Additional Coverage:
- Kid Cudi says Diddy broke into his home, unwrapped his family’s Christmas gifts, and shut his dog in the bathroom (businessinsider.com)
Rapper Kid Cudi Testifies in Diddy’s Sex-Trafficking Trial, Recounts Home Break-In and Torched Porsche
Manhattan, NY – Rapper Kid Cudi took the stand Thursday in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing sex-trafficking and racketeering trial, offering a dramatic account of a break-in at his Los Angeles home and a later firebombing of his Porsche. Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified that the incidents stemmed from his brief romance with Combs’ ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie Ventura.
Mescudi told the jury that Combs broke into his Hollywood Hills home in December 2011 after learning about his relationship with Ventura. He testified that he returned home to find opened Christmas gifts and his dog locked in the bathroom.
Prior to the break-in, Mescudi received a call from Combs’ employee, Capricorn Clark, who said she was outside his house with Combs, who had “forced her physically” to drive him there. Mescudi testified that he confronted Combs over the phone, telling him, “Motherfucker, you in my house?”
Combs reportedly responded calmly, saying he wanted to talk.
The rapper further testified that his Porsche was firebombed in his driveway in February 2012. Photos of the torched vehicle were presented to the jury.
Mescudi recounted a later encounter with Combs at the Soho House West Hollywood, where he directly asked Combs about the incident. He stated that Combs denied involvement.
Ventura, a key witness in the prosecution’s case, testified last week about her tumultuous relationship with Combs and his anger over her romance with Mescudi. She previously alleged that Combs threatened to set fire to his car upon learning about their relationship.
Mescudi testified that he and Ventura eventually ended their relationship due to the escalating “drama” and concerns for their safety. He admitted to fearing Combs, whom he described as “violent.” He also recounted a later encounter with Combs at the Soho House where Combs apologized for his past actions, an apology Mescudi said he accepted.
Combs faces life in prison if convicted on the sex-trafficking charges. The trial continues.