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

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 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 Combs is not the person that we used to see out there," Hostin said after watching his trial from a New York City courtroom.

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.