Sean “Diddy” Combs is pushing back against the evidence that prosecutors are preparing to present at his upcoming criminal trial in New York this May. His legal team filed a document on Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, revealing that they have examined nine videos known as the “Freak Off” tapes, which were provided by New York prosecutors in connection with an individual identified as “Victim-1.”
The filing requests electronic copies of these videos, with Combs’ attorneys asserting that the footage supports his innocence, depicting interactions between “fully consenting adults in a long-term relationship.” According to a source familiar with the case, Combs’ legal team can only view the videos in the presence of a government representative and are not permitted to retain copies.
The document clarifies that the recordings in question were not seized during the raids carried out at Combs’ properties last year. Rather, they were maintained by “Victim-1” and subsequently handed over to authorities as part of their criminal inquiry. It further refutes sensationalized media reports, stating that the videos do not portray sex parties and are devoid of elements such as secret cameras, orgies, celebrity involvement, underground tunnels, minors, coercion, or violence.
A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office declined to provide any comments on the matter. Combs was charged in September with offenses including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. He has entered a plea of not guilty and is currently detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting his trial scheduled for May 5.
The legal turmoil for Combs commenced in November 2023 following a lawsuit by his former longtime girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, accusing him of physical and sexual assault as well as sex trafficking. The lawsuit introduced the concept of “freak offs” or sex gatherings involving Combs. Ventura and Combs reached a settlement for an undisclosed sum after the lawsuit.
Subsequently, CNN released surveillance footage showing Combs aggressively assaulting and manhandling Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel corridor back in 2016. In response to the video, Combs expressed remorse on social media, acknowledging his reprehensible behavior and taking full accountability for his actions.
It is worth noting that the information provided in the legal filing challenges the narrative surrounding Combs’ involvement in the alleged activities, presenting a different perspective on the events leading up to his impending trial. The complexity of the case and the contrasting accounts underscore the significance of a thorough and impartial examination of the evidence as the legal proceedings unfold.
