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."

Details in the criminal indictment mirror Casandra Ventura’s lawsuit, which accused Mr. Combs of a pattern of control and abuse.

The prosecution on Monday showed the jury security video of Combs beating and kicking Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016.