Cassie Ventura Delivers Harrowing Testimony in Diddy’s Sex Trafficking Trial

On May 14, 2025, singer Cassie Ventura resumed her testimony in the federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Her statements provided a detailed account of the alleged abuse, control, and exploitation she endured during their decade-long relationship.

A significant focus of her testimony was a 2016 incident captured on hotel surveillance footage, where Combs was seen physically assaulting Ventura in a hallway. The footage, presented to the jury, showed Combs grabbing, punching, and kicking Ventura. Ventura recounted that during this altercation, Combs threw a vase at her, which shattered against the wall. She described the experience as terrifying and indicative of the control Combs exerted over her life.

Allegations of Abuse and Control

Ventura described a relationship marked by physical violence and psychological manipulation. She recounted instances where Combs allegedly beat her, including a 2016 incident in a Los Angeles hotel, corroborated by surveillance footage presented in court. Ventura testified that Combs exerted control over various aspects of her life, from her appearance to her professional decisions, often using intimidation tactics involving firearms reports The Times.

“Freak-Offs” and Coerced Sexual Acts

Cassie says she did so many freak offs she had sores on her tongue and UTIs constantly pic.twitter.com/4cCuZ0DbpL

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) May 14, 2025

A significant portion of Ventura’s testimony focused on events she referred to as “freak-offs”—drug-fueled sexual encounters orchestrated by Combs involving male escorts. She detailed being forced into these situations, sometimes while under the influence of substances like ketamine, to cope with the trauma. Ventura also described degrading acts during these events, including being urinated on, and highlighted the meticulous planning involved, such as specific grooming requirements and the use of various substances documented by The Guardian.

Financial and Career Manipulation

Ventura testified about a 10-album deal she signed with Bad Boy Records in 2006, under which only one album was released. She claimed that Combs used this contract to exert financial control over her, limiting her career opportunities and keeping her dependent on him. Despite recording hundreds of songs, she alleged that Combs deliberately withheld their release to maintain dominance over her professional life.

Now, amid the second day of Cassie Ventura’s direct testimony in US v. Sean Combs, here is an exhibit from the trial: the LA hotel security email https://t.co/0yCa63jzUJ pic.twitter.com/AK5d1L7TDr

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 14, 2025

Trial Context and Charges

Sean “Diddy” Combs faces multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he could face a life sentence. The trial, currently in its third day, is expected to continue for several weeks, with Ventura’s testimony playing a crucial role in the prosecution’s case.

AUSA: Let’s read these from June 13, 2013 – had Sean been violent with you before this?
Ventura: Yes.
AUSA: Had you told him before you didn’t want to do freak offs?
Ventura: Yes.
AUSA: You said you needed GHB?
Ventura: Yes. And that 2 escorts not available

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 14, 2025

Now, amid the second day of Cassie Ventura’s direct testimony in US v. Sean Combs, here is an exhibit from the trial: the LA hotel security email https://t.co/0yCa63jzUJ pic.twitter.com/AK5d1L7TDr

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 14, 2025