Dateline NBC Sean Combs: Opening statements and the first witnesses.
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May 13, 2025 
Chloe Melas, an NBC News correspondent covering the Sean Combs trial, shares firsthand insights from the courthouse's charged atmosphere. She discusses opening statements, where Combs's defense claimed allegations were consensual. Melas highlights key testimonies, including a security guard who witnessed Combs's alleged assault on Cassie Ventura, and another witness detailing violent incidents. The emotional stakes are heightened as Cassie prepares to testify while pregnant, adding a gripping layer of tension to the proceedings.
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Male-Dominated Jury Diversity
- The trial jury has been seated with a male-dominant composition: eight men and four women.
- Jurors come from diverse professions and neighborhoods of the Southern District of New York, providing varied perspectives.
Key Evidence From Cassie Ventura
- The prosecution's case centers on Sean Combs' former girlfriend Cassie Ventura as the star witness.
- Videos of alleged sexual encounters exist but were reportedly provided by Cassie, not seized from Combs.
Combs' Courtroom Style Strategy
- Sean Combs appears in the courtroom in khaki pants and sweaters, not a suit, to look approachable.
- This approach is inspired by historical cases like the Menendez brothers to influence jury perceptions.