The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has begun in New York City, after being behind bars in a Brooklyn jail since September.
Combs is facing charges for racketeering, sex trafficking, and conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution.
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The ‘Diddy’ trial has so far heard the start of opening arguments.
The rapper’s defence team said that while some of the evidence to be heard over the next few weeks may amount to domestic violence, they say it doesn’t prove the federal charges he’s facing.
Meanwhile a federal government lawyer told the jury this isn’t a trial about a celebrity’s private sex life, rather evidence will show Comb’s acts were coercive and criminal. The lawyer said at times, Combs made women have sex against their will, then threatened to release sex tapes from supposed “freak off” parties to silence them.
The court heard allegations that Combs and his inner circle helped facilitate sex crimes, arson and kidnapping on multiple occasions.
His defence lawyer told the Jury that those involved were willing participants. The lawyer said that while they might end up thinking Combs is “mean” or a “jerk”, it didn’t make him guilty.
The jury’s been warned to prepare to see disturbing footage of two alleged assaults involving Combs, his then-girlfriend, and another woman, who is being called Jane Doe.
The prosecution told the court, “Sometimes he called himself the king and he expected to be treated like one”.
Meanwhile, the defence said its client is merely a “swinger” with unconventional sexual proclivities.
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