Diddy lawyers admit he may be a ‘jerk’ as vile acts are laid out by prosecution

Daniel Phillip testified Monday that Sean "Diddy" Combs' then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, once handed him $4,000 before any interaction.

Phillip, a male escort who was allegedly paid to have sex with Cassie while Diddy watched, claimed he was tasked with providing "the ultimate ladies night experience."

Before Xavier Donaldson began cross-examinations, Diddy looked at his son and mother sitting in the courtroom and nodded. He appeared to be passing notes to his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo.

One of his sons put his arm across his chest in a pumping motion, signaling for his dad to "stay strong." Diddy nodded in agreement.

Phillip testified about arriving at a hotel room to meet Cassie, where he then received the money and was walked toward a couch.

Phillip testified he witnessed Diddy sitting in a chair toward the right side of the room, wearing a robe, hat and a bandana on his face.

Cassie asked Phillip to give her a massage, and he proceeded to strip down to his underwear before they rubbed baby oil on each other.

Court adjourned for the day, with testimony to resume Tuesday morning.

Daniel Phillip will be back on the stand tomorrow, still under cross-examination. The judge warned him he is not to have any discussions with anyone.

Fox News Digital's Stephanie Giang-Paunon and Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean Diddy Combs, center, motions a heart sign to his family in attendance. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

Judge Arun Subramanian allowed Sean “Diddy” Combs to wear “non-prison” clothes for his trial.

The rapper was permitted five button down shirts, up to five pairs of pants, up to five sweaters, up to five pairs of socks, and up to two pairs of shoes without laces.

"That change may seem minor, but it actually matters quite a bit,” criminal defense attorney Duncan Levin explained to Fox News Digital. “The optics of a defendant’s appearance can have a subtle but powerful effect on jurors. If he were forced to wear jail-issued clothing, it could create an unconscious presumption of guilt — even though jurors are instructed not to let that factor in. Allowing him to appear in normal clothing helps level the playing field and reinforces the presumption of innocence.” 

“Especially in a case like this, where celebrity, image, and public perception are already playing such an outsized role, letting him look like a free man rather than a prisoner helps ensure the jury is focused on the evidence, not the wardrobe,” the lawyer, who worked on Harvey Weinstein’s defense, said.

Entertainment attorney Tre Lovell added: "Perception is very important. Based on the egregious allegations against Diddy, he needs to be presented in the exact opposite. The way he dresses, the way he conducts himself and the way he acts towards court, the participants and the jury is all extremely important. The prosecution is going to paint a very ugly picture of a violent rapist, and the jury needs to see a vision of someone that is kind and professional."

JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images

Sean “Diddy” Combs will face a number of witnesses in court during his proposed eight-week long trial on sex crimes charges.

Diddy was charged with racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution in a federal indictment unsealed Sept. 17. 

Authorities alleged Diddy ran a criminal enterprise through his businesses, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises and Combs Global, among others. 

He used "firearms, threats of violence, coercion and verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse" to fulfill his sexual desires, according to prosecutors.

While the U.S. Attorney’s Office named at least three alleged victims in a superseding indictment released in an April 3, none of their identities have been revealed.

A judge denied Diddy's motion last month to exclude video evidence from the trial of the rapper physically assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. 

Ventura is assumed to be one of the prosecution’s lead witnesses.

Diddy has maintained his innocence. If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

Diddy, Cassie Ventura (Getty Images)

Daniel Phillip testified in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial Monday that he witnessed the rapper grab Cassie Ventura by the hair following one meet-up.

Phillip, a male escort who was allegedly paid to have sex with Cassie while Diddy watched, admitted he was paid between $700 - thousands of dollars per encounter. In some instances, Phillip claimed he "wasn't even paid," yet was "excited to be in this world" of celebrity notoriety.

During one encounter at Cassie's home, Phillip recalled witnessing what he believed was a liquor bottle fly across the room after Cassie didn't immediately respond to Diddy's calling.

