The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs began this week in New York with an intensive round of jury questioning. The selection process is expected to conclude by Monday, paving the way for opening statements. As the legal teams prepare for the high-profile case, both the prosecution and defense have begun revealing their strategies.
What’s Diddy’s defensive move?
According to Variety, the defense plans to depict Cassie Ventura, Combs’s former partner, as “aggressive and violent,” suggesting she was capable of instigating physical altercations. This approach is aimed at undermining the prosecution’s claim that Ventura was “coerced” into having sex with Combs.
Ventura is expected to testify next week, shortly after opening statements begin. In May last year, CNN released 2016 surveillance footage showing Combs grabbing, shoving, dragging, and kicking Ventura during an altercation in a hotel hallway. The footage appeared to support allegations detailed in a federal lawsuit Ventura filed in November 2023. Just one day after she took legal action, the two sides reached a settlement. At the time, Combs’s legal team emphasized that settling did not amount to an admission of guilt. The video surfaced publicly several months later.
Diddy’s lawyers hope to portray Cassie as “aggressive and violent,” implying she couldn’t be “coerced” into sexual activity because she is a “strong” person.
“Strong people can be coerced just like weak people,” the judge said firmly.https://t.co/aL7lJs6X75
— Ethan Shanfeld (@ethanshanfeld) May 9, 2025
How long will Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial last?
In September, Combs was indicted by a federal grand jury following a sex trafficking investigation. He now faces five federal charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of interstate transportation for prostitution.
Prosecutors allege Combs engaged in kidnapping, drug use, and the coercion of women into sexual acts. He is also accused of recording these acts and using the footage as leverage to silence the victims.
Opening statements are scheduled for May 12. Prosecutor Emily Johnson told the judge that the government will need three weeks to present its case. The defense says it will require one week. Overall, the trial could last up to eight weeks.
The proceedings will take place at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in New York City and will be open to the public, including the press. However, as this is a federal case, it is not expected to be broadcast on television or radio.
If convicted, Combs faces a possible life sentence for the racketeering charge, a minimum of 15 years for sex trafficking, and up to 10 years for the transportation offense.
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