On May 14, 2025, the third day of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial in New York City, his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, continued her testimony, providing further details of alleged abuse during their 11-year relationship.

Cassie Ventura’s Testimony

Cassie, 38, recounted a 2016 incident where Combs allegedly assaulted her in a Los Angeles hotel corridor, an event captured on surveillance footage. She testified that Combs hit and kicked her, and later sent frantic text messages pleading for her to contact him, claiming the police were present. Cassie did not believe the police were there and responded by asking him to stay away. 

She also described being coerced into organizing and participating in “freak-offs,” drug-fueled sex parties involving male escorts, under threats of violence and blackmail with incriminating videos. Cassie testified that Combs raped her in 2018 after a “closure” dinner, during which he tried to convince her to attend Burning Man with him. 

Cassie revealed that Combs paid her $20 million to settle a civil lawsuit she filed in November 2023, just a day after filing. Despite the settlement, she chose to testify to confront the truth and end her silence. 

Combs’ Reaction and Defense

Throughout Cassie’s testimony, Combs, 55, remained mostly unemotional, quietly taking notes and passing them to his lawyers. He briefly interacted with supporters during a court recess, including his mother and adult children, but was restrained by a U.S. marshal from close contact.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His defense team acknowledges his history of violence but contends that his actions were part of a consensual “swinger lifestyle.” They argue that the relationships and encounters were consensual and that the prosecution’s portrayal of events is misleading.

Ongoing Trial

The trial is expected to last eight to ten weeks, with further testimonies anticipated. Combs remains in federal custody without bail and could face life imprisonment if convicted on all counts.

For ongoing updates on this developing story, stay tuned to reputable news sources.