Write an article about Sean Combs could face decades, or even life in prison, if convicted at the trial in Manhattan federal court. (EPA Images pic)
NEW YORK: Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs on Friday said they plan to accuse the hip-hop mogul’s ex-girlfriend of domestic violence when she takes the stand in his sex trafficking trial.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation for prostitution – all felonies. He could face decades or even life in prison if convicted at the trial in Manhattan federal court.
Defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo told US district judge Arun Subramanian during a hearing on Friday that he plans to show there was mutual violence between Combs and his ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is expected to testify as a star witness for the prosecution.
“I think we’re probably going to refer to that as domestic violence,” Agnifilo said, arguing Ventura’s alleged history of violence would undercut prosecutors’ argument that she was a victim.
Ventura’s lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Subramanian appeared disinclined to allow the defence to introduce evidence of any alleged violence by Ventura but said he would rule on the issue on Monday, when a jury of 12 New Yorkers is set to be finalised ahead of opening statements by defence lawyers and prosecutors.
Combs, 55, was present in the courtroom on Friday sporting greying hair and a sweater over a white shirt. He has been held in a federal lockup in Brooklyn since his arrest last September.
Combs, a Harlem native who founded the pioneering record label Bad Boy Records and discovered iconic rappers including the Notorious B.I.G., was arrested last September and has been held in a Brooklyn federal lockup since then.
Prosecutors with the Manhattan US attorney’s office say that for two decades Combs used his business empire to lure women into his orbit with promises of romantic relationships or financial support, then violently coerced them to take part in days-long, drug-fuelled sexual performances known as “Freak Offs.”
Combs’ lawyers have said prosecutors are improperly seeking to criminalise Combs’ “swinger lifestyle.” They have signalled they plan to attack the credibility of the alleged victims who will testify by seeking to show they had financial incentives to accuse Combs. They have said the women gave inconsistent accounts of the alleged assaults to investigators.
Subramanian has said the trial will last around eight weeks, with the alternate jurors serving as backups in case jurors are unable to finish. Any verdict must be unanimous.
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Sean Combs could face decades, or even life in prison, if convicted at the trial in Manhattan federal court. (EPA Images pic)
NEW YORK: Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs on Friday said they plan to accuse the hip-hop mogul’s ex-girlfriend of domestic violence when she takes the stand in his sex trafficking trial.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation for prostitution – all felonies. He could face decades or even life in prison if convicted at the trial in Manhattan federal court.
Defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo told US district judge Arun Subramanian during a hearing on Friday that he plans to show there was mutual violence between Combs and his ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is expected to testify as a star witness for the prosecution.
“I think we’re probably going to refer to that as domestic violence,” Agnifilo said, arguing Ventura’s alleged history of violence would undercut prosecutors’ argument that she was a victim.
Ventura’s lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Subramanian appeared disinclined to allow the defence to introduce evidence of any alleged violence by Ventura but said he would rule on the issue on Monday, when a jury of 12 New Yorkers is set to be finalised ahead of opening statements by defence lawyers and prosecutors.
Combs, 55, was present in the courtroom on Friday sporting greying hair and a sweater over a white shirt. He has been held in a federal lockup in Brooklyn since his arrest last September.
Combs, a Harlem native who founded the pioneering record label Bad Boy Records and discovered iconic rappers including the Notorious B.I.G., was arrested last September and has been held in a Brooklyn federal lockup since then.
Prosecutors with the Manhattan US attorney’s office say that for two decades Combs used his business empire to lure women into his orbit with promises of romantic relationships or financial support, then violently coerced them to take part in days-long, drug-fuelled sexual performances known as “Freak Offs.”
Combs’ lawyers have said prosecutors are improperly seeking to criminalise Combs’ “swinger lifestyle.” They have signalled they plan to attack the credibility of the alleged victims who will testify by seeking to show they had financial incentives to accuse Combs. They have said the women gave inconsistent accounts of the alleged assaults to investigators.
Subramanian has said the trial will last around eight weeks, with the alternate jurors serving as backups in case jurors are unable to finish. Any verdict must be unanimous.
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