Cassie Ventura took the witness stand Tuesday to testify against her ex-boyfriend, Sean Combs, at his racketeering and sex trafficking trial. Combs, 55, has been accused of sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy as part of a federal indictment originally filed in September 2024. Combs pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and has said all encounters were consensual. –––
On the second day of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, Cassie Ventura, his former longtime girlfriend, delivered emotional and detailed testimony about the alleged abuse she endured during their 11-year relationship. The Guardian
Key Points from Cassie Ventura’s Testimony:
- Control and Coercion: Ventura testified that Combs exerted extensive control over her life, including her career, appearance, and personal decisions. She described feeling compelled to participate in orchestrated sexual encounters, referred to as “freak offs,” fearing repercussions if she refused.
- Emotional and Physical Abuse: She recounted instances of physical violence, including being assaulted by Combs in a hotel hallway in 2016—a moment captured on surveillance video. Ventura also spoke about the psychological toll of the relationship, highlighting feelings of fear and helplessness. ABC News
- Use of Surveillance and Blackmail: Ventura alleged that Combs recorded the “freak offs” and used these recordings to manipulate and control her, threatening to release them if she attempted to leave or disobey him. ABC News+2Business Insider+2The Guardian+2
- Substance Use and Coping Mechanisms: To cope with the trauma, Ventura stated that she resorted to using drugs like Molly and Ecstasy, which were often supplied by Combs, to dissociate during these encounters. Business Insider+1The Guardian+1
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. His defense team contends that all sexual activities were consensual and that any violence was not indicative of criminal behavior. ABC News+4ABC News+4ABC News+4
The trial continues, with further testimonies expected in the coming days.