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The Manhattan trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs has taken a dramatic turn as seven women have stepped forward with harrowing stories of physical and sexual violence. The accusers include two of Combs' former girlfriends, three past employees, and two women on the fringes of his vast media and entertainment empire. Defense lawyers argue that these women are motivated by jealousy, bitterness, or greed, dismissing their claims as a "Me Too" money grab. Prosecutors, however, view these women as victims and central to their case against Combs, who faces serious federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges.

Among the key testimonies is that of R&B singer Cassie Ventura, who began a relationship with Combs in 2008 after signing to his Bad Boy Records label. Ventura testified that Combs subjected her to a decade of exploitation, coercing her into meeting at luxury hotels, dressing provocatively, and participating in drug-fueled sexual activities with male escorts while Combs watched and filmed. She recalled being commanded to apply baby oil repeatedly during these encounters, referred to as "freak offs." Evidence supporting Ventura's accusations includes videos, hotel records, and witness testimonies from sex workers. An exotic dancer testified to witnessing Combs physically abuse Ventura on multiple occasions between 2012 and 2014.

Prosecutors argue that Ventura was a victim of sex trafficking, forced across state lines under coercion to engage in commercial sex acts. They highlight the 2016 video recorded at an InterContinental hotel as clear evidence of this. Furthermore, they allege that Combs manipulated Ventura through an unprofitable recording contract and threats to release compromising videos. Ventura's central role in Combs' operations also brought to light other purported crimes, including narcotics trafficking, forced labor, extortion, and kidnapping. Ventura described an incident at age 22 where Combs confined her to a Los Angeles hotel room until bruises on her face could be covered with makeup.

The defense has countered Ventura's credibility, pointing to the $20 million settlement she received and her pattern of returning to Combs despite multiple breakups. They presented numerous texts and emails in which Ventura expressed love for Combs and an affinity for the "freak offs." Ventura, however, depicted herself as caught in a cycle of drug addiction, dependence, and fear, complicating a relationship where she felt an overwhelming need to please Combs.

Another accuser, identified only as "Jane," described her relationship with Combs that began in 2010. Falling in love quickly, she recounted how Combs gradually introduced her to his sexual preferences, which involved baby oil, day-long drug binges, and being directed to fantasize about men in pornography. Jane testified that she initially agreed to participate in these acts to make Combs happy, but soon realized she had opened "Pandora's box." She explained that their encounters soon revolved almost exclusively around these "hotel nights," continuing until Combs’ arrest in 2024. Jane detailed reluctantly crossing state lines to engage with sex workers but has yet to establish that Combs used force, fraud, or coercion as specified in the charges.

As testimony continues, the case against Combs grows more complex, with the testimonies of the accusers painting a bleak and abusive portrait of the hip-hop icon's private life. The outcome of this high-profile trial remains uncertain, but the proceedings have already unveiled some deeply unsettling allegations.