New York, USA| In a chilling and emotionally charged testimony, singer and former model Cassie Ventura took the witness stand Tuesday as the star witness in the federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Her testimony marked a pivotal moment in the high-profile case, as she recounted years of alleged physical, sexual, and psychological abuse she endured during her relationship with Combs.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to a sweeping federal indictment that includes charges of sex trafficking by force, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The case, officially titled United States v. Sean Combs, stems from an investigation that was triggered by a civil lawsuit Ventura filed in 2023, which was settled within 24 hours but set off a cascade of legal complaints and ultimately a criminal probe.
A Relationship Marked by Coercion and Control
Cassie Ventura, whose full legal name is Casandra Ventura, delivered over five hours of detailed and disturbing testimony on the seventh day of trial proceedings.
She alleged that Combs, using his power, fame, and wealth, maintained control over her through manipulation, physical violence, and forced participation in degrading sexual acts referred to as “freak-offs.”
According to Ventura, these “freak-offs” were ritualized sex parties orchestrated by Combs and often involved multiple participants, including escorts, and frequently took place in high-end hotels and private residences.
She testified that Combs became violent if she showed resistance or discomfort, explaining: “Make the wrong face and the next thing I knew I would get hit in the face. He would say, ‘Watch your mouth.’”
Ventura said that Combs insisted on extreme sexual encounters even during her menstrual cycle, recounting one session that left blood on the furniture. “He didn’t care,” she said.
Graphic Accounts of Abuse and Degradation
One of the most graphic portions of her testimony came when Ventura described an incident in which an escort, allegedly under Combs’ instructions, urinated on her while Combs did the same.
In her words: “I just felt humiliated. It was disgusting. It was too much. I choked… I eventually put my hands up and Sean saw and told him to stop. I was choking—too much urine in my mouth.”
When asked why she didn’t refuse, Ventura told the court she was “high in the moment” and mentally trapped. “You don’t have a lot of control at that moment,” she said.
She detailed how these encounters often caused severe physical repercussions, including frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and painful sores on her tongue from oral sex.
She said the pain became so intense and frequent that antibiotics were no longer effective, leading her to use opiates to numb herself. “The chef would cook for me, I’d get massages, IV fluids. It became a recovery process,” she explained.
A Pattern of Ritual and Repetition
Ventura’s testimony painted a portrait of ritualistic abuse: she said Combs demanded that baby oil be applied every few minutes during these sessions to give the appearance of glistening skin.
In one instance, a pool was allegedly filled with baby oil for a planned encounter at the Montage Beverly Hills. “He wanted it heated,” she said.
She described being responsible for ensuring all necessary supplies—including condoms, lubricants, and oil—were ready, sometimes coordinating with hotel staff or bringing items herself.
Emotional Testimony and a Shaken Courtroom
At several points during her testimony, Ventura broke down in tears, particularly when describing the psychological toll of trying to stay in Combs’ favor. “I didn’t want him to be upset or not trust me,” she said. “He was a scary person. He would be violent.”
She also recalled the toll of his erratic temperament, saying his moods “swung different ways quite a bit” and that she often bore the brunt of his anger even when she was not at fault.
Her testimony came just a day after federal prosecutors showed jurors surveillance footage from a 2016 hotel incident, in which Combs was seen physically assaulting Ventura.
The footage, combined with her testimony, is central to the prosecution’s argument that Combs operated a network of sexual exploitation under the guise of consensual relationships.
The Defense Pushes Back
Defense attorneys for Combs have argued that while the artist had a volatile personality and was at times violent, the sexual acts described by Ventura and others were consensual.
“Mr. Combs is not on trial for being a flawed man,” one of his lawyers stated in opening remarks. “He is on trial for criminal conduct, and the evidence will show that no such criminal enterprise existed.”
They also pointed to the rapid settlement of Ventura’s 2023 civil lawsuit as indicative of a desire to avoid a prolonged and public fight, not necessarily guilt.
A Trial with National Implications
Cassie Ventura’s testimony has placed a renewed spotlight on the intersection of celebrity, power, and abuse in the music industry.
The case, still in its early stages, is expected to span several more weeks and will likely feature testimonies from other alleged victims, insiders, and former employees.
As the prosecution builds its case, Ventura remains a key figure—her narrative now public under oath and withstanding cross-examination.
Whether jurors find it sufficient to support the grave charges facing Sean Combs remains to be seen, but her testimony has undoubtedly shaken the courtroom and dominated national headlines.
This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates as the trial continues.
Share This Post