Sean Combs’ defense argues that the prosecution misrepresents consensual acts as exploitative
They’ve even written to a judge in Manhattan, asking to get a better look at these recordings. Apparently, they’ve only had a peek at them a couple of times in the last two months. Combs, who’s 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges after getting arrested back in September. He’s still behind bars, waiting for his trial set for May 5, since bail was denied by three different judges.
The defense is pushing back hard, saying the prosecution is painting a nasty picture of consensual sex. They claim that anyone watching the videos would see that the whole case is based on outdated stereotypes about women. The indictment claims Combs set up sexual encounters he called “Freak Offs,” which were described as elaborate performances he directed and recorded.
Prosecutors allege these encounters could last days and involved multiple sex workers, with claims that Combs drugged people to keep them compliant. They even raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami, finding drugs and a ton of baby oil and lubricant.
But Combs’ lawyers argue that the videos show six clear consensual encounters with a woman identified as “Victim-1,” who was in a long-term relationship with him. They say she looks happy and in control in all the videos.
The defense insists there’s no evidence of violence or coercion, and they’re calling out the government for trying to label these performances as “dirty” or “disgusting.” They want to enhance the video quality to prove their point, saying the lighting is pretty bad and the images are grainy.
In short, they believe the prosecution is trying to police sexual activity that doesn’t fit their narrow view, assuming that a woman’s willing participation must be coerced. It’s a wild case, and it’ll be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
