During the ongoing trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, his ex-girlfriend Cassie has testified, claiming that he frequently used various drugs.
The trial for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs began on Monday (May 12), where his former girlfriend, Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, has been questioned at length about the music icon.
Combs was apprehended in New York last September and faces numerous charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.
Combs has consistently denied all allegations against him.
While testifying on Tuesday, Cassie discussed their relationship and was questioned about how she was treated by Combs.
This line of questioning is particularly relevant since Combs has been accused of violence towards Cassie, with a CCTV video allegedly showing him assaulting her at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.
In addition to discussing the dynamics of their relationship, Cassie also spoke about Combs’ alleged substance abuse issues.
On Thursday (May 15), Combs’ attorney, Anna Estevao, inquired about his addictions, to which Cassie humorously responded, ‘success.’
She further explained that Combs was allegedly addicted to opiates, mentioning that he disclosed this to her and she observed him using them.
Estevao asked: “Did Mr. Combs’ mood depend on whether or not he was withdrawing from opiates?”
Cassie replied: “He was more irritable, I would say.”
Cassie also asserted that Ecstasy or MDMA were among his ‘drugs of choice’ and that she witnessed daily opiate use when he was actively taking them. She reiterated seeing him during withdrawal periods.
While being cross-examined, Cassie also elaborated on the alleged abuse she experienced from Combs.
Earlier in the week, Assistant United States Attorney Emily Johnson heard Cassie’s testimony, where she described how Combs’ moods fluctuated daily, sometimes leading to expressions of ‘anger.’
Discussing the impact on her, Cassie stated: “Greatly. The next thing I knew I was getting hit in the face. There was also psychological abuse. He’d tell me to watch my mouth, change my face.”
She further claimed that she concealed injuries from her loved ones to hide Combs’ alleged violent behavior towards her.
In one specific incident, Cassie alleged that she received a ‘pretty significant gash’ above her left eye after being thrown into a bed frame by Combs. Instead of visiting a hospital, she was taken by his security to a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
Jurors were presented with photographs of Cassie showing a swollen lip from the incident during her testimony.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.