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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial: ‘Freak Off’ Videos May Be Shown to Jury
Controversial “freak off” videos linked to Sean “Diddy” Combs could potentially be presented as evidence to the jury in his impending trial, slated to begin next month. The disgraced music executive, age 55, who recently faced additional charges, was apprehended last September amid a sex trafficking inquiry and is currently detained at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center.
Evidence of ‘Freak Off’ Parties Emerges
Earlier this month, details surrounding Combs’ long-speculated “freak off” parties surfaced, described as “elaborate and produced sex performances.” In a legal maneuver this week, Combs’ legal representatives submitted a questionnaire aimed at gathering insights into prospective jurors, according to TMZ.
Jury Questionnaire Focuses on Explicit Content
The extensive 70-question questionnaire, some with supplementary parts, probes potential jurors’ willingness to view sexually explicit videos or clips depicting sexual assault, as reported by the Associated Press. Furthermore, the defense team inquired about jurors’ perspectives on individuals with multiple sexual partners.
Sean ‘ Diddy ‘ Combs’ infamous ‘freak off’ videos could possibly be shown to the jury during the upcoming trial which begins next month; seen in 2020 in Beverly Hills
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Prosecutors Express Concerns Over Questionnaire
Prosecutors in the case responded with their own communication, expressing apprehension that the submitted questionnaire was overly extensive and potentially confusing for jurors.
The defense’s questionnaire submission strongly suggests that the alleged “freak-off” parties, reportedly captured on film, may be presented as evidence during the trial.
Trial Schedule Set for Next Month
The trial is scheduled to commence next month, with jury selection officially commencing on May 5th and opening arguments set for May 12th.
Discovery of ‘Freak Off’ Evidence
In September 2024, evidence of the music mogul’s “freak off” gatherings was reportedly discovered during raids conducted at his residences in Los Angeles and Miami. Then-U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that federal agents had located “electronic devices containing images and videos of the freak offs, with multiple victims.”
Tapes Could Be Made Public
Earlier this year, in January, reports emerged that these tapes could potentially be made public after the recording artist requested authorities to release the videos, asserting they could substantiate his innocence.
Criminal Charges Against Combs Mount
The charges leveled against the “Coming Home” artist include serious offenses such as sex trafficking and racketeering.
Combs, who appeared in court in March with white hair, has refuted all allegations against him outlined in civil lawsuits.
The disgraced music mogul was arrested last year in September following a sex trafficking probe and is currently being held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center; seen in 2019 in L.A.
Also last year in September, evidence of the star’s long-rumored freak off parties came to light and have been described as ‘elaborate and produced sex performances’; seen hosting The Real White Party in 2007 in East Hampton
Defense Accuses Prosecutors of ‘Polluting’ Trial
Earlier this week, Combs’ legal team asserted that federal prosecutors are “polluting” his trial even prior to its commencement, requesting the court to prevent additional witnesses from testifying. The rapper’s attorney requested the judge to exclude “prior bad act” witnesses from taking the stand, according to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com.
Combs’ counsel contended that permitting potentially numerous witnesses beyond the four victims directly related to the rapper’s criminal indictment would represent “the worst abuses of the character evidence rule in the history of American law.”
They further stated that prosecutors allegedly do not intend to disclose the expanding witness list until April 18th – merely two weeks before jury selection is set to begin for the high-profile case in Manhattan federal court.
“The allegations implicate dozens of unidentified witnesses and alleged co-conspirators around the world — and some of the key witnesses to the supposed incidents are deceased,” the defense attorneys penned.
“Collectively, these new allegations necessitate many months, if not years, to investigate, and if admitted, would mandate a series of mini-trials, certain to double the length of a trial the government originally projected would last ‘three weeks.'”
The defense team continued, “The Court should compel the government to try the case it charged and substantiate that case to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt.”
“The government should not be authorized to contaminate the trial with decades of unsubstantiated claims and invite a conviction predicated on propensity evidence with no proper purpose by portraying Mr. Combs as a nefarious individual who must have committed the charged crimes.”
Earlier this week, Diddy’s lawyers claimed that federal prosecutors are ‘polluting’ his trial even before it begins and asked the court to block other witnesses from testifying; Diddy seen in court in March in NYC
Superseding Indictment Adds New Charges
Prosecutors filed a superseding indictment the previous week, incorporating two additional charges to his criminal case. The revised indictment accuses Combs of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs Denies All Charges
Combs has denied all charges, asserting that the alleged victims were former girlfriends who consented to the purported incidents.
Victims Named in Indictment
Four individuals, including former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, are identified as victims in the indictment.
Combs allegedly coerced victims into participating in “freak off” sex parties, sometimes involving male prostitutes, that extended for days.
Prosecutors have indicated that Ventura intends to testify using her name, while the other alleged victims will be referred to by pseudonyms during the trial. They have requested that their identities remain confidential from the press and public.
The rapper’s attorney asked the judge to exclude ‘prior bad act’ witnesses from taking the stand in court, according to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com; seen in 2023 in Washington D.C.
Four witnesses, including former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, have been named as victims in the indictment; Diddy and Cassie seen in 2018 in NYC
Details of Sex Trafficking Counts
The new sex trafficking charge alleges that Combs purportedly caused “Victim 2” to engage in commercial sex acts, knowing they were doing so due to “force, fraud, and coercion.” The transportation for prostitution charge claims he “willfully caused the transportation of multiple individuals with the intent that they engage in prostitution.”
Prosecutors Defend Witness Testimony
Prosecutors criticized defense attorneys, asserting that testimony from “non-statutory victims” should be admitted during the trial as it demonstrates Combs’ intent to commit the charged crimes. They further argued that the law allows them to call “prior bad act” witnesses to demonstrate Combs’ propensity to commit sexual assault.
Combs’ attorneys said a preliminary hearing is necessary on whether the prior bad act witnesses and other evidence should be allowed before the trial begins with jury selection on May 5; seen in 2023 in Atlanta
Defense Calls for Preliminary Hearing
Combs’ attorneys have requested a preliminary hearing to determine whether the “prior bad act” witnesses and other evidence should be permitted before the trial commences with jury selection on May 5th.
“At this juncture, there is no means of ascertaining whether the government possesses sufficient evidence such that a reasonable jury could find by a preponderance that each act occurred,” the defense argued in an affidavit.
“And Mr. Combs anticipates being able to establish beyond any doubt that at least some of the incidents never transpired at all. These are, quite simply, fabrications.”
Civil Lawsuits Mount Against Combs
Meanwhile, Combs is confronting numerous lawsuits in civil courts across New York, California, Nevada, and Florida from alleged victims who claim the disgraced Bad Boy mogul drugged and sexually assaulted them, and then leveraged his power and influence to silence them for years.