Cassie Takes the Stand in Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial: Emotional Testimony

On the second day of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ highly publicized federal sex trafficking trial in New York, the courtroom was brought to a standstill as Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura took the stand to deliver her long-awaited testimony as reported by Times.

Cassie, a singer and former longtime partner of Diddy, gave emotional and detailed accounts of a relationship she said was dominated by control, coercion, and violence. Her testimony, lasting several hours, painted a grim picture of what she endured during the decade-long relationship that began when she was just 19 and Combs was 37.

A Pattern of Abuse

With the jury listening intently, Cassie described what she referred to as a cycle of manipulation and fear. “It started with isolation,” she said, alleging that Combs quickly took control of her career, her finances, and her personal freedom. Over time, that control escalated into physical abuse.

“I was beaten. I was kicked. I was dragged,” she stated through tears, recounting several violent episodes that left her bruised and traumatized. One particularly shocking incident from 2016 was supported by hotel surveillance footage shown in court, capturing Combs allegedly assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway.

Cassie testified that Combs would mash her head, drag her, kick her, and stomp her in the head when she was down.

Asked how frequently Combs became violent with her, Cassie softly responded: “Too frequently.”

— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) May 13, 2025

The “Freak-Offs”

TMZ is reporting Diddy is reading the Bible during his trial. 👀 pic.twitter.com/93JFYzAVNt

— WorldWide Entertainment TV | WWETV (@wwetv_website) May 13, 2025

Perhaps the most disturbing part of her testimony revolved around so-called “freak-offs”—drug-fueled sex parties that Cassie claimed she was forced to participate in under threat and coercion.

She testified that these events often involved hired male escorts, drugs, and Diddy watching or recording the encounters. One of the escorts, Daniel Phillip, also testified this week, stating he was paid thousands of dollars by Diddy to have sex with Cassie while the music mogul observed.

Cassie maintained that she never consented to these encounters and that saying “no” would result in violence or threats.

Ventura: The freak offs became a job. There was no time to do anything else but do them then try to recover.
AUSA: How much time in your week would freak offs take?
Ventura: The longest was four days, significant periods of time.

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 13, 2025

Defense Pushes Back

Combs’ legal team attempted to downplay the severity of the allegations, arguing that the relationship—while “complicated”—did not amount to sex trafficking or criminal behavior. They claimed the sexual encounters were consensual and that the charges were being exaggerated out of jealousy or for financial gain.

However, prosecutors pushed back, asserting that Cassie’s testimony is just one part of a larger pattern of abuse, manipulation, and exploitation. They noted that other victims are expected to take the stand in the coming weeks.

From a jury perspective she does sound fame hungry and a groupie 😬 The defense will have a field day with her on cross

— Mrs. SpaceX ™️ (@anuibi) May 13, 2025

What’s Next

The trial, which is projected to continue for several more weeks, is expected to feature more graphic testimony, digital evidence, and possibly additional witnesses from Diddy’s inner circle. The court is also weighing whether to allow media access to video evidence deemed too explicit for public release.

If convicted on all counts—including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution—Combs could face up to life in prison.

Cassie Ventura’s appearance on the stand marks a turning point in the trial and has already had a ripple effect through the entertainment industry and online public discourse. Many are now watching closely to see how the rest of the proceedings unfold.

When the prosecutor questioned her about “freak offs,” she said she was barely 22 when Combs first asked her to do them. She said she was “confused, nervous, but also loved him very much.”

Asked how she felt when Combs first proposed engaging in a “Freak Off,” Cassie said: “I…

— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) May 13, 2025

AUSA: How did you feel?
Ventura: I was an object, being heavily objectified by men… Sometimes he would watch by Facetime.
AUSA: Were some session recorded on your devices?
Ventura: Because they were there.
AUSA: If you saw them on your device what would you do?

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 13, 2025