The Fall of a Mogul, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Faces the Music

Defense says "love of baby oil" is not a federal crime

In her opening statement, defense attorney Teny Geragos referenced the massive amount of baby oil that was seized by law enforcement searching Sean “Diddy” Combs’ homes last year

“You may know of his love of baby oil. Is that a federal crime? No,” Geragos says.

Prosecutors allege Combs used baby oil during what he called “freak offs,” or elaborate sex performances in which he allegedly drugged and coerced victims into extended sex acts with male sex workers.

Last year, law enforcement seized “various Freak Off supplies,” including drugs and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, at Combs’ homes, according to an indictment from the time.

In court today, Geragos says Combs “will be accountable for the things he did.”

“But we will fight for his freedom for the things he did not do,” she adds.

11 min ago

Combs stands up and faces jury during introduction

Sean “Diddy” Combs stood up in the courtroom and faced the jury as his attorney Teny Geragos introduced him, saying the jurors may know him by many names.

“Standing in this courtroom at 55 years old, in the same place he was born and raised, he’s going by the same name he was born with — Sean Combs,” Geragos said.

Geragos says this is about his “private personal sex life which has nothing to do with his lawful businesses.”

The people who will take the stand will say “they knew nothing about any enterprise — that’s because these hardworking individuals were doing their jobs” running his businesses, Geragos says.

17 min ago

Combs' defense attorney is now delivering her opening statement

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense attorney Teny Geragos has taken the podium to deliver her opening statement.

Geragos begins, saying, “Sean Combs is a complicated man but this is not a complicated case. This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity and money.”

“This case is about voluntary adult choices made by capable adults in consensual relationships,” she said.

“At a time when everything in government can feel so uncertain one thing remains the same: the one thing standing between all of us and criminal conviction is a jury of our peers,” Geragos says.

”There has been a tremendous amount of noise around this case over the last year. It is time to cancel that noise and hear and see the evidence presented in this courtroom and it will be crystal clear.”

12 min ago

Prosecutor describes the text messages and videos the jury will see during the trial

Prosecutor Emily Johnson tells jurors they’ll also hear from some of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ other employees, including an employee Combs allegedly forced into the SUV with a gun, as well as one of his chefs and other assistants.

She acknowledges that some victims and witnesses have received financial settlements or still have active lawsuits against Combs.

Johnson is also describing various records that will come up during the trial, including dozens and dozens of text messages about freak offs, bills for hotel rooms, car services and damages to hotel rooms. More texts will show Combs directed his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura to take specific drugs before freak offs, she says.

In the grand theater of American entertainment, few figures have loomed as large as Sean "Diddy" Combs. A titan of hip-hop, a mogul of fashion, and a maestro of media, Diddy's influence was as pervasive as it was profound. Yet, as the curtains rise in a Manhattan federal courtroom, the spotlight now casts shadows, revealing a narrative far removed from the glitz and glamour that once defined his public persona.

The Rise and Reign

Diddy's ascent was meteoric. From humble beginnings, he carved an empire that spanned music, fashion, and television. Bad Boy Records became synonymous with chart-topping hits, launching the careers of artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige. His ventures into fashion with Sean John and his presence in reality TV further cemented his status as a cultural icon.

Allegations and Accusations

However, beneath the veneer of success, allegations began to surface. Prosecutors allege that since at least 2004, Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, coercion, and abuse. Central to these claims are the so-called "freak-offs," drug-fueled events where women were allegedly coerced into sexual acts, sometimes recorded without consent .

The indictment paints a picture of manipulation and control, with Combs allegedly using his wealth and influence to exploit women, often under the guise of romantic relationships .

The Legal Battle

As the trial unfolds, the courtroom becomes a battleground of narratives. The prosecution presents a case built on testimonies, video evidence, and a pattern of alleged abuse spanning two decades . Key witnesses, including Combs' former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, are expected to testify, shedding light on their experiences.

The defense counters, portraying Combs as a victim of a smear campaign, arguing that any encounters were consensual and that the allegations are attempts at financial gain.

The Public's Verdict

Beyond the courtroom, the court of public opinion deliberates. The entertainment industry, once enamored with Diddy's charisma, now distances itself. Brands sever ties, and streaming platforms reevaluate his presence. Documentaries and exposés emerge, dissecting the allegations and reexamining his legacy .

His family remains a pillar of support, attending court proceedings and publicly standing by him. Yet, the weight of the accusations casts a long shadow over their unity.

A Legacy in Limbo

The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs is more than a legal proceeding; it's a reckoning. It challenges the narratives of power, fame, and accountability. As testimonies unfold and evidence is scrutinized, the world watches, grappling with the dichotomy of a man who once symbolized success and now stands accused of grave transgressions.

In the end, the verdict will not only determine Combs' fate but also reflect society's stance on justice, celebrity, and the consequences of unchecked power.