A former male escort is speaking out after being identified in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing sex-trafficking trial, firmly denying any involvement and calling it a case of mistaken identity.
Vin Armani, a former Las Vegas escort known for starring in the Showtime reality series Gigolos, was named by Cassie Ventura during her testimony. She identified him as one of the men allegedly paid to participate in disturbing sexual encounters. A photo of Armani was reportedly shown during the trial. However, Armani insists the allegations are completely false and says prosecutors never contacted him to verify the claims.
This has sucked for me that my name has been brought into this,” Armani said. “I have never had an interaction with Diddy and/or Cassie that included—or where I witnessed—violence, illegal drugs, contracting for sexual services, or the transportation of any person anywhere.”
Armani acknowledged that he socialised with “literally hundreds of celebrities on a regular basis” but firmly stated he was never involved in the so-called “freak offs” at the centre of the case against Combs.
He criticised the prosecution for not reaching out to him, claiming, “Had any attorney or authority ever contacted me, this fact would have been plain for them to see.” Armani, who wrote a book titled Tao of the Gigolo in 2011, now lives in Saipan and has shifted his career toward the tech and crypto industries.
He expressed frustration over a now-deleted TMZ story that identified him as “Jules,” the sex worker allegedly involved in a 2016 incident at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. That night, Diddy was caught on video violently attacking Ventura.
“This TMZ bulls–t and the lack of professionalism or competence from the prosecution has damaged my reputation,” he said.
Cassie Ventura has broken down in court while recounting what she described as humiliating and painful experiences from her years-long relationship with Combs. The music mogul is accused of operating a racketeering enterprise that used his wealth and businesses to manipulate and control Ventura and others through violence, threats, and forced participation in drug-fueled sexual activities.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He faces life in prison if convicted. The trial is scheduled to resume on May 27.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.