Sean “Diddy” Combs, the hip-hop mogul, is currently facing trial in New York City for charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. His ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, recently finished her testimony after spending four days on the stand. Combs has been accused of running a criminal enterprise since 2004, involving coercing women into engaging in commercial sex acts with him and other individuals during drug-fueled parties known as “freak offs.”
Ventura, also known as Cassie, gained fame with her hit single “Me & U” from her debut album in 2006. She detailed her relationship with Combs, stating that she signed with Bad Boy Records at 19 and dated him on and off for over a decade. Ventura testified about alleged psychological and physical abuse, as well as a rape incident that occurred after their breakup in 2018. The security video showing Combs attacking Ventura at a hotel is a crucial piece of evidence in the trial, with prosecutors claiming it took place during one of the “freak offs.”
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Combs’ defense team has argued that the relationship was consensual and spanned over a decade. The trial has also seen the involvement of other high-profile names, with the prosecution team being led by Maurene Ryan Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey. The trial, which is expected to last eight to 10 weeks, has garnered significant attention, but due to federal court rules, photos and videos from inside the courtroom are not allowed. Courtroom sketches will be permitted, and CBS News New York will provide real-time updates throughout the trial.
