Key Points Summary: Cassie takes stand
- Cassie takes stand in Diddy’s sex trafficking trial
- Details shocking abuse, control, and threats from music mogul
- Names Diddy’s staff who allegedly enforced his will
- Describes years of “Freak Offs” and physical violence
- Testifies career stalled due to Diddy’s demands
- Defense claims case targets his preferences, not crimes
- Judge allows Cassie’s husband partial court presence
Cassie Ventura, the former girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs, delivered shocking testimony Tuesday in the star’s high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial.
The pregnant singer emotionally recounted years of abuse, intimidation, and control at the hands of the music mogul. Her words could prove pivotal in the case.
Chilling Details of Control and Abuse
Cassie, now 38, said the abuse began when she was just 21. Diddy, then 37, used his power, staff, and wealth to control nearly every aspect of her life.
She described being coerced into drug-fueled sex parties, known as “Freak Offs,” which sometimes lasted four days. “Control was everything,” she said, from her looks to her daily schedule.
Inside Diddy’s Inner Circle
Cassie named multiple Diddy staff members who allegedly helped enforce his demands, including assistants Christina Khorram and Neil Dominic.
She said his security team — R. Rock, Roger Bonds, Uncle Paulie, Faheem, and Malik — often carried out punishments. “They’d take my things away if I upset him,” she said.
Diddy allegedly dictated her appearance, demanded specific hairstyles, and forced her to work out before Freak Offs. “You make the wrong face and next thing I knew, I was getting hit in the face,” she told the jury.
From Love to Fear
Cassie said their relationship began with fun and admiration. “He was my first adult love,” she recalled. But it soon turned dark. She said he manipulated her emotionally and physically, leaving her bruised and fearful.
She described sexual encounters that started when she was still in another relationship. Diddy allegedly gave her ecstasy without her knowledge and recorded intimate moments.
Why She Stayed Silent
Asked why she didn’t leave, Cassie said fear and blackmail kept her in line. “I didn’t know what ‘no’ could turn into,” she said. Diddy reportedly threatened to release footage from Freak Offs if she disobeyed.
She described being trapped in a life of parties, drugs, and constant exhaustion. “The Freak Offs became a job,” she said. “There was no space to do anything else but recover and try to feel normal again.”
Courtroom Reactions
Throughout the testimony, Cassie referred to Diddy as “Sean” and avoided eye contact. She paused frequently, sometimes resting her hands on her baby bump and wiping tears from her face.
Diddy sat silently, passing notes to his lawyers. The courtroom was packed with press, supporters, and family, including his mother Janice and several children.
Her Music Career Stalled
Cassie told the jury her budding career fell apart under Diddy’s control. She had hundreds of songs and nine albums that never saw release.
“Freak Offs took my energy,” she said. “When I wasn’t recording, I was recovering.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson said Cassie’s story is just one of many. Three other alleged victims are expected to testify.
Courtroom Drama Over Husband
Diddy’s legal team asked the judge to bar Cassie’s husband, Alex Fine, from the courtroom. They argued he could be called as a witness later. Prosecutors objected, saying Fine was vital emotional support.
The judge compromised, allowing Fine to be present for most of the testimony. He was seen arriving at court Tuesday.
Cassie’s words mark a turning point in the trial, laying bare a relationship fueled by manipulation and fear. Her testimony could decide Diddy’s fate.