Diddy then allegedly "grabbed Cassie by her hair" and to a bedroom, where Phillip recalled hearing Cassie screaming. He claimed some of the noises sounded like Combs slamming Cassie.

Phillip alleged hearing Cassie beg for forgiveness, only to hear Diddy threaten Cassie, "B---h, when I tell you to come, you come."

Court went on a 10-min break, and will resume with Phillips' cross-examination.

A male escort testified about his encounters with Cassie and Diddy. (Getty Images)

Daniel Phillip, a male escort allegedly paid to have sex with Cassie Ventura while Sean "Diddy" Combs watched, brought up baby oil during his testimony Monday.

Phillip was called as the prosecution's second witness and described an incident that took place at the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York. He claimed he was initially he was going to a bachelorette party and would be stripping. Once he arrived, Cassie allegedly requested the male escort rub baby oil on her. She also told him her “husband” was there, but that he was not gay and wouldn’t touch him.

The male escort testified that he didn’t recognize Diddy at first because his face was covered, but knew it was the rapper once he spoke.

Phillip claimed he met with Combs and Cassie multiple times after the first encounter. All meetings allegedly took place in Manhattan at Gramercy Park Hotel, the Intercontinental, their personal residences, etc. According to Phillip, Cassie would call or text to set up the encounters and would give anywhere from a day to one hour notice.

There was always baby oil in the room, Phillip testified, adding that they used it every time. Combs would tell the escort and Cassie to rub more baby oil on themselves, according to Phillip.

The encounters would allegedly last anywhere from one hour to 10 hours.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Teny Geragos (Fox News Digital), Sean 'Diddy' Combs (Getty Images)

Sean "Diddy" Combs may benefit in court by having a woman lead his defense, criminal defense lawyer Jo-Anna Nieves explained to Fox News Digital.

Teny Geragos, the daughter of famed lawyer Mark Geragos, signed on to represent the disgraced music mogul shortly after Diddy was arrested and charged with federal sex crimes in September.

Her presence in the courtroom defending Diddy "sends an unspoken messaged to the jury that 'if a smart, credible woman like Geragos doesn't believe these allegations, maybe you shouldn't either,'" Nieves said.

"This can especially impact jurors who are on the fence."

Teny graduated from Loyola Law School Los Angeles in 2016 and worked with Brafman & Associates for eight years before becoming a founding partner of Agnifilo Intrater.

She serves on the Board of Directors of the New York Criminal Bar Association and is certified to practice law in both New York and California.Mark Geragos was in court Monday for opening statements.

While not representing Diddy, Mark explained to Judge Arun Subramanian last week that he represents his mother, Janice Combs, and also speaks to Diddy "with great frequency."

Mark is known for his Rolodex of celebrities, and has represented several high-profile clients, including Michael Jackson, Scott Peterson, Jussie Smollett, Colin Kaepernick, and most recently, the Menendez brothers in their pursuit for a new trial or resentencing.

The jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' case were shown video of him assaulting Cassie Ventura. (Getty Images)

During cross-examination by Diddy's lawyer Brian Steel, former hotel security guard Israel Florez testified that the rapper had a “scary, devilish look" during his encounter.

Diddy's defense lawyer had Florez admit he chose not to include this detail in his report because it was his opinion. Florez also did not include in the incident report that Diddy told Cassie she could not leave. At the time he didn't think it was important, but the hotel security guard did remember it happening. The lawyer also pointed out other things left out of the incident report, including an additional person sitting in the room and Florez' offer to contact police.

As for the time gaps in the surveillance video, Florez told Steel they could be due to a glitch or have occurred due to the camera being motion sensitive.

During re-direct, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Slavik asked Florez if every detail was required to be put into his report. He said no. Slavik showed the video to Florez again, and he confirmed that Diddy was dragging Cassie towards the room.

Florez also confirmed Diddy was not drunk or high during the altercation.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Diddy was seen on hotel surveillance video attacking Cassie Ventura. (Getty Images)

The jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking trial was shown hotel video surveillance of the rapper attacking his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Slavik had former hotel security guard Israel Florez take the jury through the Intercontinental Hotel elevator lobby video. Florez confirmed that he took a video of the surveillance footage on his iPhone to later show his wife.

