Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
Cassie, the former girlfriend of Diddy and a renowned R&B artist, was emotional in court as she was questioned about alleged ‘freak offs’ linked to the rapper’s residence.
The ongoing trial against Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, includes several serious allegations such as racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and fraud or coercion. Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, is providing testimony against the 55-year-old music mogul.
During today’s proceedings, prosecutor Emily A. Johnson addressed Cassie with a pointed question reported by Inner City Press: “Would you give the $20 million back if you hadn’t have had to do freak offs?”
This inquiry relates to a settlement reached in 2023 concerning Cassie’s accusations of rape against Diddy. Just one day after she made these allegations, they came to a settlement agreement.
Diddy’s defense attorney, Anna Estevao, objected to the line of questioning.
However, the judge decided to let the question stand.
Cassie stated: “I would give it back to get my agency back.”
Johnson followed up by asking, “Did he beat you during freak offs?”
Cassie affirmed tearfully: “Yes [starts crying].”
The singer, now 38, and Combs had an on-and-off relationship that began officially in 2007, two years after they started working together.
Cassie was just 19 when she signed with Combs, then 37, who is the owner of Bad Boy Records.
Further questioning by prosecutor Johnson included: “Were you open to freak offs at the beginning?”
Cassie responded: “At the beginning.”
Johnson pressed on: “Did you tell him when you no longer wanted to do them?”
“Yes. More than once,” Cassie explained.
Johnson continued: “What concerns did you have about saying no to freak offs?”
Cassie replied: “Safety, career, love”
The defense argued that Cassie was aware of the nature of her involvement, indicating that the ‘freak offs’ were part of Diddy’s sexual preferences.
Estevao informed the court: “It was part of being his [Diddy’s] girlfriend.”
Combs faces serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, allegations he has consistently denied.
The indictment claims that Combs and his associates utilized his influence and status within his business to intimidate and manipulate women, often under the guise of romantic involvement.
According to the document, Combs and his associates allegedly transported sex workers across state and international borders, employing force and coercion to compel victims into sexual acts with other male workers, which Combs reportedly referred to as ‘freak offs’.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Or you can chat online via online.rainn.org