Warning: This article discusses topics of domestic violence that may be unsettling for some readers.
Cassie Ventura has made public the alleged text messages sent by Diddy on the day she left a ‘freak off party’ in a hotel.
Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, is facing a trial on charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking through means of force, fraud, or coercion.
Since his arrest at the Park Hyatt hotel in Manhattan, New York, last September, Combs has consistently claimed his innocence.
During the opening statements on Monday (May 12), Cassie was called to the witness stand to answer questions posed by the prosecution, which included inquiries about ‘freak off’ parties.
Cassie explained that ‘freak-offs’ were ‘sexual encounters involving voyeurism’ where Combs would watch her engage in sexual acts with another man.
Jurors were shown a CCTV video that was released to the public last year, purportedly depicting Combs assaulting her in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.
On Wednesday (May 14), Cassie testified in court about receiving a series of texts from Combs following the incident, in which he persistently urged her to contact him.
The messages from Diddy stated:
“Call me”
“Yo pls call me”
“I got six kids”
“Pls call me”
“Yo pls call Im surrounded”
“Call me”
“For my kids help”
In response to these messages, Cassie reported to the court that she advised him to ‘put the robe on,’ noting, ‘he was running around in a towel, and I was just looking out.’
Following the release of the 2016 footage to the public, Cassie’s legal representatives criticized Combs’ assertion that the video had been altered.
Douglas H. Wigdor, Ventura’s attorney, told the Daily Mail: “It’s not surprising Diddy would make a disingenuous argument to exclude the disturbing video from being shown to the jury in the upcoming trial.
“I am confident that the video fairly and accurately represents what happened, will be admitted into evidence, and that Combs will be held accountable for his depravity.”
After the upsetting footage was made public, Combs issued an apology to Cassie via Instagram.
He wrote: “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.
“I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he added. “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, remember you are not alone. You can reach out confidentially at any time to the national domestic violence helpline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) available 24/7. You can also find a list of local resources here.