The hotel security guard then wrote an incident report about the ordeal.

The jury was also shown surveillance video from the north lobby of the 6th floor. In one frame, Florez can be seen escorting Diddy back to the room. Cassie is then seen coming out of the room and the two begin to argue. Cassie then heads to the lobby. A few seconds later, Florez is seen going to catch up with her.

Florez confirmed he did not review the video surveillance before filling out the incident report, and he did not call the police.

The prosecution and defense fought extensively over the surveillance footage being admitted as evidence into the trial. However, Judge Arun Subramanian agreed to allow it.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic

Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense accused CNN of altering and destroying a video showing the rapper physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

Hotel surveillance footage, released by the outlet last May, showed Combs and Cassie Ventura engaged in a physical altercation. While the footage had been provided to Combs' defense in his federal sex trafficking trial, the "I'll Be Missing You" rapper later claimed it had been "substantially altered."

"The defense has confirmed, through a forensic video analysis of the CNN footage that the government provided to this Court and of the footage provided by CNN in response to the defense subpoena, that all CNN video footage was substantially altered in significant respects," Combs' legal team wrote in a letter filed in court in March and obtained by Fox News Digital. "This includes covering the time stamp and then changing the video sequence. It also includes speeding up the video to make it falsely appear that the actions in the video are taking place faster than they are. As a result, the CNN videos do not fairly and accurately depict the events in question."

This is an excerpt from an article written by Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz.

Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie Ventura allegedly got into a fight at a hotel in 2016. (Getty Images)

Prosecutors called Israel Florez, a former security officer at a Los Angeles hotel, as their first witness following the conclusion of opening statements. Florez worked at the Intercontinental Hotel on March 5, 2016. Sean "Diddy" Combs and ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura got into a physical altercation at the hotel, as seen in surveillance video previously published by CNN.

Florez said he was alerted to a woman in distress on the sixth floor of the hotel around 11am. The security guard saw Diddy pacing back and forth before he responded to the call, but did not rewind the security footage to see what had transpired. When he responded to the call, Combs was allegedly slouched down on a chair, with a blank stare.  Cassie’s demeanor was “scared," according to Florez. The hotel security guard had noticed the elevator lobby was damaged, including a flower vase that was "pretty much destroyed.”

Florez testified he spoke to Diddy and told him if they were arguing, they had to do it in their room. The hotel would charge the mess to Combs. Diddy told Cassie she could not leave, according to the security guard. Florez said if Cassie wanted to leave, she could. He then held the door open with his body.

As Florez was leaving, Diddy called to him, holding a stack of money, and told him not to tell anyone. The security guard explained he took this to be a bribe, but did not take the money.

After leaving the room, Florez said he tried to catch up with Cassie, who was in the valet area.  He questioned Cassie and noticed she had a “purple eye. He asked if Combs did it, and offered to call the cops. However, Cassie said she just wanted to leave.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean "Diddy" Combs read the Bible before court Monday. (Credit: Getty Images)

Sean "Diddy" Combs walked into court Monday holding a Bible.

The rapper sat reading the Bible while he waited for court to begin. Diddy put the book away before jury selection resumed around 9:30am ET.

A jury of 12 with six alternates was chosen and sworn in around 10:21am ET before the prosecution began with opening statements. The prosecution began opening statements in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial by detailing allegations of the rapper abusing his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

The prosecution also brought forward new allegations that Diddy had abused another partner, a single mom he began dating in 2020. The woman has been allowed to remain anonymous and will be referred to as Jane Doe.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told the jury they will hear about 20 years of crimes allegedly committed by Diddy throughout the trial.

According to the prosecution, Diddy used his inner circle to keep crimes out of public view to protect perception and power. The government asked the jurors to pay close attention to the evidence, follow the judge’s instructions on law and to trust common sense.

