Cassie testifies in Diddy’s federal trial, alleges years of abuse and coercion
What you need to know:
- Her appearance in court marks a pivotal moment in the prosecution’s case, as she is among the most high-profile of multiple accusers alleging Combs used his fame, power, and wealth to operate what authorities describe as a criminal enterprise exploiting women.
New York. Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs returned to federal court Tuesday for the second day of his highly publicised sex trafficking and racketeering trial, where his former long-time girlfriend, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, took the stand and delivered a gripping testimony.
Cassie, now visibly pregnant, detailed a harrowing decade-long relationship marked by physical violence, manipulation, and coerced sex acts.
Her appearance in court marks a pivotal moment in the prosecution’s case, as she is among the most high-profile of multiple accusers alleging Combs used his fame, power, and wealth to operate what authorities describe as a criminal enterprise exploiting women.
"I was introduced to ecstasy by him and then pressured into doing things I never imagined," Ventura told the jury, recounting so-called “freak-offs”, orchestrated sex parties where she said she was forced to sleep with escorts while Combs watched and sometimes filmed.
Her testimony was backed by surveillance footage from 2016, which prosecutors played in court.
The video shows what appears to be Combs assaulting Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel, dragging and kicking her in a hallway.
In addition to emotional abuse, Cassie said she was often threatened with professional and personal ruin if she tried to leave.
“He used fear to control me,” she said.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team argued that the relationship, while unconventional, involved consensual adult behaviour within what they described as a "swinger's lifestyle".
They claim the case is built on exaggerated accusations from former partners seeking financial gain.
Prosecutors, however, insist that the trial is about far more than lifestyle choices.
"This is a case about power, coercion, and exploitation,” lead prosecutor Rachel Munroe said. “The evidence will show a pattern of predatory behaviour masked by celebrity.”
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with several other alleged victims and key witnesses scheduled to testify. If convicted, Combs faces decades in prison.
