Singer and actress Cassie Ventura took the stand today (May 13) to testify against her former partner, Sean “Diddy” Combs, detailing years of alleged abuse during their long-term relationship.
Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry, was arrested in September 2024 and faces serious federal charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Ventura, who dated Combs for over a decade, has emerged as a key witness in the case.
On the witness stand, Ventura described a relationship marked by repeated violence. She alleged that arguments would often escalate into physical abuse, claiming Combs would “stomp [her] in the head if I was down,” and “bash on my head, knock me over, drag me, [and] kick me.” When asked how often he became violent, she replied, “Too frequently.”
Ventura, whose legal name is Casandra, previously filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in 2023, accusing him of rape and physical abuse. That case was settled out of court shortly after it was filed, with terms undisclosed. Despite the settlement, her allegations prompted a federal investigation that ultimately led to Combs’ arrest, according to The New York Times.
Prosecutors allege that Combs used his influence as a powerful music executive to run a network of abuse and coercion, including so-called “freak-offs” — sex parties where women were allegedly manipulated or forced to participate. Ventura’s testimony aims to support these claims, portraying Combs as both controlling and violent.
The couple’s relationship began when Ventura was 19 and Combs was 37. He has denied all federal charges, as well as the allegations raised in Ventura’s 2023 civil suit.
Cassie took to the stand today (Emma McIntyre/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
A CCTV video also made public that went viral last year was also shown to jurors, which appeared to show Combs attacking her inside a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.
She told the court the pair were having a ‘freak-off’ that day, which she said she was introduced to during the first year of their relationship.
Explaining ‘freak-offs’, she says they were ‘sexual encounter[s] called voyeurism’ where Combs would watch her have sex with another man.
The trial continues.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.
