Sean 'Diddy' Combs used fame and violence to abuse women, trial hears

Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial for sexual abuse. Prosecutors claim he used fame and violence against women. His attorneys defended his lifestyle, calling it a "swinger" lifestyle.

The 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty to several charges. These include racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution-related offenses.

Prosecutors presented their first witnesses in court. One was a hotel security guard who witnessed Mr. Combs beating his ex-girlfriend in 2016.

Another witness claimed Mr. Combs abused his ex-girlfriend during paid encounters with the couple.

On Monday morning, the court seated 12 jurors and six alternates. Both sides outlined their cases to the jury.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson accused Mr. Combs of using celebrity status to abuse women. She said he ran a criminal enterprise with loyal employees.

She focused on two main alleged victims: Cassandra Ventura and another unnamed woman. Prosecutors claimed Mr. Combs threatened Ms. Ventura's music career to force her into humiliating acts.

Ms. Johnson stated that he had the power to ruin Ms. Ventura's life.

As prosecutors spoke, Mr. Combs sat quietly in a grey sweater and trousers, hands folded in his lap.

A key piece of evidence is a surveillance video from 2016 showing Mr. Combs attacking Ms. Ventura in a hotel hallway.

Mr. Combs' lawyers argued that the video shows his flawed character but not a criminal enterprise. Attorney Teny Geragos stated that domestic violence is not sex trafficking.

Ms. Geragos described Mr. Combs' sex life as different and emphasized that the women were strong individuals who made their own choices.

She argued they had freedom in their decisions regarding relationships with him.

The first witness was Israel Florez, a former security guard at the hotel where the incident occurred. He testified about finding Mr. Combs slouched in a chair with Ms. Ventura cowering nearby.

Mr. Florez reported receiving a call about "a woman in distress." He noted that Ms. Ventura wanted to leave but was told she could not by Mr. Combs.

He observed that Ms. Ventura had a purple eye but did not want police involvement when she left in an SUV later on.

Mr Florez alleged that Mr.Combs offered him cash to keep quiet about the incident, which he declined.

Defense attorneys questioned why certain details were missing from Florez's report, such as Ms.Ventura's injury.

Daniel Phillip, another witness, shared his experience meeting Mr.Combs and Ms.Ventura at a hotel for her birthday celebration.

He claimed he engaged in sexual encounters with her while under drug influence as Mr.Combs watched and filmed them.

Phillip testified he witnessed multiple attacks on Ms.Ventura by Mr.Combs, including one instance where she screamed for help.

He expressed fear of reporting these incidents due to concerns about Mr.Combs' power over him.

The trial will continue Tuesday with expected testimony from Ms.Ventura.

In court on Monday, Mr.Combs' children were seen holding hands for support alongside their mother and publicist as they left together.