In a New York court on Tuesday, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura delivered emotional testimony during the ongoing sex-trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging years of abuse, coercion, and control throughout their long-term relationship.
Testifying as a key prosecution witness, Ventura described their on-and-off relationship, which began when she was 19 and Combs was 37. She told jurors that what began as a seemingly monogamous relationship quickly turned controlling. According to BBC News, Ventura said Combs paid for her home, vehicles, and electronics, but also used those resources as tools of punishment and manipulation.
Ventura alleged that Combs became physically abusive, describing incidents where he “bashed her head,” dragged her, and left her with visible injuries including black eyes and swollen lips. She said Combs coerced her into “freak-offs” — sexual encounters with male escorts that he observed. According to Ventura, these encounters sometimes lasted several days and took place in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and Ibiza.
She said Combs controlled every detail of the encounters, from the clothing she wore to the acts performed. Ventura also testified that she used marijuana, ecstasy, and ketamine to numb herself and “disassociate” during these events.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Ventura is expected to continue her testimony on Wednesday.
