As the federal investigation into Sean “Diddy” Combs intensifies, rapper and actor Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi) has confirmed a long-rumored incident: his car was deliberately set on fire in 2012. This shocking revelation aligns with allegations previously made by singer Cassie Ventura, who claimed Diddy threatened to “blow up” Cudi’s car out of jealousy.

The 2012 Car Explosion

On January 9, 2012, a Porsche belonging to Kid Cudi exploded in his Los Angeles driveway. At the time, details surrounding the incident were scarce. However, recently surfaced fire department records confirm that the blaze was caused by an incendiary device and ruled as arson.

Kid Cudi, through a spokesperson, has confirmed the authenticity of these reports, telling NME: “This is all true.” The admission comes after Cassie revealed in a 2023 lawsuit that Diddy had made violent threats against Cudi over his short-lived relationship with her.

Cassie’s Allegations Resurface

Cassie Ventura, who filed a lawsuit against Diddy in late 2023 (later settled), alleged that the hip-hop mogul was controlling and abusive throughout their relationship. One of the most disturbing claims was that Diddy, upon discovering her involvement with Kid Cudi, threatened retaliation—specifically, the destruction of Cudi’s car.

Now, with fire investigation documents and Cudi’s testimony, the once-dismissed accusation has gained significant traction.

Kid Cudi Testifies in Federal Trial

On May 22, 2025, Kid Cudi took the stand during Diddy’s ongoing federal trial, which includes charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and intimidation. Cudi testified about his brief 2011 relationship with Cassie, the break-in at his home, and the emotional distress Cassie experienced after Diddy found out.

Although the car explosion happened shortly after these events, this marks the first time Cudi publicly connected the fire to Diddy.

AUSA: What was your reaction to your car being set on fire?
Mescudi: What the fuck
Objection
Judge: Overruled

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 22, 2025

Legal Ramifications for Diddy

Mescudi: That’s the damage to my Porsche from the Molotov cocktail.
AUSA: Who took these photos?
Mescudi: Chip, a good friend and collaborator.
AUSA: What’s depicted here?
Mescudi: The hole they cut in the roof of my car to put in the Molotov cocktail

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 22, 2025

Combs' Steel: The DNA taken, are you aware it came back being a female?
AUSA: Objection. No foundation.
Judge: Sustained
Steel: Do you know there were DNA results
Judge: I'll allow that
Mescudi: No

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 22, 2025

Diddy’s legal team has denied any involvement in the arson. However, federal prosecutors are using the incident to establish a broader pattern of intimidation and violence allegedly used by Combs to control those around him.

Cudi’s testimony supports the prosecution’s narrative that Diddy leveraged fear, threats, and actual violence to maintain dominance in his personal and professional circles.

AUSA: Did you think it was accidental or intentional?
Mescudi: Intentional.
AUSA: Where did you last see Ms. Ventura?
Mescudi: At the Soho House… I’d reached out to Sean Combs and said, Let’s talk, this is getting out of hand.

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 22, 2025

Combs’ Steel: You went to see him, you didn’t think he had a gun?
Mescudi: I couldn’t call it.
Steel: You are a strong person, that’s how you categorize yourself?
Mescudi: Yeah. This crossed the line.
Steel: Ms. Ventura told you she was abused
Mescudi: Yes.

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 22, 2025

Combs’ Steel: But she never said she was sexually abused, true?
Mescudi: She did not.
Steel: You loved her? Tell me if I’m wrong.
Mescudi: I did.
Steel: You got played by the same person who played Mr. Combs… Cassie Ventura.

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 22, 2025

Combs’ Steel: Do you know what a burner phone is?
Mescudi: Untraceable
Steel: The trespass, you call it a break-in, Ms. Ventura told you she’d given your home address to Mr. Combs?
Mescudi: Yes. In the morning.
Steel: No more questions. Thanks.
Mescudi: No problem

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) May 22, 2025

Hip-Hop Community Reacts

The revelations have sent shockwaves through the music industry. While Diddy has faced multiple lawsuits in recent years, this latest confirmation from a respected figure like Kid Cudi has added new urgency and credibility to the claims.

Fans and fellow artists alike are expressing concern over the extent of Diddy’s alleged actions and what this means for hip-hop’s legacy.