The federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York, addressing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, entered its second week with significant testimony.
Combs, who pleaded not guilty, faces a potential life sentence if convicted. Key witnesses included rapper Kid Cudi, Cassie Ventura’s former friend Kerry Morgan, Combs’ former assistant David James, and Cassie’s mother, Regina Ventura.
Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi) – May 22, 2025
Testimony: Cudi alleged that in 2011, Combs broke into his Hollywood Hills home after learning of Cudi’s brief romance with Cassie Ventura. He found unwrapped Christmas gifts, his dog locked in the bathroom, and tampered security cameras. Cudi confronted Combs, who was calm, saying, “I am here waiting for you.” In February 2012, Cudi’s Porsche was set on fire with a Molotov cocktail, aligning with Combs’ earlier threat, as corroborated by Ventura. A later meeting with Combs was tense, with Combs denying involvement in the car fire.
Impact: Supports prosecution’s arson and intimidation claims. Cudi expressed relief post-testimony via a video on X, thanking fans for support.
Kerry Morgan – May 19, 2025
- Testimony: Morgan witnessed Combs abusing Ventura in Jamaica and the Hollywood Hills. In 2018, Combs allegedly choked and hit Morgan with a wooden hanger at Ventura’s apartment, ending their 17-year friendship due to Ventura’s lack of support. Morgan stood firm under cross-examination by Marc Agnifilo.
- Impact: Bolsters allegations of Combs’ violent behavior toward others.
David James
- Testimony: Combs’ former assistant (2007–2009) described Combs’ travel bag containing 25–30 pill bottles (some with Barack Obama’s face), $10,000 cash, Advil, Tylenol, Viagra, Percocet, Ecstasy, and sperm count pills.
- Impact: Highlights Combs’ drug-related activities, relevant to “freak-off” allegations.
Regina Ventura – May 20, 2025
- Testimony: In 2011, Combs demanded $20,000 from Regina after Cassie dated Kid Cudi, threatening to release explicit videos. Regina took a home equity loan to comply; the money was returned days later. She also photographed Cassie’s bruises from a 2011 assault.
- Impact: Corroborates Cassie’s claims of blackmail and abuse.
Cassie Ventura’s Testimony: Concluded on May 16, 2025, Ventura detailed a 2018 rape, frequent beatings, and blackmail with “freak-off” videos. She corroborated Cudi’s car fire account, noting Combs’ threat to blow up Cudi’s car.
Defense Strategy: Acknowledges domestic violence but denies federal crimes, framing relationships as consensual. Questions witnesses’ credibility and motives.
Read more: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sex Trafficking Trial Begins: Allegations of Abuse, Freak-Off Parties Highlighted
Courtroom Moments: Combs expressed affection in court (“I love you all”) and sent a message to his son Justin. His daughters’ graduation occurred during the trial, with family showing public support.
Charges: Five counts, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, alleging a criminal enterprise from 2004–2024.
Status: Began May 12, 2025, expected to last two months. Combs remains detained in Brooklyn.
