Diddy’s Lawyers Argue ‘Freak Off’ Videos Show Consensual Acts Amid Racketeering, S3x Trafficking Case
American music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, facing federal charges for racketeering and s3x trafficking, has claimed that videos at the heart of the allegations depict “fully consenting adults” and not coercive acts.
Combs’ legal team filed a letter on Tuesday to Judge Arun Subramanian in a New York federal court, arguing that the “Freak Off” videos, presented as evidence by U.S. prosecutors, prove his innocence. They urged the court to allow electronic copies of the footage for independent analysis to support his defense.
Combs’ attorneys revealed they reviewed the videos on November 20 and December 13 under strict conditions imposed by prosecutors, allegedly to protect the privacy of “Victim-1,” identified in previous filings as Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The videos reportedly show “nine recordings of six unambiguously consensual encounters” with no signs of coercion, violence, or incapacitation.
“The videos do not depict s3x parties, secret cameras, orgies, or minors. They show adults engaging in consensual acts,” the filing stated, dismissing the government’s claims as “paternalistic” and “s3xist.”
Combs’ team criticized the restrictions, stating they hinder their ability to prepare a robust defense, and requested amendments to the protective order to grant them greater access to the evidence.
The charges against Combs stem from a 2024 grand jury indictment accusing him of organizing “Freak Offs” involving commercial s3x workers and victims coerced into extended s3xual acts. Prosecutors allege Combs used threats, force, and incriminating recordings to maintain control over participants, threatening their careers and livelihoods if they resisted.
During raids on Combs’ Los Angeles and Miami properties in March, investigators reportedly seized over 90 electronic devices and recordings, including dozens of videos from “Freak Offs.”
Prosecutors claim the videos substantiate allegations of coercion and exploitation, contradicting Combs’ assertions of consensual participation.
Combs’ defence plans to hire experts to enhance the audio and video quality of the recordings and analyse metadata to verify their authenticity and context.
Currently in custody after multiple denied bail requests, Combs awaits his trial, scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025. The outcome could have significant implications for his career and legacy in the entertainment industry.
