A jury has commenced deliberations in the highly publicized sexual assault trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, charged with knowingly causing third-degree sexual abuse against fellow artist Cassie Ventura.
The trial, held in Manhattan Supreme Court, featured emotional testimony from Ventura, who described a 2017 encounter where she says Combs physically assaulted her using a foreign object without her consent. Medical records and supporting evidence were presented by prosecutors to support her version of events.
Combs took the stand in his defense, acknowledging moments of physical intimacy but asserting that the interaction was consensual. In closing arguments, prosecutors emphasized the importance of credibility and asked jurors to base their decision on Ventura’s testimony coupled with corroborating records. The defense countered by questioning her motives and suggesting inconsistencies in her story.
After three intensive weeks of testimony, the jury has now begun to deliberate, weighing complex evidence and allegations that have captivated both the entertainment industry and advocates for sexual assault survivors. The timing of a verdict remains uncertain.
With input from The AP News
