Cassie Testifies Against Sean “Diddy” Combs in Court
NEW YORK (AP) — The courtroom was charged with emotion on Thursday as R&B artist Cassie, also known as Casandra Ventura, recounted her complicated relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs, amidst serious allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking.
Cross-Examination Highlights
During a tense cross-examination, Cassie was required to read explicit messages exchanged with Combs. These correspondences indicated her prior enthusiasm for sexual encounters with other men, which she had previously stated she found “hated doing.”
Combs’ legal team is aiming to depict Cassie as complicit in the lifestyle he promoted, asserting that while he exhibited violence, his actions did not constitute a criminal operation. He has categorically denied the charges against him.
Allegations of Exploitation
The prosecution alleges that Combs abused his power as a music executive to manipulate Cassie and others into participating in sexual activities with sex workers, termed “freak-offs.” These accusations form a significant part of the racketeering charges against him.
Messages Revealed in Court
As Cassie read the messages, some described her explicit desires during the encounters. One exchange from August 2009 echoed her eagerness, stating, “I’m always ready to freak off.” In contrast, she later expressed frustration over their relationship, seeking more than mere sexual interactions.
While discussing their interactions, Cassie elaborated on her emotional state and the complexity of her feelings for Combs, stating, “I had fallen in love with him and cared about him very much.”
Contrasting Experiences
Cassie described the “freak-offs” as instances dominated by Combs, during which drugs were prevalent, contributing to physical and emotional harm. She testified to enduring hundreds of such encounters, suffering from the aftermath, which led her to develop an opioid addiction.
In a shocking claim, she stated that Combs raped her following their breakup in 2018 and kept her in a state of fear through threats of releasing explicit videos.
Cassie’s Current Circumstances and Legal Action
Now 38 and in her third trimester of pregnancy, Cassie’s composure on the witness stand has been notable, despite the emotional weight of her testimony. She filed a lawsuit against Combs in 2023, which was settled for $20 million shortly after, although subsequent similar claims have arisen from other women.
Combs, aged 55, has been in custody since September and faces a potential sentence of at least 15 years if found guilty.