This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, who throughout his criminal trial has been accused of orchestrating elaborate sexual performances, faces additional scrutiny as more details on his alleged excesses emerge.
The embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan court on June 16 following a bombshell June 13 hearing that saw Comb’s hip-hop peer Ye make a surprise appearance and Chelsea Lovelace, one of Combs’ accusers in a separate case, reveal her identity in an amended lawsuit.
Additionally, Combs’ former personal assistant Jonathan Perez, who worked for him up until his September 2024 arrest, opened up about his preparations and clean-up efforts for Combs’ “king nights” — aka “freak-off” sex parties.
Judge Arun Subramanian is also expected to make a final determination regarding the dismissal of controversial Juror No. 6. The man, who’d been serving on the 12-person jury, came under scrutiny from prosecutors due to an alleged “lack of candor” with the court. Six alternate jurors have been on the sidelines in the trial.
Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.
Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges.
Federal agent recalls hundreds of lubricant bottles, ketamine found during Diddy raid
After a to-do over his testimony on June 13, Andre Lamon, a Homeland Security Investigations agent, took the stand. Lamon is part of a human trafficking and smuggling group at the agency and led the search warrant for Combs’ Los Angeles home.
Lamon said he found 900 bottles of Astroglide, a personal lubricant, and 200 bottles of baby oil. The court then saw pictures with stacks and stacks of boxes of Astroglide as well as dozens of bottles of baby oil stashed in drawers. Authorities also found multiple bags containing ketamine, as well as a sealed packet that had lingerie, Lamon said.
Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more
Diddy accuser Chelsea Lovelace reveals name in amended suit amid trial
A woman who first accused Combs of impregnating and drugging her in a September lawsuit has revealed her name.
Chelsea Lovelace amended her New York State Supreme Court complaint on June 13, revealing herself as the woman who accused Combs of a “yearslong pattern of abuse, manipulation and control” that allegedly took place from 2020 until his arrest in September 2024.
In the filing reviewed by USA TODAY, Lovelace also said Combs allegedly forced her to “have vaginal intercourse without her consent,” drugging her and impregnating her, and that Combs and his staff recorded their sexual encounters without consent. The woman said she later had a miscarriage around 2022.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs accuser reveals her identity in lawsuit alleging 4-year ‘pattern of abuse’
Ye makes shock appearance at Diddy trial
Ye, whose unexpected June 13 arrival added another layer of intrigue to an already closely watched trial, went to a second overflow room that the court opened up. The rapper, formerly known as Kanye West, sat in the room for 10 minutes or less and was watching a bit of testimony before leaving.
Afterward, Ye was seated in the front row of overflow room 23B, watching the monitor with his bodyguards. He wasn’t seen saying anything, but one of his bodyguards turned to him and appeared to explain something. After about seven to 10 minutes, he got up and they all left the courthouse.
An unnamed security guard alleged Ye was at the courthouse the day prior for an hour, though reports or sightings did not surface.
Ye shows up to courthouse at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial in surprise appearance
What is Diddy on trial for?
Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry.
He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him.
What is racketeering? Meaning of RICO charges
Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity.
Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in “freak offs” — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have video of.
How to stream the Diddy trial
The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings.
USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates.
Contributing: USA TODAY staff
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Diddy trial updates: ‘Freak-off’ sex parties detailed in new testimony
