The federal sex-trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean Combs continued Tuesday with disturbing testimony from multiple witnesses, including an exotic dancer, the mother of singer Cassie Ventura, and a Homeland Security agent.
Sharay Hayes, a performer hired under the alias “The Punisher,” told the court he realized his mysterious client was Sean Combs only after seeing a hotel television screen welcoming “Sean Combs” during one of their first encounters.
Hayes testified that he was directed to perform “erotic scenes” with Cassie while a veiled man—later confirmed to be Combs—watched and issued instructions. Hayes described multiple sessions between 2011 and 2012, in hotel rooms with furniture covered in sheets and bowls of baby oil on the floor.
In emotional testimony, Regina Ventura, Cassie’s mother, told the court she photographed her daughter’s bruises after Cassie confided she had been beaten by Combs. Emails from Cassie to her mother were entered into evidence, including one where she said Combs threatened to release explicit videos and have someone “hurt” her while he was “out of the country.”
Mrs. Ventura also claimed she was forced to send $20,000 to an account at Combs’ demand, fearing for her daughter’s life. The money reportedly reappeared days later without explanation.
Homeland Security Agent Gerard Gannon testified about a March 2024 raid on Combs’ Miami mansion. Agents seized multiple semi-automatic AR-15 rifles, magazines, lingerie, and baby oil. Two rifles had their serial numbers removed, and the weapons were fitted with “red dot optics” for precision firing—suggesting tactical enhancements.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. He faces life in prison if convicted. The defence has focused on inconsistencies in witness accounts.
Testimony continues Wednesday with expected appearances by rapper Kid Cudi, who allegedly became a target of Combs’ jealousy during a past relationship with Cassie.
