Family members of Diddy arrive at courtpublished at 14:28 British Summer Time 13 May
Image source, ReutersSummary
Casandra Ventura took the stand as the prosecution's key witness in the sex-trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs in New York on Tuesday
Warning: This page contains distressing details
The hip-hop mogul's ex-girlfriend told the jury about how Combs would "frequently" assault her, saying he would "bash on my head, knock me over"
She said she experienced "nervousness and confusion" over participating in Combs' "freak-offs", but was worried what would happen if she refused
Combs, 55, faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution
Combs has denied all charges. If found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison
The BBC's Nada Tawfik assesses the opening statements in the Diddy trial
Family members of Diddy arrive at courtpublished at 14:28 British Summer Time 13 May
Image source, ReutersWhat are the charges and allegations against Diddy?published at 14:27 British Summer Time 13 May
In the federal criminal case being heard in New York, Combs is charged with racketeering conspiracy, two charges of sex trafficking and two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Many of the most severe allegations relate to the racketeering conspiracy charge.
This includes accusations of kidnapping, drugging, and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes using firearms or threats of violence.
In a raid on his Los Angeles mansion, police found supplies that they said were intended for use in orgies known as “freak offs”, including drugs and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil.
Combs has denied all charges. If found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Diddy's mother, Janice Combs, arrives at courtpublished at 14:11 British Summer Time 13 May
Image source, ReutersCatch up on the first day of witness testimonypublished at 14:00 British Summer Time 13 May
Sean "Diddy" Combs used fame and violence to sexually abuse women, prosecutors have said in opening statements at the hip-hop mogul's trial, while the rapper's attorneys defended his "swinger" lifestyle.
The 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The court also heard from prosecutors' first witnesses, including a security guard from a hotel where Combs is seen in a now-viral video beating his ex-girlfriend in 2016.
His testimony was followed by a man who said Combs abused his ex-girlfriend during paid sexual encounters with the couple.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer Marc Agnifilo arrives at courtpublished at 13:48 British Summer Time 13 May
Image source, ReutersDiddy watched witnesses testify as family sat behind himpublished at 13:45 British Summer Time 13 May
Brandon Livesay
Reporting from New York
Image source, Jane Rosenberg / ReutersAs court wrapped up on Monday afternoon, Diddy stood with his arms clasped in front of his waist.
He wore a grey sweater, matching his greying hair.
He at times stretched his neck from side to side, and shared quick whispers with his extensive legal team.
Three rows behind him was his mother. Several of his children were also in court throughout the day.
What have the defence said so far?published at 13:33 British Summer Time 13 May
Lawyers for Combs said video of Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie was evidence of Combs' "flawed" character, but not of a larger criminal enterprise.
"Domestic violence is not sex trafficking," said Teny Geragos, Combs' attorney.
Geragos said Combs has a "bit of a different sex life" - and shifted the focus to the women accusing him, calling them "capable, strong women" who chose to stay with the rapper.
They had "the freedom to make the choices that they made", Geragos argued.
What have the prosecution said so far?published at 13:32 British Summer Time 13 May
Prosecutor Emily Johnson accused Sean "Diddy" Combs of using his celebrity status and a "loyal" inner circle of employees to sexually abuse women and run a criminal enterprise.
She focused on the two central alleged victims in the case - Combs' former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, known as Cassie, and another unnamed former girlfriend.
Prosecutors told the court that Combs had used violence and threatened Cassie's music career to force her to perform non-consensual, humiliating sexual acts with male prostitutes during so-called "freak-offs" filmed by Combs.
The defendant "had the power to ruin her [Ventura's] life", Johnson said.
Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie expected to testify in sex trafficking trialpublished at 13:29 British Summer Time 13 May
Brandon Livesay
Reporting from New YorkHello and welcome to our live coverage of the Sean "Diddy" Combs sex-trafficking trial in New York.
As court wrapped up on Monday afternoon, the judge indicated that today we will likely hear testimony from Cassandra Ventura. The R&B singer who is known as Cassie is the ex-girlfriend of Combs.
And she is the star witness of the prosecution's case.
On Monday the jury was shown video of Combs assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway. The court heard from a security guard at that hotel who witnessed the aftermath.
His testimony was followed by a man who said Combs abused Cassie during paid sexual encounters with the couple.
The day will start with the defence continuing its cross examination of that witness.
Stick with us, we will bring you all of the updates from inside court.