Diddy Trial: Jurors Watch 'Freak-Off' Videos Amid Sex Trafficking Charges

In a pivotal moment during the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, jurors were shown explicit video clips that are central to the sex trafficking charges against the hip-hop mogul. The trial, which began on May 12, 2025, in Manhattan federal court, has drawn significant public interest due to the high-profile nature of the defendant and the serious allegations he faces.

On May 19, 2025, jurors viewed excerpts from three sexually explicit videos that prosecutors allege were recorded by Combs during drug-fueled sexual encounters, referred to as "freak-off" sessions. These sessions reportedly involved his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and a sex worker known as Sharay Hayes, dubbed "The Punisher." The videos were retrieved from a cellphone linked to Combs and provided to authorities by Ventura. The prosecutors indicated that one of the videos dates back to October 14, 2012, coinciding with an overnight stay at the Trump International Hotel in New York City, booked under a pseudonym, "Frank Black."

Prior to the video screening, the court was presented with an invoice for the hotel room, along with text messages in which Ventura arranged the meeting with Hayes, requesting a 3 a.m. appointment at the Trump hotel. Hayes confirmed the arrangement, stating his fee for the encounter was $200 in cash.

The prosecution’s presentation of the videos is crucial, as they aim to substantiate claims of non-consensual behavior and illegal activities surrounding Combs' interactions with women. Defense attorneys argue that the videos demonstrate consensual sexual activity, contending that the prosecution’s narrative misrepresents the nature of the encounters.

The graphic content of the videos was restricted to jurors, prosecution, and defense teams, with all parties wearing headphones to listen to the audio. Members of the media and public were not permitted to view the footage, reflecting the court's sensitivity to the explicit nature of the evidence.

As the trial progresses, prosecutors are winding down their case, having presented extensive evidence over six weeks, including testimony from government agents regarding text messages, travel records, and other documentation. They are expected to rest their case on May 21, 2025, after which the defense will begin calling its witnesses.

Additionally, the trial has faced procedural challenges, including the dismissal of a juror due to inconsistencies in his responses regarding his residency during jury selection. Judge Arun Subramanian expressed concerns over the juror's credibility, ultimately deciding to replace him to maintain the integrity of the jury.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, having been arrested in September 2024. He has remained in custody without bail at a federal facility in Brooklyn since his arrest. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications, not only for Combs’ personal and professional future but also for the broader conversation regarding accountability in the entertainment industry.

As the trial continues, both the prosecution and defense prepare for a significant week ahead, with the potential for impactful testimony and evidence that could sway the jury's verdict. The implications of this case resonate beyond the courtroom, touching on issues of consent, power dynamics, and the treatment of women in high-profile contexts.