Diddy’s lawyers portray ‘hotel nights’ as consensual encounters

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U.S. government prosecutors have presented the drug-dazed, marathon sexual encounters known as “freak offs” as part of Diddy’s sweeping criminal conspiracy. But in a forceful cross-examination of Diddy’s ex-girlfriend “Jane” today, his legal team attempted to recast the “freak offs” as consensual trysts.

Here’s what you need to know about Jane’s fifth day on the stand:

• Jane, answering questions from defense attorney Teny Geragos, said she initiated some “freak offs” with Diddy. Diddy’s lawyers entered as evidence photos of a room, decorated by Jane, filled with rose petals and balloons. When asked if she suggested a “hotel night” with two other men on that occasion, Jane said yes. “Yes, that was my suggestion,” she replied. Diddy was “excited about that.”
• In late August 2022, after Jane had a tryst with Diddy and a sex worker named Paul, she told the rapper how much she enjoyed such sexual encounters. Jane texted Diddy that she was “having so much fun,” adding that she would “never take this for granted and will always make sure you are taken care of.”
• Jane wept on the stand after recounting telling Diddy in a text message that he was a “blessing” in her life. “I have never had a man take care of me like you do,” Jane wrote to Diddy a day after one of their “hotel nights.” She added: “You’re the reason for my child’s joy, it means the world to us, I love you baby.”
• Jane testified she urged Diddy to stay off drugs and eat healthy food for 30 days. Diddy suggested a “sobriety party” — a “hotel night” without drugs, she said. The October 2023 party lasted between 12 and 18 hours; Jane had sex with three men, she testified. “I resent him for how much I loved him and couldn’t say no to him,” she said. “I resent him for all of it.”

🔎 The view from inside

By Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas and Katherine Koretski

The prosecutors are seeking to remove one of the jurors — Juror #6 — who Diddy’s defense lawyers claim is among the panel’s Black members. It’s not exactly clear what’s behind the prosecution’s request, though it has cited a “lack of candor.”

“We were very reluctant to put in this letter. It appeared to be a lack of candor with the court that raises serious issues with us,” Maurene Comey, one of the prosecutors, told the court today. “We did not want to do this. We were compelled to do that.”

In other news: Diddy, wearing what appeared to be a light orange sweater and khaki pants, stood up and faced the audience in the courtroom before proceedings got started today. He seemed to be mouthing words to someone.

🗓 What’s next

Tomorrow: “Jane” is expected to return to the stand for more cross-examination. We’ll be live-blogging the key moments.

BTW: Every night during Diddy’s trial, NBC’s “Dateline” will drop special episodes of the “True Crime Weekly” podcast to get you up to speed. “Dateline” correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News’ Chloe Melas and special guests — right in front of the courthouse. Listen here. 🎧