Diddy Faces Ex-Girlfriend Cassie Testimony in Sex Trafficking Trial/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ R&B singer Cassie is testifying Tuesday in the federal sex trafficking trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Prosecutors allege Combs orchestrated a network of abuse, coercing women into drug-fueled sex acts. The trial features disturbing evidence, including video footage and testimony from key witnesses detailing years of alleged exploitation.
Diddy Trial and Cassie Testimony Quick Looks:
- Cassie expected to testify Tuesday in Combs’ trafficking trial
- Diddy accused of orchestrating sex parties known as “freak-offs”
- Prosecutors allege coercion, abuse, and surveillance threats
- Cassie previously sued Combs and settled in 2023
- Viral 2016 hotel assault video shown to jury
- Hotel security officer says Diddy tried to bribe him
- Male stripper testifies to being paid to have sex with Cassie
- Defense argues sexual acts were consensual and not criminal
- Judge may allow media access to explicit video evidence
- Combs has been jailed in Brooklyn since September arrest
Deep Look: Cassie Poised to Take Stand in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Sex Trafficking Trial
NEW YORK — R&B singer Cassie takes the witness stand Tuesday in the high-profile sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Federal prosecutors allege the Grammy-winning producer ran a criminal operation that used his celebrity status and resources to coerce women into drug-fueled sexual encounters that he referred to as “freak-offs.”
Opening testimony began Monday, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson accusing Combs of years-long patterns of abuse and manipulation, particularly targeting women he dated or worked with. Johnson claimed Combs used threats, violence, and surveillance to dominate and silence his alleged victims, including Cassie — the singer whose real name is Casandra Ventura.
Cassie on the witness stand
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson started questioning of Cassie by asking her age, which is 38, and her occupation, which she said is “musician, an entertainer.” She said she was in a relationship with Combs for just over 10 years.
Cassie testified that her relationship with Combs ran the gamut from good times to arguments and physical altercations.
“If they were violent arguments, it would usually result in some sort of physical abuse and dragging, just different things,” Cassie told jurors.
Asked how frequently Combs became violent with her, Cassie softly responded: “Too frequently.”
Early in her testimony, Cassie was asked briefly about ‘Freak Offs’
“Freak Offs” were the highly orchestrated sex parties which she said stemmed from Combs’ interest in voyeurism. They would entail hiring an escort and “setting up this experience so that I could perform for Sean,” Cassie said.
Shown still images from the now-infamous 2016 security camera footage of Combs beating her at a Los Angeles hotel, Cassie said prior to the altercation:
“We were having an encounter called a ‘Freak Off’ and I was leaving there.”
Cassie: From Pop Star to Key Witness
Cassie’s lawsuit against Combs in 2023 catalyzed the avalanche of legal trouble facing the music mogul. Although that civil case was settled within hours, it opened the floodgates to dozens of additional claims and a federal criminal probe. Central to the prosecution’s case is a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs violently attacking Cassie at a Los Angeles hotel — footage that has been aired publicly and was played in court Monday.
In the graphic video, Combs, wearing only a white towel, is seen punching, kicking, and dragging Cassie in a hallway. The incident gained new attention last year when it was broadcast by CNN, prompting Combs to issue a public apology.
Hotel security officer Israel Florez, who responded to the scene, testified that Combs tried to bribe him with a stack of cash and urged him to “not tell nobody.” Florez refused the money, replying, “I don’t want your money. Just go back into your room.”
Defense Acknowledges Aggression, Denies Crimes
Combs’ defense attorneys argue that while he may have exhibited aggressive behavior, he is not guilty of the crimes alleged.
“He’s not charged with being a jerk,” attorney Teny Geragos told the jury. “He’s charged with serious crimes, and the evidence will show these were consensual relationships and encounters.”
The defense contends that many of the sexual acts described by witnesses were mutually agreed upon, and that Combs’ accusers are motivated by money and the prospect of large financial settlements.
Testimony from Other Witnesses Paints Darker Picture
Monday’s proceedings also featured testimony from Daniel Phillip, a male stripper who said he was hired by Combs to have sex with Cassie while Combs watched. Phillip testified that he stopped seeing the couple after witnessing Combs assault her. During cross-examination, defense attorney Xavier Donaldson attempted to portray Phillip as someone who had romantic intentions toward Cassie and fabricated details out of jealousy. While Phillip admitted to being attracted to Cassie, he denied any attempt to sabotage her relationship.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson told jurors that Combs not only exploited Cassie, but also abused multiple women over a span of years. One woman, referred to only as “Jane,” was allegedly assaulted after questioning Combs about the “freak-offs.” Prosecutors allege that Combs used recordings of sexual encounters as blackmail to keep women compliant.
Media Access and Explicit Evidence
The trial may soon involve graphic video evidence. Judge Arun Subramanian is considering a request from media outlets to view the explicit footage being shown to the jury. While Subramanian said he is inclined to approve the request, he allowed both parties until Wednesday to submit arguments for or against public access.
Combs Faces Life Sentence if Convicted
Sean Combs, now 55, has been in custody at a Brooklyn detention center since his arrest in September. If convicted of the sex trafficking and racketeering charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison.
The Associated Press does not typically name alleged sexual assault victims unless they go public, as Cassie has. Her upcoming testimony is expected to be a pivotal moment in a case that has already sent shockwaves through the music industry.
