Johnny Depp's Lawyer Ben Chew Analyzes P. Diddy Trial Evidence

Damning Evidence in the P. Diddy Trial

• 🔍 The federal trial against Sean "Diddy" Combs includes charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, fraud, and transportation to engage in prostitution, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
• 🧴 Over a thousand bottles of baby oil and lube, along with sex toys, were collected during federal raids of Diddy's homes, with jurors seeing photos of these items.
• 🗣️ Cassie testified that baby oil was used extensively during "freakoffs," which she described as becoming almost weekly and lasting for 36 to 72 hours, leaving rooms in a messy state with oil and wax.
• 🏨 A Beverly Hills Hotel employee testified about bills for "deep cleaning" due to oil damage, with one bill for $300 and another for $500 specifically for oil damage.

Intercontinental Hotel Incident and Testimony

• 🎬 The Intercontinental Hotel video, which Diddy's team admits shows abuse, is described by them as domestic violence and evidence of jealousy, not sex trafficking.
• ⚖️ The government, however, argues this video proves retaliation in relation to sex trafficking, occurring after Cassie left a "freakoff."
• 🏃 Cassie testified that Diddy hit her during a "freakoff" at the hotel, prompting her to grab her belongings and flee when he was distracted.
• 😨 Cassie also spoke of threats from Diddy about releasing incriminating videos if she did not comply, a tactic she described as a significant part of their relationship.

Corroborating Testimony and Allegations

• 🎤 Don Rashard of Danity Kane testified to witnessing Diddy physically assault Cassie multiple times, including grabbing her by the neck and slapping her.
• 🧱 Carrie Morgan, Cassie's former friend, testified to seeing Diddy push Cassie to the ground, where she hit her head on the brick.
• 🚗 Kid Cudi testified about his car being damaged by a Molotov cocktail, an incident that occurred after his relationship with Cassie, and later met with Diddy, who denied knowledge of the event.
• ✉️ Cassie's mother, Regina Ventura, testified about an email from Cassie stating the family needed to pay Diddy $20,000 to prevent the release of sex tapes.
• 💥 Mia, Diddy's former assistant, testified about multiple instances of physical and sexual assault by Diddy, including being thrown against a wall and sexually assaulted.

Legal Analysis and Defense Strategy

• 🤔 Ben Chew, Johnny Depp's attorney, expressed puzzlement over the government's focus on baby oil and lube, questioning its relevance to sex trafficking and RICO charges.
• 🎯 Chew believes the Intercontinental video, while domestic violence, helps the government establish Diddy as a "bad guy" to the jury, even if it doesn't directly prove RICO or sex trafficking elements.
• 🤝 The sale of the Intercontinental videotape for $100,000 by a hotel employee, involving Diddy's assistant and Diddy himself, is seen as potentially playing into the racketeering charge due to its secretive nature and the use of an NDA.
• 🗣️ Chew found Cassie's testimony quite probative and believed the cross-examination by the defense was not effective, especially given the multiple accusers.
• ⚖️ Regarding Mia's testimony and cross-examination, Chew felt the defense's aggressive approach, questioning her motive and payoff, was ineffective and likely to alienate the jury.
• 🎯 The defense's strategy might involve arguing that the case is an "overcharge," a domestic violence case dressed up as RICO, especially by not having other defendants charged.
• 🎤 Chew speculated that Diddy might testify, a risky move, but one that could allow him to present himself as a victim of circumstances and appeal to the jury's emotions, while conceding domestic abuse but denying criminal charges.
• 🤝 In preparing a celebrity client like Diddy to testify, Chew advised focusing on not showing anger, taking responsibility for domestic abuse, and conveying remorse, while distinguishing it from criminal conspiracy charges.