High-Profile Trial: Diddy Faces Intense Legal Battle Over Rape Allegations

Sean "Diddy" Combs is currently fighting serious charges of sex trafficking and rape in a high-stakes Manhattan federal court trial. His former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, has accused him of coercing her into drug-fueled sex parties and claims he raped her in August 2018.

Defense lawyer Anna Estevao presented text messages trying to undermine Ventura's account, suggesting consensual interactions between her and Combs followed the alleged incident. The defense aims to establish that Ventura had the motive to fabricate the allegations due to personal and financial reasons.

The case draws significant public attention given Combs' influential role in the music industry. The trial is expected to last up to 10 weeks, with Combs facing the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted on all counts.

(With inputs from agencies.)