Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, is currently facing a sex trafficking and racketeering trial in Manhattan, New York. A central point of contention revolves around the nature of sexual encounters between Combs and his accusers, particularly R&B singer Cassie. Combs' legal team is actively arguing that all sexual acts were consensual, presenting text messages and other evidence to support this claim.
Throughout the trial, Combs' defense attorney, Anna Estevao, has focused on discrediting Cassie's allegations of sexual abuse and rape. One of the key strategies involves presenting text messages exchanged between Cassie and Combs, suggesting a consensual and even enthusiastic participation in the music mogul's sexual lifestyle. These messages, some of which are explicit, detail Cassie expressing desire for "freak-offs," which she previously testified were drug-fueled group sex encounters that left her traumatized. Estevao has had Cassie read these messages aloud in court, aiming to portray her as a willing participant rather than a coerced victim.
In one instance, after an alleged rape in August 2018, Cassie sent messages to Combs expressing love and a desire to maintain a platonic relationship. "I do love you. I would just prefer not being one of your girlfriends anymore," she wrote. Weeks later, she stated she was moving on for her own sanity, to which Combs replied, "I respect your sanity. It's best we keep it moving. I'm not a stalker." The defense highlights that these messages made no mention of the alleged rape, suggesting a disconnect between Cassie's claims and her communication with Combs at the time.
The defense also presented messages where Cassie appeared to initiate or eagerly anticipate sexual encounters. For example, in August 2009, when Combs asked when she wanted the next "freak off," she replied, "I'm always ready to freak off." These exchanges are used to counter Cassie's claims that she felt compelled to participate in these encounters to keep Combs happy.
Conversely, the prosecution argues that Combs exploited his power and status to coerce Cassie and other women into these sexual encounters. They claim that Combs used his entourage and employees to facilitate illegal activities, including transportation for prostitution and coercion, which are key elements of the federal charges against him. The prosecution also presented evidence, including testimony from other women, that supports the claim of a pattern of abuse and non-consensual acts.
Cassie's initial lawsuit against Combs in 2023, which was settled within 24 hours for $20 million, sparked the criminal case and led to numerous similar claims from other women. Over four days of testimony, Cassie alleged physical assault, rape, trafficking, and attempts by Combs to control her personal and professional life. The prosecution rested its case on June 24, 2025, after presenting evidence and witness statements aimed at proving Combs' guilt on charges of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering. The trial has included testimonies from 34 witnesses.
