Racketeering, Sex Trafficking, and a ‘Network of Control’
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson led the prosecution’s opening salvo, describing Combs as a man with two faces—“larger than life” to fans and the media, but behind the scenes, she said, he was running an enterprise driven by sex crimes, coercion, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
“He didn’t act alone,” Johnson told jurors. “He had people—employees, associates—whose job it was to cover for him, carry out his orders, and protect him at all costs.”
Prosecutors allege that Combs systematically trafficked women across state lines, using drugs, manipulation, and threats to force them into humiliating and traumatizing acts—often for his own gratification or to maintain dominance over those close to him.
‘Freak-Offs’: A Disturbing Pattern of Exploitation
A major focus of the prosecution’s narrative is Combs’ alleged orchestration of so-called “freak-offs”—sex parties where women, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, were allegedly forced or coerced into performing sexual acts in front of others, including male escorts, while Combs watched.
Johnson described these gatherings as a routine tool of control, held weekly in various cities and even abroad.
“She knew it was not something she wanted to do,” Johnson said of Cassie’s participation. “But she loved him, and feared the consequences of saying no.”
One particularly harrowing incident described in court involved an escort allegedly urinating in Cassie’s mouth at Combs’ direction—an act that prosecutors say left her feeling like she was choking and deeply traumatized. Johnson indicated that Cassie is willing to testify about this and other acts directly to the jury.
Cassie’s ‘Life Depended on His Happiness’
Prosecutors allege that Diddy’s abuse of Cassie began early in their relationship and escalated over time, turning increasingly violent and manipulative. He is accused of threatening to release explicit footage of her if she refused to comply with his demands.
“If Cassie didn’t do what he wanted, the consequences were severe,” Johnson told the court. “Her life and safety depended on his happiness.”
According to the prosecution, Combs viewed the women in his orbit not as partners but as possessions—there to serve, obey, and entertain, regardless of consent or emotional devastation.
‘I Am the King’—Power, Ego, and Alleged Domination
In addition to the physical abuse and coercion, Johnson detailed the psychological tactics Combs allegedly used to maintain dominance. She said the defendant regularly referred to himself as “the king”, expecting unwavering loyalty and obedience from everyone around him.
“He used his companies to manipulate women, forcing them to engage in acts with escorts for his amusement,” Johnson said. “His inner circle made sure he got everything he wanted.”
These remarks were aimed at building the foundation of a racketeering case—framing Combs not just as an individual offender, but as the leader of a criminal enterprise that operated with impunity due to his wealth, influence, and ability to intimidate.
