Singer Cassie Ventura has delivered deeply emotional and disturbing testimony on her first day in court in the federal sex trafficking trial against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Here’s what Cassie has revealed thus far in the Diddy trial
Her appearance marks the most anticipated moment of the trial so far, and her statements have begun to shape the government’s case against Combs, who she dated for over a decade.
Ventura, who is visibly pregnant and due in just a few weeks, was visibly emotional as she described what she said was years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Combs.
Speaking softly and pausing to collect herself throughout, Ventura described repeated violent assaults, controlling behaviour, and disturbing sexual encounters she says she endured during their relationship.
“He would bash on my head, knock me over, drag me, kick me,” Ventura testified.
When asked how often this happened, she replied, “too frequently.” She said the violence left her with swollen lips, black eyes, and bumps on her head.
Prosecutors showed the jury a viral hotel hallway video showing Combs attacking Ventura, which Ventura said followed a sexual encounter Combs referred to as a “freak-off.” Ventura explained that these so-called “freak-offs” were sessions where Combs forced her to have sex with other men while he watched and directed the encounters.
She told the court she never wanted to participate, but went along because she feared what he might do if she refused.
“I had just turned 22,” she said, wiping away tears.
“I loved him very much and wanted to make him happy.” Ventura said Combs would use recorded videos of these encounters to blackmail her into participating in more.
She also testified that Combs controlled many aspects of her life—her movements, work, appearance, and communication. His security team would check up on her, she said, and he would show up at her homes unannounced.
“His mood could flip in a second. From calm to angry,” she explained.
According to Ventura, the “freak-offs” eventually became a regular occurrence and consumed her life, sometimes lasting up to four days. She said the parties left her mentally and physically drained, and she felt trapped.
“The freak-offs became a job,” she said.
Prosecutors are using Ventura’s testimony to support broader claims that Combs ran a criminal network using his employees and wealth to control, exploit, and silence others.
Ventura said Combs had safes filled with guns, jewellery, cash, and video tapes at his homes. She also described being tasked with finding male escorts for the parties, telling them her “husband” liked to watch.
In one incident, Ventura recalled Combs dressing in black with a gun after hearing that Suge Knight was nearby. She said she cried and begged him not to do anything.
Meanwhile, Combs’ lawyers have raised concerns that Ventura’s visible pregnancy might unfairly influence the jury and had requested she be seated before they entered the courtroom. Diddy’s defence team is also attempting to challenge the credibility of Ventura’s testimony and that of other witnesses.
Testimony continues, with Ventura expected to remain on the stand for further questioning.
PLEASE NOTE: If you or someone you know needs help or someone to talk to, please reach out to one of the following helplines. The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) offers a 24/7 toll-free helpline at 0800 428 428 and an SMS option by dialling *120*7867#. The National Crisis Helpline (Lifeline South Africa) provides counselling and support at 0861 322 322. In cases of immediate danger, you can contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) by calling 10111. For children experiencing or witnessing abuse, Childline South Africa is available toll-free at 0800 055 555. Survivors of sexual abuse and gender-based violence can also contact the Tears Foundation by calling 010 590 5920 or sending an SMS with the word “HELP” to 35858. Remember, you are not alone, and support is always available to help you through difficult times.
