Saturday, March 29, 2025
Cassie Ventura has returned to the stand in the federal sex-trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. On Friday, she resumed testimony for further cross-examination as the defense team continued its efforts to question her credibility. Ventura, now eight and a half months pregnant, has accused Combs of years of physical and sexual abuse during their long-term relationship.
The judge allowed prosecutors to re-question Ventura for 30 minutes, with the defense required to finish by 4:30 p.m. EST.
Ventura, who first testified Tuesday, faced six hours of cross-examination on Thursday. Combs’s lawyers pointed to numerous texts and emails sent between the former couple. They aimed to show that Ventura was a willing participant in the drug-fueled sex sessions Combs allegedly orchestrated.
One message showed Ventura telling Combs she was “always ready to freak off.” In another, she expressed affection for the encounters. Ventura, however, told the court those messages didn’t reflect her true feelings, saying, “They were just words at that point.”
The defense also questioned Ventura about the couple’s history of drug use. She admitted that both she and Combs used opiates, ecstasy, ketamine, cocaine, and GHB during their relationship. Combs’s lawyers appeared to argue that drug withdrawal might explain his behavior in a 2016 video showing him assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway.
Ventura also addressed the emotional toll of Combs’s infidelity. She admitted to feeling jealous, especially of his longtime partner Kim Porter. She recalled Combs’s anger over her brief relationship with rapper Kid Cudi during a break in their relationship in 2011. According to Ventura, Combs was often suspicious of her, accusing her of cheating.
In the courtroom, Combs was visibly tense. He stared at Ventura throughout her testimony, whispered to his lawyers, and appeared agitated. His sons, mother, and publicist were present, as was Ventura’s husband.
Sean Combs faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has remained in custody since his arrest last year. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Prosecutors announced that Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, could testify next. Her appearance may happen as early as Friday.
