Diddy’s Lawyers Admit to Domestic Violence, Claim Cassie Was Also Violent

New York, USA — The fourth day of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial took a dramatic turn Thursday as his defense team acknowledged the music mogul had engaged in domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura—but insisted the abuse in their relationship was mutual.

In a tense courtroom exchange, Diddy’s lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that while Combs would admit to domestic violence, the defense would argue that both parties were violent toward each other during their relationship.

“We are absolutely going to admit to domestic violence,” Agnifilo said. “But at what point does it become coercive?” He continued, “We’re saying there was mutual violence… hitting, on both sides: DV [domestic violence].”

Prosecutor Emily Anne Johnson pushed back, stating that the government would not allow cross-examination of “Victim 1″—widely understood to be Cassie—on certain medical issues. Judge Subramanian responded that if prosecutors raised certain issues, the defense would be allowed to explore them fully on cross-examination.

Johnson also told the court she intends to introduce key video evidence, including two cellphone clips and corrected footage from CNN showing the 2016 incident in which Combs was captured on surveillance camera beating Cassie in a hallway at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles. That video, released publicly last year, sparked widespread outrage and led Combs to publicly apologize.

“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” Combs said in a statement at the time. “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.”

The court discussion hints at the defense’s evolving strategy—to acknowledge Diddy’s past abusive behavior while framing the relationship as turbulent on both sides. Judge Subramanian sought to clarify Agnifilo’s stance, asking, “You’re arguing that they are just violent?” Agnifilo confirmed, “Right. We’re saying it’s relevant.”

Cassie has previously accused Combs of years of abuse and coercion, allegations that are now central to the federal government’s sweeping case against him, which includes charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, kidnapping, arson, and bribery.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty and remains in federal custody in Brooklyn. If convicted on all counts, he could face a minimum of 15 years to life in prison.

Opening arguments in the closely watched trial are expected next week, following the completion of jury selection.

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