Diddy's lawyer asserts "Mutual abuse" in Cassie Ventura relationship as federal trial heats up

Time of India

10-05-2025

Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial continued its dramatic fourth day, with his defense team admitting openly to domestic violence in his previous relationship with singer Cassie Ventura-but contending that the abuse was mutual. The celebrity case, which is now unfolding in a New York City federal courtroom, has drawn national interest as both sides prepare for an epic battle of narrative and evidence.
Defense admits violence, maintains reciprocity
In a charged hearing presided over by Judge Arun Subramanian, Diddy's defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo laid out a contentious plan: pleading guilty to domestic violence, but maintaining that both men were physically violent with one another.
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"The defense is going to take the position there was mutual violence in their relationship," Agnifilo informed the court, claiming that the relationship was characterized by mutual physical fights.
He continued, 'We are absolutely going to admit to domestic violence, but at what point does it become coercive?' When pressed by Judge Subramanian to clarify, Agnifilo confirmed, 'Right. We're saying it's relevant,' emphasizing that the defense intends to frame the abuse as a two-way dynamic rather than a one-sided pattern.
Prosecution prepares to present key evidence
Prosecutor Emily Anne Johnson then countered by suggesting she would answer the defense's allegations in formal letter form to the court. Johnson also uncovered the prosecution's plan to use pivotal visual proof, including two cellphone clips and edited CNN videos of a 2016 assault. The clip is said to depict Diddy beating up Cassie at Los Angeles's Intercontinental Hotel-a pivotal scene which has already galvanized public uproar and media scrutiny.
Johnson also added that the prosecution's key witness, known as "Victim 1" and generally assumed to be
Cassie Ventura
, will not be asked questions on some medical matters, but that it is still possible for the defense to react if those are brought up.
A high-stakes legal and public battle
The defense's concession of violence, combined with the effort to turn the narrative in the direction of mutual culpability, is a daring and provocative legal strategy. This move may have a major impact on both the jury's impression and the general public's perception of the case, particularly as more evidence and witness testimonies are to be heard in the next few days.
With the trial ongoing, the courtroom continues to be under intense scrutiny as everyone waits with bated breath to see how both sides will approach their case and evidence. The verdict in this case has far-reaching potential to impact, not just Diddy and Cassie Ventura, but also more general discussions around domestic violence and accountability in celebrity relationships.
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