Fox News Digital's Stephanie Giang-Paunon and Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Jessie Combs, Chance Combs, D'Lila Star Combs and King Combs arrive at court on May 12. (Credit: BG048/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Sean "Diddy" Combs' family showed up to court Monday to support the disgraced music mogul.

Diddy's mother, Janice Combs , along with his children, Chance Combs, Jessie Combs, D’Lila Combs, Justin Combs, Quincy Brown, King Combs and Christian Combs sat in the courtroom as opening statements began in the rapper's trial. His mother and a handful of his children have attended previous court hearings.

Diddy's children have defended their father since his arrest in September.

"The past month has devastated our family," they wrote in a joint post shared in October. "Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media."

"We stand united, supporting you every step of the way. We hold onto the truth, knowing it will prevail, and nothing will break the strength of our family. WE MISS YOU & LOVE YOU DAD."

His children also celebrated his 55th birthday in November, sharing the phone call to social media.

"I love you all, I love you all so much," Combs said over the phone in the clip. "I can't wait to see you y'all. I'm proud of y'all. Thank you all for being strong and thank you all for being by my side and supporting me. I love y'all. I got the best family in the world. My birthday, I'm happy. Thank you for giving me this call, thank you very much. I love you all."

Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly abused another woman in 2020. (Getty Images)

Sean "Diddy" Combs repeated his pattern of violent behavior with Jane Doe beginning in 2020, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson.

The first few months of their relationship went smoothly before Combs allegedly introduced the single mom to "freak-offs." She agreed to participate in the first encounter to make Diddy happy. Jane Doe believed the first "freak-off" was a one-time, wild night. "She was wrong," Johnson told the jury Monday.

Early on, Jane Doe told Diddy she didn't like "freak-offs." Diddy allegedly tricked Jane Doe by telling her they would have quality time on trips but was really planning more "freak-offs."

Jane Doe attempted to create her own rules. She requested escorts wear condoms and attempted to participate without using drugs, but either broke down or vomited. Diddy allegedly controlled Jane Doe financially and threatened to release videos of her to the public.

Not even a year ago, Jane Doe and Diddy got into a violent altercation after arguing over another woman. She was upset and hit the rapper plus threw things at him. Diddy allegedly became enraged. She ran to a bedroom and locked the door. He kicked it open. She ran to other rooms, but he allegedly kicked those doors open. She tried to run out, but he threw her to the ground, the prosecution claimed.

Later that night, he allegedly slapped Jane Doe's face so hard she fell over. He would not let her leave telling her, 'You’re not going to f--- up my night' and made her call an escort. She followed his instructions.

Fox News Digital's Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested on Sept. 16, and a federal indictment unsealed the following day revealed the fallen music mogul was charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. 

Authorities alleged Diddy ran a criminal enterprise through his businesses, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises and Combs Global, among others. He used "firearms, threats of violence, coercion, and verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse" to fulfill his sexual desires, according to the unsealed indictment obtained by Fox News Digital. 

The “I’ll Be Missing You” rapper pleaded not guilty to the charges, was denied a request for bail, and has been in jail since his arrest.

"Mr. Combs is a fighter. He's going to fight this to the end," Diddy's lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said outside the courthouse after the arraignment. 

"He's innocent. He came to New York to establish his innocence. He's not afraid. He's not afraid of the charges."

Diddy offered a $50,000,000 bond as part of a proposed bail package, according to a letter submitted by his legal team and obtained by Fox News Digital.

If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Cassie Ventura claimed Diddy abused her throughout their relationship. (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura will testify in detail about her experience during the "freak-offs" with Sean "Diddy" Combs.

The musician will tell the jury about how she choked after Diddy forced an escort to urinate in her mouth during one of the alleged "freak-offs," Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson said during court Monday.

The prosecution claimed Cassie was forced to participate in the "freak-offs" or "hotel nights" for years. The hotel rooms would be outfitted with supplies along with preferred lighting and linens, according to the prosecution. Combs allegedly forced Cassie to take drugs and stay up for days while performing sex acts with escorts.

