Cassie Ventura takes stand: Ten things to know about controversial Diddy sex-trafficking trial
R & B singer's explosive testimony is central to the prosecution’s racketeering case
Dubai: Day two of testimony in Sean "Diddy" Combs’ federal sex-trafficking trial concluded with explosive revelations from Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, the R&B singer and former girlfriend of the music mogul, according to a report in BBC.
Her testimony is central to the prosecution’s racketeering case. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Cassie took the stand after a male stripper testified
The day began with the cross-examination of Daniel Phillip, a male stripper, before Cassie Ventura took the witness stand in a packed Manhattan courtroom.
2. She appeared emotional and visibly pregnant
Now eight months pregnant, Ventura appeared soft-spoken and visibly distressed as she recounted her 11-year on-and-off relationship with Combs, describing it as “frequently” abusive.
3. She spoke about “Freak-Offs”
Cassie testified that Combs orchestrated “freak-offs” — encounters where she got intimate with male escorts while he watched, directed, and filmed. She said she feared violence if she refused.
4. Ventura felt “worthless” and objectified
“I hated it,” she told the court, often in tears. “I was an object being heavily objectified by men.” She described using drugs like marijuana, ketamine, and GHB during these sessions to cope.
5. Prosecution linking staff to racketeering charges
Cassie testified that Combs' staff surveilled her and helped facilitate the alleged abuse. Prosecutors are trying to establish that Combs ran a criminal enterprise involving drugs, sex trafficking, and firearms.
6. Cassie was tasked with hiring escorts
According to Ventura, Combs made her find escorts through services. She approved each one personally.
7. A 2016 hotel video was shown in court
The jury viewed surveillance footage from an LA hotel where Combs allegedly beat, kicked, and dragged Ventura. The judge ruled that more explicit footage from the “freak-offs” would not be released to protect victims.
8. She said Diddy kept guns and cash at home
Ventura claimed Combs stored guns, cash, jewelry, and videotapes in safes at his various residences. She recalled a disturbing moment when he left their home armed after hearing rival Suge Knight was nearby.
9. Her testimony is seen as “critical”
Legal experts say Ventura’s decade-long relationship with Combs makes her testimony vital for establishing a pattern of abuse and control. But her long association with him may also invite tough questioning from the defense.
10. Her husband was allowed partial courtroom access
Cassie’s current husband, Alex Fine, was granted limited access to the courtroom for emotional support, though he may be called as a defense witness later.
Ventura is expected to remain on the stand for up to two more days. The trial continues, with both sides preparing for intense cross-examinations.
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