Facing the potential of life in prison on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, Sean Combs hired a high-profile team of defense lawyers for his criminal trial.

By Jack Queen and Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team sought to portray Casandra Ventura on Thursday as a willing participant in his drug-fueled sex performances known as "Freak Offs,

Mark Geragos, who is not a listed attorney on the case and hosts a podcast, was seen speaking with the defense team on Monday inside the courtroom.

Combs' legal team has admitted his history of domestic violence but denies the charges of sex-trafficking and racketeering.

Facing the very real possibility of life behind bars on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, music mogul Sean Combs has assembled a legal dream team to defend him in what’s shaping up to be on

Casandra Ventura, who has testified that Mr. Combs was physically abusive and coerced her into marathon sex sessions, will be cross-examined by his defense team.

Leading up to his criminal trial, Sean “Diddy” Combs has bolstered his legal team, but one lawyer in the courtroom gained some attention as jury selection began this week.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has had an additional lawsuit filed against him accusing him of sexual assault, this time by an anonymous woman who says the music mogul raped her in 2001.

Sean “Diddy” Combs built a reputation as a music tycoon and cultural icon, but prosecutors say that behind the scenes, he orchestrated a campaign of intimidation, manipulation, and abuse.

Sean “Diddy” Combs will have the support of his family as opening statements in his sex-trafficking trial are set to begin Monday in downtown Manhattan.