He expected the women to enjoy the "freak-offs," according to the prosecution. He reportedly masturbated throughout.

The prosecution claimed Diddy exerted control over many aspects of Cassie's life throughout their decade-long relationship. He allegedly made her turn down opportunities, but paid for her cars and necessities. He also had final say on music she released.

Fox News Digital's Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Diddy in court (Jane Rosenberg)

Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly used intimidation tactics to "lure female victims into Combs' orbit, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship," according to an indictment unsealed in September.

He would then use "force, threats of force, and coercion, to cause victims to engage in extended sex acts with male commercial sex workers that COMBS referred to as, among other things, 'Freak Offs,'" according to the indictment.

In opening statements on Monday, prosecutors asserted that the court would hear "in painstaking detail" about the "freak-offs," and how the events would last for days.

Diddy's ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and an unnamed accuser, Jane, plan to testify about the events, where they were "high on drugs" and "dressed as characters."

Jane allegedly sent messages "over and over again" to Diddy saying she didn't want to participate in the sexually charged parties.

Jurors will also see video evidence of the "freak offs," including footage of Diddy burtally beating Cassie during one event.

Diddy has denied the allegations  against him.

Fox News Digital's Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean Combs' lawyer Teny Geragos arrives at court on May 12. (Steve Sanchez/Sipa via AP)

Sean “Diddy” Combs retained criminal defense attorney Teny Geragos as part of his legal team following his arrest in September.

Teny graduated from Loyola Law School Los Angeles in 2016 and worked with Brafman & Associates for eight years before becoming a founding partner of Agnifilo Intrater.

She serves on the Board of Directors of the New York Criminal Bar Association and is certified to practice law in both New York and California.

Teny is the daughter of renowned criminal defense lawyer Mark Geragos, who has represented several high-profile clients, including Michael Jackson, Scott Peterson, Jussie Smollett, Colin Kaepernick, and most recently, the Menendez brothers in their pursuit for a new trial or resentencing.

Diddy, 55, was charged in September with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. 

He faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty.

Diddy's defense began opening statements copping to his violent behavior. (Getty Images)

Sean "Diddy" Combs stood as his lawyer Teny Geragos introduced the rapper to the jury amid opening statements.

"Sean Combs is a complicated man, but this is not a complicated case," she told the jury.

Geragos accused the government of trying to turn a real-life relationship into a sex-trafficking and racketeering case. The defense lawyer admitted to Combs' violence, telling the jury they will see "indefensible" behavior from Diddy.

The criminal defense attorney explained what Diddy did to ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura was "horrible, dehumanizing and violent." But emphasized it is not evidence of sex-trafficking.

Diddy's lawyer claimed Cassie chose to stay in the relationship with Combs for years.

Geragos explained that jealousy played a huge role in Diddy's relationships, especially his with Cassie. She noted the rapper is a “many woman man," who has seven children with four different women. She admitted he was in multiple relationships and extremely jealous.

However, Diddy's lawyer insisted he loved Cassie.

When speaking about what the jury will hear throughout the trial, Geragos noted they may think Diddy is “a jerk,” but that’s not what he’s being charged with.   

Fox News Digital's Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Getty Images

Cassie, legally known as Casandra Ventura, alleged she endured "over a decade" of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ "violent behavior and disturbed demands" in a lawsuit filed in November 2023. Cassie specifically accused Diddy of raping her in her own home and forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes while he watched and filmed. The R&B singer also alleged Diddy "punched, beat, kicked and stomped" on her. 

The rapper denied Cassie’s allegations at the time.

"After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships," Cassie told Fox News Digital in a statement at the time. "With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.”

The former couple settled the lawsuit outside of court just one day later.

"I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support," Cassie wrote in a statement.

Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly beat his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

The prosecution continued opening statements by explaining Diddy's sex-trafficking trial is not a case about a celebrity's private sexual preferences, but about his alleged violence against women.

