In a gripping testimony on Tuesday, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, former partner of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, told jurors he “controlled” her life and used threats, violence, and sexually compromising material to keep her compliant during their years-long relationship.
Appearing visibly emotional and heavily pregnant, Ventura described a pattern of manipulation and abuse, recounting how Combs exploited his vast resources and influence to silence and intimidate her. “He had many resources,” she told the court, pausing to wipe tears, “and he used them to control me.”
Her testimony follows the presentation of a 2016 hotel surveillance video, shown Monday, in which Combs is allegedly seen violently beating and dragging Ventura through a hallway. Former hotel security officer, Israel Florez, confirmed he was first on the scene and alleged that Combs attempted to bribe him to stay quiet, a testimony that enabled prosecutors to admit the footage into evidence.
Prosecutors argue Combs led a sex trafficking ring that relied on coercion, violence, and drug-fueled encounters. U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson emphasized the case is not about private sexual behavior but criminal exploitation. “It’s coercive and criminal,” she said, citing incidents including arson and physical threats.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. His defense attorney, Teny Geragos, acknowledged instances of domestic abuse but denied they constituted the crimes alleged. “This is about love, jealousy, infidelity, and money,” Geragos said, describing Combs’s relationship with Ventura as “toxic” but mutual.
Also testifying was a male dancer who claimed to have engaged in a paid sexual relationship with both Combs and Ventura between 2012 and 2013. His testimony concluded Tuesday.
If convicted, the 55-year-old music icon, hailed for his role in bringing hip-hop to the mainstream, could face life imprisonment. The high-profile trial is expected to continue for up to 10 weeks, with Combs’s family and former partners, including Misa Hylton, present in court.
Written By Rodney Mbua
