Our Take: Is the Diddy Trial Cracking Under Pressure?
As we continue to follow the ongoing Diddy trial, it feels more and more like a “nothing burger” with each passing day. We’re increasingly convinced that the prosecution might be mishandling this case, potentially even spiking it on purpose.
Recent testimony from the prosecution’s star witness, R&B singer Cassie Ventura, has been particularly telling. After spending four straight days on the stand, Cassie was cross-examined in a way that seemed to get her to admit she was a willing participant in the alleged “freakoffs”. She even admitted to participating in one with Jonathan Audi. Jurors were reportedly shown pictures, described as very spicy.
Defense lawyers confronted Cassie with loving emails and text messages exchanged with Diddy over their 11-year relationship. In one particularly striking text from March 2017, Cassie wrote to Diddy, “Please don’t play the victim. That’s all you wanted. That’s why I was upset. I love our freaks off freakoffs when we both want it.” We’ve seen other messages where she was literally setting these encounters up. This makes us question the narrative of her being there against her will.
We also learned about a recording Cassie made in 2013, where she is heard pleading with a man who claimed to have a video of her. She threatened to end his life if the video ever went public, stating, “I’ve never taken anyone’s life in my life but I will end yours”. Cassie acknowledged in her testimony that Diddy later made offers to keep the videos private. Multiple new escorts were also reportedly brought up during testimony.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has expressed his pride in his lawyer, Anna Estavio, for her work on the case, a comment caught on a hot mic. Estavio reportedly called Cassie the most important witness in this very important case. The defense has been allocated five hours to complete their cross-examination of Cassie. It’s worth noting Cassie is currently eight months pregnant.
Adding to our skepticism about the case’s direction, the judge has reportedly grown impatient with the frequent interruptions during cross-examination. The judge feels the prosecution is dragging their feet. We’ve seen mentions of Chris Brown and an NFL player, and even discussion of trauma therapy used by Prince Harry. Dawn Richard, a former member of Diddy’s group, is expected to testify, claiming Diddy mistreated her years ago. While these details are part of the proceedings, it’s crucial to remember that Diddy is on trial for racketeering and trafficking, not for being a “dick” or sexual assault.
Amidst the trial, Justin Bieber issued a statement via TMZ specifically denying that he is a victim of Diddy. While his statement is clear, it has brought past interactions back into focus, sparking speculation.
Based on everything we’ve seen, this case appears to be falling apart. We spent a full week focusing on Diddy and Cassie’s relationship and admitted participation in “freakoffs,” which, as far as we know, aren’t illegal in themselves. Why so much focus there?
Our current thinking leans towards a conspiracy theory: We believe there were tapes involved, potentially featuring politicians and powerful Hollywood figures participating in these parties and “freakoffs”. We suspect the arrest might have primarily been a move to obtain and destroy those tapes. If that’s the case, we don’t believe Diddy will face any conviction whatsoever. They may have gotten what they wanted, leading to a potential plead down to time served. We have not seen evidence of the widespread trafficking activity that the charges suggest.
Frankly, we have not been moved by any of the trial proceedings this week, and we doubt the jury has either. We don’t see them building a case for a conviction on the actual charges.