The trial will focus on two women -- his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a woman who will remain anonymous. Diddy used violence to force Cassie and later Jane Doe to have sex with escorts, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson.

He introduced both women to "freak offs," in which the they were allegedly forced to take drugs and perform sex acts on escorts while the rapper watched. Diddy directed every aspect of the sexual encounters, prosecutors claimed.

Cassie reportedly tried to participate in the "freak offs" at first because she loved Diddy, but quickly changed her mind. Jane Doe had a similar experience.

However, the assistant U.S. attorney claimed consequences were severe. Diddy allegedly threatened to publicly release videos of both women in an effort to control their behavior. The rapper's violence got him what he wanted, Johnson explained.

According to the prosecution, Diddy used his inner circle to keep crimes out of public view to protect perception and power. The government asked the jurors to pay close attention to the evidence, follow the judge’s instructions on law and to trust common sense.

Diddy sat quietly with his hands on the courtroom desk while listening to the government's opening statements.

Fox News Digital's Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Getty Images

Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in New York on Sept. 16 and charged the following day with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The disgraced music mogul was arrested in the lobby of a New York hotel, a source confirmed to Fox News Digital at the time.

Diddy appeared in front of Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky in a Manhattan courtroom on Sept. 17 where he was denied bail after pleading not guilty to sex trafficking crimes.

The “I’ll Be Missing You” singer offered $50,000,000 bond as part of a proposed bail package, according to a letter submitted by his legal team and obtained by Fox News Digital.

In addition, Diddy surrendered his passport to counsel on April 1. His mother, Janice, and children Chance, Jessie, D'Lila and Love Combs each surrendered their passports under the bail proposal.

The defense also proposed the equity of Diddy's residence on Star Island in Miami Beach, Florida, which was appraised at $48,000,000, and the equity in his mother's home in Miami.

If found guilty, Diddy faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Cassie Ventura and Sean "Diddy" Combs dated from 2007 until 2018. (Getty Images)

The prosecution began opening statements in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial by detailing allegations of the rapper abusing his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told the jury they will hear about 20 years of crimes allegedly committed by Diddy. The prosecution began with a night they claimed Diddy had lost control over Cassie, who had moved on with another man.

Diddy allegedly took a gun and a bodyguard while he hunted Cassie down. When he found her that night, the rapper threatened to publicly release videos of Cassie having sex with male escorts, souvenirs of the most humiliating nights of her life.

He beat her brutally, kicked her in the back, flung her around like a ragdoll, according to the assistant U.S. attorney. Johnson claimed this alleged abuse was just the tip of the iceberg and that the rapper has additional victims.

Diddy has denied all allegations against him.

Fox News Digital's Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Gareth Cattermole

One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers working on his defense in the sex-trafficking case against the rapper chose to back out of the case in February. Anthony Ricco and Combs' legal team submitted a motion for the attorney to be removed from the rapper's counsel less than three months before the trial was set to take place.

"Although I have provided Sean Combs with the high level of legal representation expected by the court, under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs, consistent with the ABA Standards for Criminal Justice," Ricco wrote in the motion obtained by Fox News Digital.

The attorney noted there were "sufficient reasons" for the "brevity" of his withdrawal that are related to "protections afforded by the attorney/client privilege."

Ricco's departure from the case did not impact Combs' legal team, a source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital at the time. The team remained "intact and fully engaged” following the lawyer’s decision to leave the case.

ilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial began with jury selection on May 5 and could last up to two months. During a hearing prior to the trial, the prosecution claimed they expect their case to take six weeks to argue, while Combs’ legal team estimated they would need two weeks to complete their defense.

Combs is accused of running a criminal enterprise through his various businesses. He used "firearms, threats of violence, coercion and verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse" to fulfill his sexual desires, according to the unsealed indictment obtained by Fox News Digital.

According to court documents, Combs would force his victims to participate in what he called “freak offs.”

"Freak Offs were elaborate and produced sex performances that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded," authorities stated. The indictment alleges the rapper was known to provide IV fluids to his victims following "freak offs" to recover from physical exertion and drug use.

