Set off Warning: This text comprises mentions of s*xual abuse.
A federal choose in New York has dominated that surveillance footage exhibiting Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a Los Angeles lodge in 2016 shall be admissible in his upcoming trial on s*x trafficking and racketeering costs.
Choose Arun Subramanian dismissed the protection’s claims that the video had been manipulated, stating, “The protection cannot present the footage is inadmissible. There is no unfair prejudice to Mr. Combs.”
The video, first obtained by CNN, depicts Combs kicking and dragging Ventura in a lodge hallway. Combs’ authorized crew argued that the footage was altered, however CNN has denied any manipulation.
In the course of the listening to on Friday, Combs’ legal professional, Marc Agnifilo, indicated a protection technique that may painting Combs as a participant in a consensual “swingers” way of life and clarify why he invited prostitutes to affix his s*xual exercise.
“There is a way of life, name it swingers, that he was in that he thought was applicable,” Agnifilo mentioned. “The rationale he thought it was applicable is as a result of it is so frequent.”
Combs has pleaded not responsible to the costs, which embody s*x trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for functions of prostitution.
Prosecutors are additionally in search of to incorporate testimony a few medical process which they argue was “immediately related” to s*x trafficking costs. The attorneys mentioned that it demonstrates Combs’ management over an alleged sufferer. Choose Subramanian has but to resolve whether or not to permit the testimony in regards to the unnamed medical process.
Regardless of a number of makes an attempt to delay the trial, the choose dominated final week that the trial will start on Could 5, as scheduled, with jury choice. Opening arguments are scheduled to begin on Could 12.
Final Friday, Diddy was current at courtroom when U.S. District Choose Arun Subramanian dominated in opposition to his delay request, stating that “it is unclear why there isn’t ample time to organize.” After the two-hour listening to, Combs was seen smiling and waving to a couple folks, together with his mom, as he exited the courtroom.
Combs, 55, was arrested in September final yr. He’s presently in custody on the Particular Housing Unit within the Metropolitan Detention Heart.
Disclaimer: Should you want help or know somebody who’s fighting home violence or assault or abuse, please attain out to your nearest psychological well being specialist, NGO or communicate to somebody about it. There are a number of helplines obtainable for a similar.
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