**Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial Begins with Explosive Allegations**

Prosecutors accuse the hip-hop mogul of leveraging his celebrity status to manipulate and abuse women, as disturbing video evidence is presented.

Sean "Diddy" Combs, the renowned hip-hop mogul, has entered a New York courtroom as his sex trafficking trial commences, marred by serious allegations of sexual abuse and manipulation of women. Facing numerous charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, the 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty, vehemently denying these accusations.

The trial began on Monday with prosecutors delivering their opening statements, outlining a harrowing narrative that portrays Combs as a powerful figure who exploited his celebrity status to orchestrate a pattern of abuse. Central to the case are two women, including Combs' former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, who the prosecution alleges was coerced into engaging in degrading sexual acts while under the imminent threat of violence to her music career.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson emphasized that Combs was capable of ruining Ventura's life, providing distressing details of alleged "freak-offs" filmed for his enjoyment. As testimonies unfolded in the courtroom, Diddy sat impassively in a gray outfit, seemingly unfazed by the charges laid before him.

Key evidence introduced by the prosecution is a surveillance video recorded in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016, showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura. The prosecution's opening witness, Israel Florez, a former hotel security guard, recounted a disturbing scene where he encountered Combs after responding to reports of a "woman in distress." Florez described Ventura in a vulnerable state, asserting she expressed a desire to leave, but Combs allegedly denied her that freedom and even attempted to bribe Florez with cash.

As the trial progressed, additional testimonies surfaced, including that of Daniel Phillip, a former manager of male strippers. He recounted graphic incidents involving Combs, Ventura, and alleged violence, asserting he refrained from calling the authorities due to the overwhelming power Diddy wielded.

In stark contrast, Combs' defense team characterized him as a man living an unconventional lifestyle, attempting to depict the women as willing participants in consensual encounters. Attorney Teny Geragos emphasized that domestic violence does not equate to sex trafficking, arguing that both women had the autonomy to make their own choices.

The trial is set to continue as Ventura is expected to take the stand in the coming days, ensuring that this sensational case will draw intense public scrutiny and media attention. In the courtroom, support was evident, with Combs' family, including his children and mother, observed standing by him as the proceedings unfolded.