Sean Diddy Combs was reportedly seen displaying unsettling behavior after privately reviewing explicit video evidence connected to his ongoing legal case in New York.
The 55-year-old music mogul, who is facing serious charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and the transportation of individuals for prostitution, requested additional time to privately view a set of explicit videos.
These videos, obtained from a phone associated with Combs and reportedly turned over by his former partner Cassie Ventura, depict her engaging in sexual acts with male escorts while Combs observed.
The viewing took place shortly before proceedings began on Monday, June 17. Though court was scheduled to begin at 9:00AM, Combs remained in a private room past the designated time. The judge granted him an additional 10 minutes to complete his review, and he re-entered the courtroom around 9:15AM.
According to The Mirror courtroom observers alleged Combs appeared to grin, lick his lips, and rub his hands together following his viewing of the footage, gestures that reportedly left the courtroom visibly uncomfortable.
Due to the sensitive nature of the evidence, the videos were shown to Combs in a sealed setting, away from public viewing. The content was visible only to him via a monitor in the side room, though his reaction remained visible to others in court.
Prior to this, the jury had only been presented with still images from the videos, as previously reported.
The video clips shown were dated October 14 and 20, 2012, and December 4, 2014. Prosecutors allege one of the encounters involved Cassie and a male escort referred to as The Punisher identified as Sharay Hayes.
Jurors reportedly maintained a serious demeanor while watching the footage. A CNN report noted that while most jurors remained stone-faced, one woman winced and another covered her eyes during the viewing.
This evidence comes after the jury selection process underwent heightened scrutiny due to the nature of the case.
Prospective jurors were required to complete a detailed questionnaire addressing their personal beliefs and experiences related to prostitution, firearms, drug use, and sexual assault, as well as their views on hip-hop culture and unconventional relationships.
Jurors were also asked if they would be able to view potentially graphic or explicit materials without bias. The rigorous selection process led to the recent dismissal of at least one juror who provided inconsistent information about their residence.
Diddy continues to deny all allegations brought against him in the federal case.The trail remain ongoing in Manhattan.
