Rapper and actor Kid Cudi is expected to testify on Day 9 of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex-trafficking trial in New York.
What to expect from Kid Cudi’s testimony
His appearance follows a string of serious allegations that link him to threats allegedly made by Combs, particularly during a time when Cudi was reportedly involved with Combs’ former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
The trial has been ongoing for over a week in the Southern District of New York, and the testimonies so far have painted a picture of a highly controlled and volatile environment around Combs.
Witnesses have spoken about intimidation, threats, and a pattern of abusive behaviour within Combs’ inner circle.
On Thursday, Kid Cudi’s testimony is expected to follow that of George Kaplan, a former executive assistant to Combs.
Kaplan testified that he was tasked with picking up drugs for Combs, managing hotel rooms, and maintaining secrecy around Combs’ lifestyle. He also said he was frequently threatened with losing his job and described the work atmosphere as high-pressure and dangerous.
Cudi’s expected testimony links to accusations that Combs threatened to have his car blown up when he found out about the rapper’s brief relationship with Cassie.
During her own testimony, Cassie told the court that Combs reacted violently after learning about her relationship with Cudi, reportedly during a drug-fuelled sexual event known as a “Freak Off.”
She claimed Combs said he wanted Cudi’s friends to witness the explosion of his car.
Cassie’s mother, Regina Ventura, supported her daughter’s claims by sharing an email Cassie sent in late 2011.
In the email, Cassie wrote that Combs planned to release explicit videos of her and have both her and Cudi physically harmed.
Ventura said Combs later demanded repayment for money spent on Cassie, prompting her family to take out a loan, although the money was eventually returned.
Prosecutors are using these incidents to build a case that Combs maintained a system of abuse and control through threats, violence, and psychological manipulation.
Expert witness Dr Dawn Hughes explained that such tactics are often used in abusive relationships to trap victims emotionally and financially.
Day 8 of the trial also included testimony from Homeland Security Special Agent Gerard Gannon, who described items found during a federal raid on Combs’ property.
These included firearms with removed serial numbers, various drugs, and large amounts of lubricants.
Kid Cudi’s presence in court is seen as a key moment in the case, potentially offering direct confirmation of some of the threats alleged by Cassie and her family.
His testimony could further validate the prosecution’s claims about Combs’ violent behaviour toward individuals close to Cassie.
