NEW YORK (AP) — Attorneys representing Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs have characterized the prosecution against the hip-hop mogul as “sexist and puritanical,” asserting that nine recordings of sexual encounters deemed significant to the case showcase consensual activities between consenting adults. In a communication to a federal judge in Manhattan on Tuesday, the legal team requested that the recordings, which allegedly depict intricate sex acts orchestrated by Combs, be handed over to the defense for further examination. The defense claimed that they have had limited access to the recordings, having been granted temporary viewings on only two occasions over the past two months.
Combs, aged 55, has entered a plea of not guilty to sex trafficking charges filed against him subsequent to his arrest in September. Despite multiple bail hearings before different judges, he has been in custody awaiting a trial scheduled for May 5, as his bail petitions were turned down. Prosecutors’ representatives declined to provide a comment.
The defense’s argument presented on Tuesday echoed their stance during bail hearings, where they contended that the prosecution had unfairly depicted consensual adult sexual activities to construct their case. The attorneys asserted, “Any impartial observer of the videos would swiftly conclude that the prosecution of Mr. Combs is both sexist and puritanical,” adding, “It is sexist as the government’s narrative perpetuates stereotypes of female victimization and lack of autonomy.”
According to the indictment, Combs allegedly arranged sexual encounters between his accusers and male sex workers termed “Freak Offs,” described as elaborate performances directed and recorded by Combs. Prosecutors alleged that these encounters, at times spanning several days and involving multiple sex workers, were facilitated through drugging the participants to ensure compliance. Searches conducted at Combs’ residences in Los Angeles and Miami reportedly uncovered substances and materials related to these activities, including drugs and a substantial quantity of baby oil and lubricants.
The defense noted that the nine videos provided to the government, depicting six consensual sexual encounters involving a woman identified as “Victim-1,” were handed over by the woman’s legal representatives. They argued, “In all six of these encounters, Victim-1 is not only consenting; she is evidently happy, dominant, and completely in control.” The defense further clarified that the videos did not depict sex parties, secret recordings, involvement of minors, or other public figures.
Additionally, the defense highlighted the absence of evidence suggesting coercion, violence, threats, or impairment due to substances in the videos. They vehemently denied the presence of sex trafficking elements, emphasizing the need for expert analysis to enhance the quality of the recordings and establish their authenticity. The defense criticized the government’s portrayal of the content as “vulgar, repugnant, or inherently distasteful,” asserting that it reflects a desire to regulate non-traditional sexual behavior and a presumption that the woman’s consent must have been forced, contrary to the available evidence.
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