Combs defense attorneys to argue domestic violence, not coercion
Sean Combs may have committed domestic violence in his relationships with women but his conduct "did not tip into coercion," defense attorneys said they are prepared to argue when opening statements and witness testimony begin Monday in Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial.
Defense lawyers previewed the argument on Friday as they discussed their cross-examination of Cassie Ventura, one of the women federal prosecutors said Combs coerced into "sex marathons" known as "freak offs."
"We are going to take the position that there was mutual violence in their relationship," defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said. "We're probably going to call it domestic violence."
Agnifilo said it would cause Combs to think that while violence was part of the relationship but "it's not coercing her to do anything."
Judge Arun Subramanian did not immediately decide the scope of cross-examination but seemed skeptical about the defense argument.
"That is a stretch," Subramanian said. "Strong people can be coerced just like a weak person."
Prosecutors said the defense should be precluded from questioning Ventura about "about unrelated acts of domestic violence and/or physical abuse."
Three witnesses are expected to testify next week. One of the first two is an "escort," prosecutors said.
The third witness is expected to be Ventura. She is pregnant and prosecutors said their third witness would need frequent breaks during her testimony, approximately every 90 minutes.
Court will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday with lawyers making their peremptory strikes. Once 12 jurors and 6 alternates are selected they will be instructed and sworn before opening statements.