Diddy has denied the allegations against him.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' jury was selected Monday, May 12. (Getty Images)

A jury of 12 with six alternates has been selected in Diddy's sex-trafficking trial. The jury was sworn in at 10:21am ET.

The prosecution used nine strikes while the defense used 14 strikes to narrow down the jury pool.

Diddy's lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, accused the prosecution of striking several potential black jurors. Maurene Comey explained why each juror was struck, noting they were all done under “good reason” and could have been struck for cause.

Judge Arun Subramanian found no purposeful discrimination and denied Agnifilo's application. Diddy's trial will begin with opening statements.

“Jury selection is the most difficult, time-consuming part of any trial,” John J. Perlstein, top Los Angeles litigator, told Fox News Digital. “It is not unusual for there to be delays, particularly in a case as high-profile and difficult as this one.”

Potential jurors were asked if they recognize various celebrities, their beliefs on infidelity and their music taste.

Fox News legal editor Kerri Urbahn noted that the prosecution's questions to the jurors were to make sure there are no Diddy "superfans," while Diddy's team was looking for the "exact opposite" out of a jury.

Fox News Digital's Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Diddy sat between his lawyers, Teny Geragos and Brian Steel , in court Monday morning as court began. Judge Arun Subramanian took the bench at 9:34 am ET.

The 55-year-old music mogul was wearing glasses and appeared to be taking notes while waiting for the judge. The "I'll Be Missing You" singer occasionally chatted with his attorneys.

The court clerk asked Diddy if he had gotten water before the start of court. “I could use some more," the rapper said.

Diddy’s court day will begin by finalizing the jury of 12 jurors and six alternates. The panel was not finalized Friday due to worries some would get “cold feet.” After finalizing the jury panel, opening statements will begin.

The rapper has been charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation for prostitution. All charges are felonies. He has pleaded not guilty.

Fox News Digital's Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Sean “Diddy” Combs hired Marc Agnifilo to spearhead his legal defense after being arrested in September following a federal indictment.

Diddy, 55, was charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty.

Agnifilo is no stranger to high-profile cases as a criminal defense lawyer based in New York. The former assistant district attorney previously worked for Brafman & Associates for more than 15 years before founding his own firm, Agnifilo Intrater, in 2024.

He’s familiar with high-profile trials and district attorney investigations after representing a number of prominent clients, including “pharma bro” Martin Shkreli and NXIVM sex cult leader Keith Raniere. 

Raniere was found guilty in 2019 on seven counts, including racketeering, sex trafficking and wire fraud conspiracy, and was sentenced to 120 years in prison.

Shkreli was convicted in 2017 on two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy and sentenced to seven years in prison in addition to more than $70 million in fines and restitution to victims. He was released from a low-security federal prison in 2022.

Elizabeth Williams via AP

Sean “Diddy” Combs has spent the last seven months behind bars after being denied bail multiple times in his sex-trafficking case.

The rapper has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and has not requested to move since October. Diddy's team filed for his third attempt at bail in October after Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr. recused himself from the case. Carter Jr. had denied the "I'll Be Missing You" singer's second attempt at bail, citing the possibility that Diddy would tamper with witnesses. The judge conceded the prosecution had proven "by clear and convincing evidence that there is no condition or set of conditions" to secure community safety.

Diddy’s third attempt at bail was denied in November by Judge Arun Subramanian after seemingly agreeing with the prosecution’s claim that the rapper might act to obstruct the investigation.

Authorities arrested Diddy in September and he was subsequently charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial is expected to last eight weeks. (Getty Images)

Sean “Diddy” Combs arrived at court in New York City on Monday, May 12, for opening statements. Before they begin, the defense and prosecution will finalize the jury panel of 12 jurors and six alternates.

Diddy walked into the courtroom at 8:52 am wearing a khaki sweater over a white shirt with khaki pants. He hugged each of his attorneys before making a heart with his hands and blowing a kiss towards his family seated in the courtroom.

