In a courtroom sketch, Sean "Diddy" Combs listens as "Jane" continues her testimony during his sex trafficking trial in New York City. A former girlfriend of Sean "Diddy" Combs, testifying for a second day under the pseudonym "Jane," described how she felt pressured to engage in sexual encounters with male escorts while he watched, despite expressing her discomfort. She alleged that a network of employees facilitated drug use during what she called "hotel nights" or "freak-offs," which left her in pain and with frequent infections. Prosecutors have charged Mr. Combs, 55, with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, with the rap mogul pleading not guilty to all allegations.
As the trial enters its fifth week, defense attorney Teny Geragos claimed that the prosecution is misrepresenting consensual adult sexuality as criminal acts. Jane's testimony aims to provide evidence of Mr. Combs' alleged criminal behavior. Notably, she recounted an incident in early 2023 where she arranged for a male escort to fly from Atlanta to New York City for an encounter at the Trump International Hotel, which she financed and prepared for by ensuring that the escort received an envelope of cash afterward.
Additionally, Jane testified about an incident where Mr. Combs's chief of staff allegedly directed her to pick up drugs in Los Angeles for one of their hotel stays in Miami. Prosecutors presented Ms. Khorram as a potential co-conspirator who could testify further against Mr. Combs. Jane described how she was pressured to partake in these activities despite losing interest, often feeling "disgusted" and "repulsed."
The prosecution scrutinized Jane’s motivations for continuing the relationship with Mr. Combs, especially as she articulated her reluctance to partake in the "hotel nights." She indicated that her decision was influenced by wanting to keep Mr. Combs satisfied, even amidst feelings of discomfort. Various financial ties also surfaced in court; Mr. Combs provided Jane with a monthly $10,000 allowance and had a "love contract" to ensure she complied with his wishes.
Jane expressed that this financial dependency complicated her ability to distance herself from these encounters. Sent text messages revealed discussions regarding her health and discomfort related to their sexual exploits. Jane also testified about the physical toll these nights took on her body, including frequent infections and persistent pelvic pain.
Earlier in the trial, R&B singer Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura recounted similar experiences from her time with Mr. Combs. Her testimony is expected to continue next week, with the defense preparing for a thorough examination of her claims. The legal proceedings will continue to unfold as more details emerge regarding the serious accusations facing the hip-hop mogul.
