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A hotel security guard testified Monday that Sean Combs had “a devilish” expression and attempted to give him money after an alleged assault in 2016. This testimony occurred during the musician’s ongoing sex trafficking trial.
The federal probe into Combs was partly triggered by a 2023 civil suit from his former partner, Cassie (Casandra Ventura), alleging physical abuse and rape. Although the case was quickly settled, numerous others have since filed lawsuits against the 55-year-old with similar sexual assault claims.
Combs initially denied Ventura’s accusations. However, in May 2024, footage surfaced showing Combs punching and kicking Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. Subsequently, Combs issued a video statement on Instagram calling his actions “inexcusable”.
The trial commenced last week with jury selection. On Monday, the jury was finalized, and after opening statements, Israel Florez, the first witness, testified.
Florez, previously a security guard at the InterContinental Hotel where the 2016 incident happened, stated he responded to a report of “a woman in distress” on the sixth floor. He found Combs, only wearing a towel, with what he described as “a devilish” look.
Florez testified that Ventura was in a corner, and a vase was broken on the floor. He said Combs offered him money, which he took as a possible attempt to bribe him.
“He was telling me, ‘Don’t tell nobody,'” Florez said, now working as an LA police officer.
Florez mentioned Ventura had a “purple eye.” After she left the hotel, he and the front desk manager spoke with Combs in his room to “remind him of the hotel rules.” Florez recounted that Combs became angry and grabbed the manager’s phone, leading Florez to pin Combs against a wall.
The court played a video clip of Combs assaulting Ventura in the hotel hallway.
Combs was indicted last September on accusations of racketeering, drugging, and coercing women into sexual acts with him and others. A conviction could result in a life sentence. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Dozens have accused Combs of sexual abuse, with some civil lawsuits alleging the assaults occurred when victims were as young as 10. Here’s a summary of the situation.
What has happened so far?
On September 16, Combs was arrested for allegedly “abusing, threatening, and coercing women and others to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct,” according to the indictment.
Prosecutors allege Combs engaged in kidnapping and sex trafficking, exploiting his celebrity to attract women before forcing them into nonconsensual acts. Some victims were allegedly drugged with ketamine, ecstasy, or other substances to facilitate these acts.
Federal agents seized illegal drugs and firearms during a raid on his Beverly Hills mansion in March 2024. They also discovered over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, along with other items allegedly used for “freak offs.”
While many accusers remain anonymous, some, like former adult film star Adria English, model and actress Crystal McKinney, and music producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones Jr., have publicly shared their stories.
Jones accused Combs of attempting to “groom” him into having sex with another man, and forcing him to hire sex workers and engage in sexual activities with them.
Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest on Sept. 16.
This March, a charge of forced labor was added to the case. A month later, prosecutors added two new sex trafficking charges, and an additional charge for transportation to engage in prostitution.
Can you watch the trial?
No. Federal criminal charges against Combs prohibit electronic media use.
The statute, from 1946, bans photography and broadcasting in federal criminal courtrooms to ensure the defendant’s right to a fair trial. R. Kelly’s federal trial on similar charges was also not televised.
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