The trial involving Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is progressing with notable developments as his ex-girlfriend, Cassie, has been testifying for two days.
On Thursday, May 15, Cassie was cross-examined by the defense lawyers representing Diddy.
The proceedings officially commenced on Monday, May 12, with Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, being extensively questioned about her past relationship with the music mogul.
Combs, who was arrested last September in New York, faces multiple charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking by means of force, fraud, or coercion. He has consistently denied these allegations and entered a plea of not guilty.
During her first day of cross-examination, Cassie provided responses to a variety of questions, with the session expected to continue today, Friday, May 16.
Defense attorney Anna Estevao delved into a series of text messages exchanged throughout Cassie and Diddy’s 11-year relationship.
Among the messages from 2009, Combs affectionately referred to Cassie as ‘babygirl’ and expressed deep emotions, declaring, “I love you so much it makes me cry.”
Cassie reciprocated these sentiments, writing, “I love you so much I can’t wait till we don’t care anymore.”
Other text exchanges revealed Cassie’s mixed feelings regarding the alleged ‘freak-offs’. In some messages, she showed eagerness with phrases like “Can’t wait,” while in others, both she and Combs expressed feeling ‘horny’.
However, Cassie later described such encounters as making her feel ‘grimy’ and ‘dirty.’
Combs’s defense team argued that these were consensual activities in a ‘swingers’ lifestyle, stressing that controversial sexual preferences do not constitute sex trafficking.
During the trial, Cassie alleged that Combs was heavily reliant on opiates and frequently used substances like ecstasy, MDMA, and cocaine. She recounted an instance at the Playboy Mansion in 2012 where Combs allegedly overdosed on opiates.
While it was publicly reported as an ‘extreme migraine’ at the time, she testified that it was, in fact, a drug overdose.
She also testified that while Combs was accused in a prior lawsuit of spiking baby oil with GHB during freak offs, she personally never witnessed drugs being added to the lubricant.
Cassie further shared that Combs occasionally expressed concerns about her mental health and once advised her to consult a doctor after noticing effects of drug use.
She admitted to having feelings of jealousy towards Kim Porter, the late mother of four of Combs’s children, as well as another woman he began dating subsequently.
In court, Cassie admitted, “I had some jealousy of Ms. Porter.”
Estevao then stated that Ventura was ‘upset’ about not having a relationship with Combs’ children, something Ventura acknowledged was true.
When discussing another woman Diddy was involved with, Estevao mentioned Ventura being ‘insanely jealous’, to which Ventura replied: “I did say that, I expressed my feelings. That was who I was then, I was definitely jealous.”
The trial also covered Cassie’s relationship with Kid Cudi, where she stated she used a ‘burner phone’ to communicate with him, fearing it would be ‘way too dangerous’ if Combs found out.
As the questioning proceeded, messages exchanged before a stay at the InterContinental Hotel on March 5, 2016, were examined.
It was during this time that Cassie alleged Combs assaulted her. In one of the messages, Combs told Cassie: “You look so sexy today.”
Estevao inquired if this was prior to the alleged assault, which Cassie confirmed was true.
She also testified that she felt compelled to engage in a freak off, messaging, “Baby I want to FO so bad but I don’t want to f*** myself up.”
Ultimately, she gave in ‘after he asked me over and over again.’
Cassie stated her compliance was influenced by the desire to protect her career, particularly with an upcoming movie premiere.
Estevao highlighted Combs’s public support, mentioning his attendance at a promotional luncheon and sending ‘loving messages’.
Cassie acknowledged these gestures but indicated she felt coerced nonetheless.
Following news of Combs’ arrest last year, his attorney Marc Agnifilo remarked to UNILAD, expressing disappointment in the prosecution’s decision to pursue charges they deem unjust against Mr. Combs.
“Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community. He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal.
“To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
The trial is projected to span around eight weeks, and if found guilty, Combs could face a life sentence.
UNILAD previously contacted representatives for both Combs and Ventura for comments.
The trial is ongoing.
If you are affected by the issues discussed in this article, support is available through The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), which operates 24/7. Online chat support can also be accessed at online.rainn.org.