Ex-girlfriend testifies Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs forced her into drug-fueled sex parties

In the high-profile sex trafficking trial against Sean "Diddy" Combs, his former girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra Ventura, known professionally as Cassie, took the stand this week as a key prosecution witness. She offered compelling testimony detailing her experience, alleging that the music mogul compelled her participation in repeated drug-fueled sex parties.

Ventura testified that she was involved in these gatherings, which she referred to as "Freak Offs," for approximately a decade. Initially, she stated her participation was driven by a desire to please Combs, but later, she claimed he used videos of the encounters to blackmail her into continuing. These events could reportedly span from one and a half to four days, during which she testified Combs provided her with drugs to maintain wakefulness and tightly managed her physical appearance.

She further described the significant impact this period had on her career aspirations. Ventura noted that a 2006 recording contract with Combs' Bad Boy Records label, intended for ten albums, ultimately resulted in the release of just one.

Jurors were also shown a previously public 2016 surveillance video from a Los Angeles hotel hallway. In the footage, Combs, wearing only a towel, is seen throwing Ventura to the ground, kicking her, and dragging her. Ventura testified that this incident occurred after Combs had allegedly caused a black eye during one of the "Freak Offs," and her focus at the time was solely on safely escaping the situation.

Sean Combs, aged 55, has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against him, which include five felony counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If found guilty on all counts, he faces a potential minimum sentence of 15 years and could possibly receive a life sentence.

Combs' legal team has argued that prosecutors are attempting to improperly criminalize what they describe as a consensual "swingers" lifestyle shared between him and his girlfriends who invited men to join them for sex. Defense lawyer Teny Geragos stated that the case revolves around "voluntary choices made by capable adults in consensual relationships." The trial commenced earlier this week and is expected to continue for up to two months.

Ventura, dressed in a brown dress and later adding a camel-colored coat, described beginning her relationship with Combs in her early twenties, believing it to be her "first real adult relationship." She initially stated she loved him and wanted to make him happy. However, she testified that Combs' behavior changed over time, alleging he frequently beat her, resulting in black eyes and bruises across her body. She described incidents where she claims he would "bash my head, knock me over, drag me, kick me, stomp me in the head if I was down." Combs, present in the courtroom, was observed crossing his arms as Ventura gave her testimony.

Fighting back tears, Ventura provided graphic details about the "Freak Offs," recalling her first one at age 22. She testified that she only enjoyed the moments when she and Combs were alone, but stated that they were often not, with Combs allegedly paying male escorts between $1,500 and $6,000 for their participation, including one nicknamed "The Punisher." She testified she did not wish to participate when others were involved but feared upsetting Combs, stating, "His eyes were black. The version that I fell in love with was no longer there."

Ventura also testified that Combs exercised extensive control over her life and career. She described this control as encompassing "everything, from the way that I looked to what I was working on that day, who I was speaking to." Ventura is scheduled to resume her testimony. Combs has previously apologized for his actions depicted in the surveillance video, which his lead lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, suggested related to a dispute over infidelity. Agnifilo has indicated a strategy that may involve challenging Ventura's credibility by referencing a history of domestic violence during cross-examination. Ventura had filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in November 2023 alleging rape and serial sexual abuse, which was settled one day after it was filed. The trial may also include testimony from other individuals who have made accusations against Combs, as well as former employees.