NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
New, disturbing claims have emerged in the high-profile case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, as an alleged participant in his so-called “freak off” encounters broke his silence following the release of graphic footage during the trial.
Sharay Hayes, a former exotic dancer who goes by the name “The Punisher,” has spoken out after being identified in one of the videos shown to the jury earlier this week. The footage, described as explicit and unsettling, was presented during a closed court session as part of the ongoing case involving charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution facilitation—allegations Diddy has firmly denied.
Hayes previously testified that he was paid $800 in 2012 to have sex with singer Cassie Ventura while an unidentified naked man watched. According to Hayes, he was specifically instructed not to acknowledge the observer, later discovering it was allegedly Diddy himself. He described participating in what he believed were consensual erotic performances, claiming he was unaware of any recording taking place.
Now, in a new interview with Daily Mail, Hayes expressed shock upon learning that he appeared in one of the tapes submitted as evidence. “I’m shocked that there is a video,” Hayes said. “Whatever was taken must have been done secretly, without my knowledge. I’ve never seen any footage before now.”
The tapes shown in court were heavily edited from their original length—some as long as 30 minutes—into roughly two minutes of select clips. They reportedly date back to incidents in 2012 and 2014. Due to courtroom restrictions, only the jury, judge, and parties directly involved were allowed to view the videos, excluding the defense’s public monitors to protect privacy.
CNN reported that jurors reacted with visible discomfort. One female juror placed her hand over her head, while another appeared visibly shaken. The footage marked a turning point in the trial, which has already seen weeks of intense testimony, including audio recordings and photos said to be taken during the events in question.
Following a private viewing of the footage, sources claim Diddy was seen smiling and licking his lips—a gesture Hayes was asked to comment on. Struggling for words, he responded, “This is something I’d never say, but I think this is going to be my first no comment. I’m speechless.”
The case continues as public interest intensifies, and more witnesses are expected to take the stand in the coming weeks.
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James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
