's disturbing injuries
Disturbing images emerged last week which showed Cassie Ventura with a swollen lip, taken shortly after Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs assaulted her in a hotel lobby in March 2016.
The pictures were shown to the jury in court last week as pregnant Ventura testified against her ex partner. The singer, who is now married to Alex Fine, said: "That's me, a selfie of me with a fat lip," when the photos were displayed.
Ventura - who released a powerful statement last Friday - said she took the photos of herself while she was in an Uber on her way home following the assault in Los Angeles. The singer recalled texting Diddy at the time, saying: "I have a premiere for the biggest thing I've ever done in my life on Monday. You are sick for thinking it's OK to do what you've done. Please stay away from me."
Ventura also revealed that when her best friend at the time, model Kerry Morgan, saw her face, she became upset and called police. However, in order to protect Diddy, Cassie chose to not confirm who had assaulted her when the police showed up.
The full video of Diddy's attack was made public last week when the unedited footage was shown in court as part of the ongoing trial.
Diddy's hotel attack on Cassie
The video, which did not have sound, showed security footage from the 2016 attack. Prosecutors initially showed it in full before they played it as the hotel's assistant security director at the time, Israel Florez, described how the situation unfolded. Further footage, which was filmed off a monitor using Florez's phone, was then shown.
In the video footage, it's noticeable that Ventura is walking down the hall. Diddy is seen at one point grabbing her head from the back and slamming her to the ground. The rapper is also seen kicking her as she lay on the floor.
Florez, who is now a Los Angeles Police Department officer, testified in court on Tuesday. He is seen at the end of the clip and is said to have been trying to diffuse the situation.
He submitted an email that showed his report of the incident. He alleges that Diddy tried to offer him a bribe, claiming he said: "You take care of this, I got you, let's go to my room."
Snippets of the footage were first released in May 2024 by CNN, which led to Diddy issuing a video apology where he acknowledged the incident.
The trip to Miami that took a dark turn
Cassie testified that her initial relationship with Combs, which began nearly two decades ago, was purely professional. She described it as a mentorship aimed at advancing her music career.
However, she stated that the dynamic shifted dramatically after she turned 21. During a trip to Miami, they engaged in sexual activity for the first time, marking a significant change in their relationship.
Cassie recalled that they had been day-drinking on a boat party when Diddy allegedly offered her an ecstasy pill shaped like a blue dolphin. She mentioned: "We were just having a good time," reflecting on the carefree nature of the moment.
This testimony is part of a broader legal case in which Cassie has accused Diddy of a pattern of abuse, including drug-fueled sexual encounters. Her claims have been supported by other witnesses, shedding light on the troubling dynamics of their relationship.
Cassie and Diddy's text messages
During the trial, Diddy's legal team introduced text messages exchanged between Combs and his ex-girlfriend, Cassie, which have become central to the case. These messages, dating back to 2011, depict a complex and troubling dynamic between the two.
In one exchange, Cassie wrote, "I love our FOs when we both want it," referring to the so-called "freak-offs. She added: "I want to Freak Off right now LOL. I want to have fun with you." Combs responded: "Let me know if you want to have a late night. Jules is available. If you're not into that NP. We can just do a thing. Love you." Cassie replied with a simple "love you" back.
These texts have been presented by Combs' defense team to suggest that Cassie was a willing participant in these activities.
However, Cassie has testified that she was coerced into participating in these "freak-offs" through manipulation and threats, including the use of explicit videos as leverage.
Her mother, Regina Ventura, has corroborated these claims, describing instances where Combs allegedly demanded money and used intimidation tactics to control Cassie.
Regina also testified that Combs threatened to release explicit videos of Cassie in retaliation for her relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, leading her to take out a home equity loan to pay him $20,000.
The defense's introduction of these text messages has sparked debate over their interpretation. While they may suggest consensual communication, they are being scrutinized within the broader context of Cassie's allegations of abuse and coercion.
The trial continues to unfold, with both sides presenting evidence to support their respective claims.
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NBC News
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As per the federal racketeering statute, the government must prove at least two predicate offenses, or crimes, committed via a criminal enterprise, Chutkow said. Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, spent four days on the stand in the first week of testimony, saying she 'felt trapped' into engaging in orchestrated sexual encounters, known as 'freak offs,' with male escorts at hotels and homes — sessions that she said Combs funded. Kid Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, testified how his car was firebombed in January 2012, following the December break-in at his home. Los Angeles police also testified that evidence showed the break-in was connected to Combs. The car that police observed leaving the scene of the break-in at Kid Cudi's home was registered to one of Combs' companies, according to testimony from Los Angeles police officer Chris Ignacio. 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Employees may have also realized the benefits of being in the powerful celebrity's inner circle and so may have been willing to go along, he added. 'That's why you hear the concept of a 'den of thieves,'' Chutkow said. 'They all have their own agendas at play, but they're still working together towards advancing other criminal objectives.' Chutkow said 'that's probably the way the prosecution will kind of categorize this for the jury, and say, 'Hey, we would love to be able to put on witnesses like firemen and nurses for you, but that's not the world that Combs worked in.'' Bad and illegal behavior does not necessarily guarantee a racketeering conviction, said Mark Zauderer, a veteran trial and appellate lawyer in New York. 'There is lots of evidence of violence and possible criminal activity,' he said of Combs' trial. 'But all of that still does not answer the question of whether the jury will find an enterprise and a conspiracy. 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a day ago
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