Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial: Ex-Girlfriend Cassie Ventura Testifies About Alleged Abuse
Cassie Ventura tells court she would give back $20m settlement to undo 'humiliating' experiences with Diddy, who faces racketeering and sex trafficking charges
A high-profile trial is underway in New York, where Sean 'Diddy' Combs is facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Cassie Ventura, the government's star witness and Combs' ex-girlfriend, has testified about her decade-long relationship with the rapper, including allegations of physical violence and coercion into participating in 'freak-off' sex sessions.
Ms Ventura, 38, rejected suggestions that her accusations were financially motivated, stating she would give back a $20m legal settlement from Combs if it meant she could undo the experiences.
The settlement was made public after she filed a lawsuit against him in November 2023. During her four-day testimony, Ms Ventura shared graphic details about her sex life with Combs and the physical violence she allegedly endured.
Combs' lawyers have attempted to depict Ms Ventura as an eager participant in the sexual lifestyle, but she testified that she was coerced into the sessions due to threats of violence from Combs.
The defence also presented dozens of messages between the couple, showcasing a toxic dynamic in their relationship.
Additionally, the court heard about another legal settlement Ms Ventura won, worth around $10m, related to an incident at the InterContinental in Los Angeles in 2016, where security footage showed Combs hitting and kicking her.
Other witnesses have also testified, including singer Dawn Richard, who claimed to have seen Combs assault Ms Ventura in 2009, and US Homeland Security special agent Yasin Binda, who spoke about the seizure of cash, drugs, and baby oil from Combs' hotel room during his arrest.
The trial is expected to continue with further testimony from prosecution witnesses next week.