Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial Begins May 5, Assault Footage Admitted

Sean 'Diddy' Combs has rejected a plea deal and pleaded not guilty to five federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. A judge has ruled that surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway will be admissible as evidence in the upcoming trial, despite objections from Combs' legal team, who argued the video was manipulated and prejudicial. Prosecutors and video experts confirmed the footage’s authenticity, with the judge stating it was a fair and accurate depiction, and at least two witnesses have authenticated it. The trial, set to begin with jury selection on May 5, will see Ventura testify for the prosecution. Combs’ defense has suggested his sexual encounters were consensual and argued for a delayed trial due to new charges, but the judge denied the request. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the allegations and the admissibility of the assault footage.