The rapper's mom, Janice Combs, along with his six kids are supporting Diddy from the 2nd row.

Diddy was charged with racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution in a federal indictment unsealed Sept. 17. He has maintained his innocence. If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Authorities allege Diddy ran a criminal enterprise through his businesses, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises and Combs Global, among others. He used "firearms, threats of violence, coercion and verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse" to fulfill his sexual desires, according to prosecutors.

The prosecution and defense have estimated the disgraced music mogul’s trial to last eight weeks, ending around the 4th of July.

Fox News Digital's Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' mom arrives at court on May 12. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital)

Sean "Diddy" Combs' mother Janice Combs arrived at court to support the rapper amid his sex-trafficking trial.

She was joined by his sons and daughters. The family has attended Diddy's court hearings leading up to trial.

Janice previously defended Diddy in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

"It is heartbreaking to see my son judged not for the truth, but for a narrative created out of lies," Janice Combs wrote in October. "To bear witness what seems to be like a public lynching of my son before he has had the opportunity to prove his innocence is a pain too unbearable to put into words. Like every human being, my son deserves to have his day in court, to finally share his side, and to prove his innocence."

She pleaded, "My son is not the monster they have painted him to be, and he deserves the chance to tell his side. I can only pray that I am alive to see him speak his truth and be vindicated."

Sean "Diddy" Combs sits in court during jury selection. (Jane Rosenberg)

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ jury panel was not finalized Friday, despite the original trial schedule. Diddy's legal team was concerned about jurors getting cold feet over the weekend, and Judge Arun Subramanian agreed. The prosecution opposed this decision, wanting to narrow down the pool of 43 to 12 jurors, six alternates and three extras on Friday.

“This doesn’t necessarily signal a struggle to seat the jury; it’s more about being cautious and setting the trial up for a smooth start with minimal disruptions,” criminal defense lawyer Jo-Anna Nieves told Fox News Digital. “It’s a thoughtful and fairly common precaution.”

Criminal defense attorney Eric Faddis added, “It’s normal for different phases of the trial to take longer than expected, but apparently at least one of the 45 potential jurors remaining has recently asked to be removed from this controversial, high-profile case.”

The jury pool will be finalized before opening statements. Diddy’s trial will likely last eight weeks.

Reuters, Getty Images

Jury selection is a completely private process, not available for the public to watch. The defense and prosecution are often looking for people who have little to no knowledge of what has gone on in the case so far, as to keep away biases.

Combs appeared anxious on the opening day of jury selection. After requesting a bathroom break at one point, he told the judge, "I'm a little nervous today."

While the public isn’t allowed to watch the jury selection take place, court documents submitted ahead of trial shed light on what the defense and prosecution might be looking for in a potential juror. 

For Sean “Diddy” Combs’ case, his defense team submitted a proposed questionnaire ahead of his May 5 sex-trafficking trial. His lawyers want the potential jurors to be questioned on their views regarding sex, drugs and violence, according to a letter filed to Judge Arun Subramanian.

The prosecution criticized Diddy’s proposed 72-question survey, claiming it was too long and asked questions not relevant to the allegations. Prospective jurors received the questionnaire ahead of the May 5 start date so that jury selection could begin that day. Opening statements will begin on May 12.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

People interested in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial and the day-to-day testimony will not be able to watch from home. Federal law prohibits cameras in the courtroom.

"Except as otherwise provided by a statute or these rules, the court must not permit the taking of photographs in the courtroom during judicial proceedings or the broadcasting of judicial proceedings from the courtroom,” Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53 reads.

Diddy has appeared in court a handful of times since his September arrest on federal sex-trafficking crimes. However, only court sketches have been made available to the public following his hearings. These typically depict Diddy, his legal team and often the judge presiding over his case.

Cameras are allowed outside of the courthouse, but it’s unclear if Combs will be spotted since he will remain behind bars throughout the trial. However, Diddy’s mom and children have been seen arriving and leaving from court in photographs and video.