Sean "Diddy" Combs used fame and violence to sexually abuse women, prosecutors have said in opening statements at the hip-hop mogul's trial, while the rapper's attorneys defended his "swinger" lifestyle. The 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Sean Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura has taken the stand to testify in the trial against the music mogul. After male escort Daniel Phillip told the jury Monday that he saw “Sean Combs hit Cassie,” a defense attorney today questioned whether he embellished the account to make Combs seem more callous.

The long-awaited proceeding in federal court in Manhattan kicked off Monday with opening statements. Prosecutors painted a picture of Combs as a violent individual running a criminal enterprise, based on coercing people — using drugs, threats and physical force — to participate in orchestrated sex acts called "freak offs."