The federal s-x trafficking trial against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs continued Tuesday, June 24, with jurors presented a new round of personal and explicit evidence: a string of text messages sent by Combs to a woman with whom he had a tumultuous and controversial three-year relationship.
The messages, read aloud in court, shed further light on what prosecutors claim was a pattern of s–ual coercion and psychological manipulation. The texts date back to April 2022, around the time of an alleged hotel encounter involving a male escort referred to as “Leo”, which jurors were told was part of what Combs allegedly called a “freak off.”
In one exchange, Combs told the woman — who has testified under the pseudonym “Jane” — that he had been having “crazy fantasies” about her and Leo. She responded emotionally, writing: “Baby I wanna make love to you. I haven’t selfishly had you to myself for 5 months. I’m fine with the other stuff but I really just need you right now.”
Combs replied: “OK whatever you want,” and followed up by asking if Leo would be available after the two had spent time alone. Later, Jane texted again: “Still thinking about you loving all over me.”
These messages were read during the continued cross-examination of Homeland Security Investigations agent Joseph Cerciello, who has spent hours on the witness stand reading through communications between Combs and individuals in his inner circle.
The case against Combs hinges on a pattern of alleged coercion and trafficking, with the government claiming he orchestrated drug-fueled orgies — or “freak offs” — where women were allegedly pressured or forced to perform s–ual acts with male escorts while Combs watched and masturbated.
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