A jury was sworn, both sides delivered opening statements, and former hotel security official Israel Florez and Daniel Phillip testified about events involving Sean Combs and Casandra Ventura.
Full day summary
A jury of 12 jurors and 6 alternates was sworn after the court denied a renewed Batson application. Judge Arun Subramanian gave preliminary instructions on the presumption of innocence, the government's burden of proof, and the prohibition on outside research or discussion. In opening statements, prosecutors alleged that Sean Combs used an inner circle and business resources to commit and conceal crimes involving Casandra Ventura and Jane; the defense argued that the government would not prove racketeering, sex trafficking, or interstate transportation for prostitution, while acknowledging the jury would hear evidence of domestic violence and drug use. The court conditionally admitted one InterContinental Hotel incident report subject to a business-record foundation, excluded another version containing added characterizations of video evidence, and received four stipulations. Former hotel security official Israel Florez testified about responding to a March 2016 report involving Combs and Ventura, Ventura's stated wish to leave, his account of an offer of cash, and hotel surveillance and cell-phone recordings. Daniel Phillip testified about paid sexual encounters with Ventura while Combs was present, directions he said Combs gave during encounters, and incidents in which he said he saw or heard Combs assault Ventura. On cross-examination, the defense questioned both witnesses about details and prior accounts, and the court instructed Phillip not to discuss his ongoing testimony with counsel or the government until it resumed.