In a high-profile trial taking place in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors are detailing the disturbing nature of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ alleged “Freak Off” sex parties, revealing the involvement of male sex workers, including former reality star Ash Armand. The allegations against Combs include coercion and heavy drug use, purportedly to ensure participation in these events, which involved not only his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, but also other men providing sexual services.
Armand, whose real name is Akshaya Kubiak, is currently incarcerated in Nevada serving an 8-to-20-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter. He gained notoriety as a cast member of the Showtime series “Gigolos,” which aired from 2011 to 2016 and followed the lives of male escorts in Las Vegas. His life took a tragic turn in 2020 when he became involved in the fatal beating of Herleen Dulai. During his sentencing, he claimed he blacked out and had no memory of the event, maintaining he had never intended to harm Dulai.
The case has drawn significant media attention, resurfacing amidst ongoing testimony from Ventura, who has accused Combs of a pattern of abuse spanning years. Ventura’s emotional account has been a central part of the prosecution’s narrative, with her testimony shedding light on the alleged conditions under which the “Freak Offs” were organized.
Combs, facing serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, has pleaded not guilty and his defense has sought to portray the acts as consensual. The trial, which began its opening statements on May 12, is expected to continue for several weeks, as more details emerge surrounding the allegations against the music mogul.
As the case unfolds, there remains a heightened awareness and discussion surrounding sexual violence and abuse, and the courage of survivors to share their stories continues to be a pivotal aspect of the trial.