Jury Shown "Freak-Off" Videos, Black Juror Removed Amidst Evidence and Testimony

The jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs's sex trafficking trial has been shown videos related to the case's central "freak-off" sex marathons. Prosecutors presented videos recorded by the hip hop mogul during day-long, drug-fueled sessions from 2014.

On the same day, a black juror was dismissed from the trial, despite defense objections that this would reduce the panel's racial diversity. After weeks of witness testimony and evidence, prosecutors played three sex videos provided by his former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, also known as "Cassie." One video from 2012 was from the same day prosecutors said Mr. Combs had a "freak-off" in New York City with Ms. Ventura and sex worker Sharay Hayes, known as "The Punisher."

Reporters and the public were not allowed to view the videos due to their graphic nature, although jurors had previously only seen still images from the videos. Defense lawyers maintain the videos prove Mr. Combs engaged in consensual sex. Prosecutors planned to rest their case, and Mr. Combs's lawyers were set to begin calling witnesses.

Jurors also heard text messages from Mr. Combs's ex-girlfriend, identified as "Jane," who complained about sex marathons and his threats to release sex tapes. Jane criticized Mr. Combs after Ms. Ventura sued him for alleged sexual and physical abuse. Jane, who dated Mr. Combs from 2021 until his arrest, said he exploited her with their "dark and humiliating lifestyle." She later texted his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, that Mr. Combs threatened to send her sex tapes to her child's father, and she requested help due to his "evil-ass psychotic bipolar" episodes.

Mr. Combs, 55, pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges following his September arrest. Prosecutors allege he coerced women over two decades to participate in drug-fueled sex performances with male sex workers. The defense argues the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual. He has been denied bail and remains incarcerated.

The dismissal of the black juror on Monday was based on concerns about the juror's honesty due to inconsistent answers about his residency. The judge, while acknowledging defense concerns about race, stated that race could not be a factor in the decision. The black juror was replaced by a white male alternate juror.