Sean "Diddy" Combs' defence team has used text messages between him and one of his accusers, Cassie Ventura, to challenge the serious allegations of sex trafficking in his ongoing trial. Combs' lawyers presented these messages during the defence’s half-hour case presentation on Tuesday, showcasing texts where Cassie expressed love for him and suggested she enjoyed participating in sexual performances referred to as "Freak Offs."
The text messages, ranging from tender to sexually explicit, were read to the jury. In one 2012 message, Cassie wrote, "Besides making love, talking to you is my favourite thing." Five years later, she sent messages expressing missing him, requesting explicit photos, and describing herself as "your little freak." Combs’ defence lawyer, Anna Estevao, argued that these texts show Cassie’s consensual involvement in the activities and suggest that Combs believed the "Freak Offs" were mutually agreed upon.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, did not testify during the trial. His legal team acknowledged instances of violence in his past relationships but emphasized that the acts in question were consensual. Prosecutors, however, have accused Combs of coercing two former girlfriends into sexual acts with male sex workers while he watched, sometimes filming the encounters.
As the prosecution rested after six weeks of testimony, including statements from Cassie and another woman known as Jane, the trial now moves toward closing arguments. Combs faces a potential 15 years to life in prison if convicted. Closing arguments are set to begin on Thursday, with the jury expected to deliberate soon after.
