Additional Coverage:
- Cassie’s 10-album record deal with Diddy meant he financially controlled her life for years, she testified (businessinsider.com)
Singer Cassie Ventura Testifies in Diddy Sex-Trafficking Trial: Music Career “Stifled”
R&B singer Cassie Ventura testified on Tuesday in the sex-trafficking trial of her former partner, Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging that he controlled and ultimately “stifled” her music career during their decade-long relationship. Ventura, eight months pregnant and visibly emotional, detailed how Combs dictated various aspects of her life, from her wardrobe to her career choices, while she struggled to release music under his Bad Boy Records label.
Ventura signed a 10-album deal with Bad Boy in 2006, ultimately releasing only one album, her self-titled debut featuring the hit single “Me & U.” Despite recording “hundreds of songs,” Ventura claimed much of her work was shelved.
She testified that Combs blamed her for the lack of output, telling her, “If you’re not releasing music, you’re not doing your job.” Meanwhile, Combs frequently vetoed other career opportunities, including modeling gigs and lucrative nightclub appearances.
Ventura’s testimony painted a picture of a relationship dominated by Combs’ control. She described being required to participate in what she called “freak offs,” drug-fueled sexual encounters with escorts, which she says became a regular occurrence, impacting her physical and emotional well-being and taking time away from her music. She stated that Combs controlled her schedule, her appearance, and even her nickname, insisting she call him “Pop Pop” and referring to her as “CC” for “Cassie Combs.”
The trial also revealed details about the couple’s evolving relationship, beginning platonically before turning romantic on Ventura’s 21st birthday. Ventura described feeling confused by the power dynamics and unsure how to navigate her relationship with the head of her record label. Her husband, Alex Fine, was present in the courtroom and appeared visibly upset during her testimony.
Prosecutors allege that Combs used company resources to facilitate these “freak offs” and other activities related to the sex-trafficking charges. Ventura’s testimony included details of assistants procuring specific items for these encounters, creating what prosecutors argue is evidence of a larger enterprise.
Combs’ legal team maintains that the relationship, while tumultuous, was consensual and that the prosecution’s case misrepresents the events. They characterize the relationship as mutually toxic, with both parties engaging in infidelity and other harmful behaviors.
The trial is expected to last approximately eight weeks. Combs faces serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, which could result in a life sentence if he is convicted.