If Found Guilty, Could Face Life Imprisonment
Also Facing at Least 50 Civil Lawsuits from Victims
The criminal trial of Sean Diddy Combs (55), a major figure in the American hip-hop industry who has been indicted on charges including prostitution, has begun. On May 13 (local time), CNN and other foreign media reported that criminal trial proceedings for Combs, who was charged with prostitution and other offenses, started at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and his ex-girlfriend and singer Cassie Ventura took the stand to testify. On that day in court, Ventura testified that their relationship began platonically when they signed with Bad Boy Records in 2006. At the time, Ventura was 19 years old. Later, she testified in court that she was "really confused" when Combs first kissed her while she was celebrating her 21st birthday in Las Vegas.
On that day in court, Bento testified that their relationship began platonically when they signed with Bad Boy Records in 2006. At the time, Bento was 19 years old. Later, she testified in court that she was "really confused" when Combs first kissed her while celebrating her 21st birthday in Las Vegas. AFP·Yonhap News
Previously, the Southern District of New York indicted Combs last September on five charges, including conspiracy to commit extortion and forced prostitution. In its opening statement, the prosecution said, "Combs brutally assaulted women who refused to participate in parties known as 'Freak Offs' or who displeased him."
The prosecution further emphasized, "Victims had to endure painful experiences, dressing up to fulfill the defendant's sexual fantasies while under the influence of drugs in hotel rooms."
Additionally, prosecutors believe that he forced women to take drugs and participate in sexual acts with men at Freak Off events held in hotel rooms. They also determined that systematic organized crime took place during the preparation of these events. The prosecution explained that Combs recorded the victims' sexual acts and used the recordings as a means of blackmail to prevent them from reporting him.
The criminal trial of Sean Diddy Combs (55), a major figure in the American hip-hop industry who was indicted on charges including prostitution, has begun. On the 13th (local time), CNN and other foreign media reported that the criminal trial proceedings for Combs, who was charged with prostitution and other offenses, started at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and his ex-girlfriend and singer Kesha Ventura testified. Photo by Asia Economy DB
In response to the charges raised by the prosecution, Combs' side has completely denied all five charges against him. Combs' attorney argued in court that the prosecution distorted Combs' private relationships as organized crime and prostitution cases. In his opening statement, Combs' lawyer said, "Sean Combs is a complex individual, but this case is not complex," adding, "This case is about voluntary choices made by competent adults in consensual relationships." He also claimed that the victims testified about Combs' alleged criminal acts due to financial motives. According to CNN, the trial is expected to last about eight to ten weeks, and if found guilty on all charges, Combs could face a minimum of 15 years to a maximum of life in prison.
Meanwhile, Combs?better known by his stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy?has built his reputation as a rapper and producer in the American hip-hop scene since the late 1990s. In addition to this criminal trial, Combs is currently facing at least 50 civil lawsuits from alleged victims of sexual abuse.
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