Sean “Diddy” Combs is defending himself against information that is anticipated to be used against him during his criminal trial in New York in May.
As per a document filed by his defense team in the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, his lawyers have examined nine movies of “so-called ‘Freak Off’ tapes” that were supplied by New York prosecutors about an individual known as “Victim-1.”
The document requests electronic copies of the films, which Combs’ lawyers claim “confirm Mr. Combs’ innocence” between “fully consenting adults in a long-term relationship.”
According to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to NBC News, Combs’ legal team is only permitted to watch the tapes “in the presence of a government representative and can see them but cannot keep them.”
According to the paper, the tapes were retained by “Victim-1” and given to the authorities as part of its criminal investigation, but they were not a part of the raids on Combs’ houses last year.
“Moreover, contrary to innumerable sensationalistic media reports, the videos do not depict sex parties,” says the paper. “There isn’t even the slightest indication of force or violence, nor are there any underground tunnels, orgies, other celebrities, secret cameras, or children engaged.
The U.S. Attorney’s spokesperson chose not to comment.
In September, Combs was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He is being jailed at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after entering a not guilty plea in anticipation of his May 5 trial.
When Combs’ longterm ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a civil lawsuit accusing him of sex trafficking and physical and sexual assault in November 2023, the ramifications for Combs started. The alleged “freak offs” or sex parties were initially brought up in the case. Combs and Ventura reached a settlement for an unknown sum of money.
CNN released security footage from 2016 showing Combs viciously hitting, kicking, and dragging Ventura in a hotel hallway in Los Angeles a few months later.
He apologized for the incident on social media, saying, in part, “My behavior on that video is inexcusable.” I accept all accountability for what I did in that video. I’m repulsed. When I did it, I was disgusted. Now I’m disgusted.