Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is pushing back against allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking, asserting that the controversial videos at the center of the case depict “fully consenting adults” engaging in consensual sexual encounters referred to as “Freak Offs.”
In a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian filed in a New York federal court on Tuesday, Combs’ attorneys argued that the videos not only demonstrate his innocence but must also be made accessible to his defense team for independent analysis.
The filing states that Combs’ attorneys reviewed the evidence under law enforcement supervision on November 20 and December 13, 2024. They described the footage as “nine videos showing six consensual sexual encounters” involving “Victim-1,” identified in prior court documents as Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
The videos were reportedly handed over to prosecutors by Cassie’s lawyers. According to the filing, the strict conditions for viewing—allegedly established at Cassie’s request to protect her privacy—pose a significant challenge to Combs’ defense. His attorneys are urging the court to modify the protective order and permit electronic copies of the videos to be shared with the defense team.
Combs’ legal team criticized the prosecution, accusing them of perpetuating “sexist and puritanical” stereotypes that undermine female agency.
“The videos do not depict sex parties, secret cameras, orgies, or any form of coercion,” the filing states. “Instead, they show consensual encounters between adults without any evidence of threats, violence, or manipulation.”
The federal indictment against Combs, issued in 2024, accuses him of using threats, coercion, and manipulation to force individuals into elaborate sexual acts dubbed “Freak Offs.” Prosecutors allege that Combs arranged, recorded, and used these performances as leverage to maintain control over victims.
Raids on Combs’ Los Angeles and Miami properties in March reportedly uncovered over 90 devices, including cellphones, laptops, and storage drives containing dozens of recordings. Prosecutors claim these videos depict “elaborate and produced sex performances” that involved coercion.
In response, Combs’ attorneys argue there is no evidence of violence, incapacitation, or substance abuse in the videos. They plan to enlist experts to enhance the recordings’ quality and analyze their metadata as part of the defense strategy.
Combs, who remains in custody after multiple bail denials, is preparing for his trial, which is scheduled to begin on May 5.