Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal criminal trial took a dramatic turn Thursday as a judge issued a stern warning over his courtroom conduct, while a key witness known only as “Jane” offered graphic and emotional testimony alleging that Combs coerced her into drug-fueled sexual encounters with male escorts—activities she said became a regular part of their relationship.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, is accused of orchestrating a system of manipulation, drugs, and abuse to pressure women—including Jane and singer Cassie Ventura—into sexual performances known as “hotel nights” or “Freak Offs.”
Judge Warns Combs Over Courtroom Behavior
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian briefly halted proceedings after lunch to address what he called “unacceptable” behavior by Combs. According to the judge, Combs was observed nodding vigorously toward the jury on two occasions during testimony, potentially attempting to influence jurors.
“I could not have been any clearer in terms of what I said,” the judge told defense attorney Marc Agnifilo. Subramanian warned that continued violations could lead to Combs being excluded from the courtroom—an extreme measure that legal experts say could severely damage the defense.
Under federal law, defendants have the right to confront their accusers in court, but that right can be revoked for disruptive behavior.
Jane’s Emotional Testimony Unveils ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Sexual Coercion
Taking the stand Thursday afternoon, Jane recounted her relationship with Combs, which began in late 2020 and soon escalated into what she described as an emotionally manipulative and sexually exploitative dynamic.
Jane testified that after they began dating in January 2021, they frequently used drugs during sex—substances provided by Combs that made her feel “euphoric” and “relaxed.” By May 2021, Combs introduced her to the idea of involving other men in their sexual encounters.
During one such encounter, arranged just hours after Combs proposed the idea while under the influence of drugs, Jane said a male escort named “Don” joined them in a hotel room. Combs watched the act while naked and masturbating, Jane said. Though she initially found the experience “exhilarating” due to its taboo nature, she said she had not anticipated how regularly these nights would occur.
From that point on, Jane testified that roughly 90% of her encounters with Combs involved a third man. “It just completely set the tone for our relationship moving forward,” she said tearfully, adding that she stayed because she loved Combs and feared losing him.
Financial Dependence and Emotional Pressure
By the end of 2021, Jane said she began expressing discomfort with the repeated sexual scenarios. Though she raised objections both verbally and in writing, Combs allegedly dismissed her concerns and leveraged her financial dependence to compel her compliance.
Jane testified that Combs paid her rent—amounting to $10,000 per month—and sent her money regularly. Her only other income was child support from her son’s father. When she tried to withdraw from the “hotel nights,” Combs would threaten to stop supporting her.
“I felt frustrated… obligated to perform these nights for him,” she told the court. According to Jane, these encounters, which occurred in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Turks and Caicos, were highly orchestrated—often involving red lighting, blankets over furniture, and baby oil. Jane described the encounters as lasting up to 24 hours and said they involved repeated sexual acts under Combs’ direction.
Defense Pushes Back on Earlier Assault Claim
Earlier in the day, Combs’ defense sought to undermine the credibility of another witness, Bryana Bongolan, who testified Wednesday that Combs had dangled her over a balcony in Los Angeles in 2016.
Defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland presented hotel records and tour receipts showing that Combs, using his alias “Frank Black,” was allegedly staying at Trump International Hotel in New York at the time of the alleged incident. The receipts were dated September 25 and 26, 2016.
“You agree that one person can’t be in two places at the same time?” Westmoreland asked. “In theory, yeah,” Bongolan responded.
However, on redirect, Bongolan said she could not recall the exact date of the incident but was certain of the event itself. Prosecutors also presented a screenshot of a text message between Combs’ aide Kristina Khorram and Ventura, in which Ventura referenced the balcony incident. Metadata from a photo of Bongolan’s bruise indicated it was captured on September 30, 2016.
What’s Next
Jane’s testimony is expected to continue into next week. As the trial unfolds, prosecutors aim to paint a portrait of systemic abuse and control by Combs, while the defense insists the relationships were consensual and questions the credibility of the accusers.
The case remains under intense public scrutiny, with legal experts noting that the trial could have far-reaching implications for the music industry and celebrity accountability.
Written By Rodney Mbua
