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Diddy Trial Update: Defense Challenges Cassie Ventura’s Timeline, Richard Testifies to Violence
Singer Cassie Ventura completed four days of testimony Friday in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking and racketeering trial. Defense attorneys focused on the timeline of the alleged 2018 rape, pointing to discrepancies between Ventura’s testimony and earlier statements to the government. They also highlighted text messages between Ventura and Combs following the alleged incident, noting the absence of any explicit accusation of rape.
Prosecutors raised concerns about the extended questioning of Ventura, who is nearly nine months pregnant, fearing a potential mistrial.
Singer Dawn Richard, called to the stand by the prosecution, testified to witnessing Combs become violent with Ventura at his Los Angeles home. Richard described an incident where Combs allegedly tried to hit Ventura with a skillet and subsequently punched and kicked her.
Richard stated she did not contact police at the time due to fear. She also testified that Combs later downplayed the incident, characterizing it as “passionate” behavior typical of a relationship.
A special agent with Homeland Security Investigations testified about items found during a search of the Park Hyatt hotel where Combs was arrested in 2024, including drugs, baby oil, Astroglide, and a backpack containing $9,000.
Ventura’s testimony included emotional moments as she discussed the impact of the relationship on her career and self-worth. She testified that Combs’ demands for “freak offs” took precedence over her work, describing herself as “basically a sex worker.” She also detailed her struggles with addiction and subsequent treatment.
The defense presented text messages between Ventura and Combs, including affectionate exchanges after her marriage and the birth of her child. They questioned Ventura about the nature of her relationship with Combs, exploring the periods where they considered themselves friends rather than romantic partners. The trial continues Monday.