Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial begins with opening statements

The federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs begins today in New York City. Follow here for live updates.

• Combs on trial: Testimony has begun in the federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York City. The prosecution and defense delivered their opening statements this morning after the jury of eight men and four women were sworn in. • Federal charges: Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges that include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to life in prison. • Graphic allegations: Prosecutors claim Combs coerced at least three women into engaging in sex acts with him and, at times, with male prostitutes, during occasions known as “Freak Offs,” where the women were allegedly drugged and forced to engage in sex for days. • Inside the courthouse: Combs’ trial will not be televised, per the rules of federal court. CNN will have reporting from journalists inside and outside the court. Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik played surveillance footage from the hotel altercation for the jury. The footage shows Cassie Ventura in the hotel hallway in front of an elevator putting on a pair of shoes. Sean “Diddy” Combs comes behind her in a towel, and yanks her to the floor. He kicks her as she lies on the ground, then grabs her belongings from the ground and drags her back toward their hotel room. Soon after, Cassie comes back out into the hallway and is seen using a hardwired phone on the wall.