In a high-profile trial, text messages allegedly sent by Diddy were read aloud in court as part of his ongoing sex trafficking case. On September 18, during a federal court hearing, Diddy appealed the denial of his pre-trial release after being arrested and indicted on serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution. Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

NBC reporters present in the courtroom reported that Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson read aloud a text message Diddy allegedly sent to his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, following a 2016 hotel altercation. Security footage from the incident, which was later made public, showed Diddy allegedly hitting his then-girlfriend in a hotel hallway. The text from Diddy at the time read: “Call me, the cops are here. I got six kids, yo, please call, I’m surrounded. You’re going to abandon me all alone.”

The assistant U.S. attorney argued that Diddy’s message indicated his awareness that his actions had provoked a police response. She also stated that if Diddy were granted bail, he might prevent witnesses from testifying against him, leading to a second denial of his release. E! News reached out to representatives for both Cassie and Diddy but has yet to receive a response.

The text messages were introduced as part of the federal indictment, which claims that for decades, Diddy has abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to satisfy his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his actions. Diddy’s attorney, Mark Agnifilo, argued that his client is innocent and has nothing to hide. However, he also acknowledged that Diddy is not perfect, admitting to past struggles with drug use and toxic relationships. Agnifilo stated that Diddy is receiving treatment and therapy for issues that need to be addressed.