Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is on trial for racketeering and sex trafficking charges, with several former employees testifying against him. A key witness, Capricorn Clark, said Combs was involved in a violent chain of events after discovering his girlfriend Cassie was also dating rapper Kid Cudi.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Prosecutors argue that he oversaw a criminal enterprise that relied on employees and accomplices to carry out illegal acts.
Clark testified about Combs’ alleged control over her, saying she was paid $55,000 a year but felt trapped into engaging in orchestrated sexual encounters with male escorts at hotels and homes. Another former employee, Mia, described being subjected to violence and intimidation by Combs.
Combs’ defense team claims he is a “very flawed individual” prone to violence and jealousy, but prosecutors argue that his employees were either victims or accomplices, both working together towards advancing other criminal objectives.
If convicted, Combs faces serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. The jury will have to consider the tangled relationships between Combs and his employees, weighing whether they were victims or willing participants in his alleged scheme.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/criminal-enterprise-sean-diddy-combs-sex-trafficking-trial-rcna209555