A New York judge ruled Friday that the shocking 2016 security footage showing Diddy assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura can be shown to the jury.
During Friday’s pre-trial hearing, Judge Arun Subramanian also revealed Diddy, born Sean Combs, rejected a plea deal that could have reduced his charges. Details of the offer were not disclosed, but an “allocution” hearing to discuss the rejected deal is expected next week.
Combs, who faces life in prison if convicted, was arrested in September 2024 and charged with racketeering, sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, forced labor, and additional trafficking offenses. He has pleaded not guilty and claims all encounters were consensual.
The government’s case is supported by Ventura’s $30 million civil suit settled last year and allegations of “freak-off” sex parties featuring coerced acts, drug use, and threats of violence. Ventura, identified as “Victim-1,” is expected to testify under her real name.
The judge’s decision to allow the disturbing video, showing Combs allegedly chasing and attacking Ventura at an L.A. hotel, is a major blow to his defense. Prosecutors also argued Friday to introduce evidence of a medical procedure tied to one of the alleged freak-offs, claiming it illustrates Combs’ control over participants.
Combs has been held without bail at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest. His team has accused prosecutors of racial bias and claimed that searches of his homes and devices were overly broad.
Additionally, the government and defense agreed that explicit video evidence from the alleged freak-offs will be shown only to the jury and legal teams, not the public or press.
Jury selection begins Monday, with full trial proceedings scheduled to start May 12. The trial is expected to last about four weeks.
