Diddy Sex-Trafficking Trial Begins New York Key Witness Missing

Sean "Diddy" Combs is currently on trial in New York facing charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, with the case expected to last eight weeks under U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, the first South Asian judge appointed to the Southern District of New York. Central to the prosecution's case are testimonies from alleged victims, including Combs's former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who is expected to testify despite previously settling a civil case related to abuse claims. The defense acknowledges instances of domestic violence but frames it as mutual, while attempting to portray Combs as a victim of abuse by Ventura, a strategy the judge has limited. A key witness referred to as Victim-3 has gone missing, raising concerns that could impact trial proceedings, with the defense prepared to request a mistrial or delay. The prosecution plans to present multiple versions of security footage showing Combs assaulting Ventura, which is expected to be a critical element of the case. Combs continues to deny the allegations, maintaining that all sexual encounters were consensual and rejecting plea deals, while the defense seeks to undermine the credibility of some charges, highlighting the complexity and high stakes of the trial.