For the general public, he was an icon. But he has another side, a side that drove a criminal network, says prosecutor Emelie A. Johnson in the opening statement.
With the support of three women's testimonies, the prosecutor paints a picture of a sexual offender who has manipulated women for decades, and also controlled the network that helped him do so.
The prosecutor brings up events in connection with so-called "freak-offs" – parties with sexual content and drugs – where hip-hop mogul Combs allegedly decided what the witnesses were wearing and which drugs they took. He also allegedly pressured them to participate and scripted every detail in sexual situations.
Furthermore, she prepares the jury for the evidence that will be presented, including SMS conversations and video material from the parties.
Then you will see the defendant's violence and its aftermath, says Johnson.
Claims consent
The defense, on the other hand, believes that the prosecution is trying to portray consensual sexual relationships as human trafficking.
It's not going to work, says Teny Geragos, one of Combs' lawyers, in the courtroom.
Combs' defense admits that he takes drugs and has aggression problems – but claims that he is not guilty of what he is accused of.
Sean Combs is a complex man, but this is not a complex case, says Geragos.
The plaintiff is also accused of having other interests in the legal process than justice.
They are accused of having other interests in the legal process than justice.
When these people testify, ask yourself why. For many of them, the answer is money, says the lawyer.
Family in attendance
The interest in the trial has been enormous, and people have queued, some even overnight, in hopes of getting a spot in the courtroom.
Besides the spectators, large parts of the 55-year-old defendant's family in attendance, including his 18-year-old twin daughters. They waved to their father and formed hearts, he waved and sent flying kisses back.
The trial is expected to last around eight weeks.
