Music mogul and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs arrives at the Billboard Music Awards, May 15, 2022, in Las Vegas.
Jordan Strauss/Invision via AP
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Jordan Strauss/Invision via AP
This report contains descriptions of physical and sexual violence.
In a high-profile trial, Sean “Diddy” Combs faces serious allegations from Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, who has accused the hip-hop mogul of engaging in sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related activities. During her testimony, Ventura provided detailed accounts of their shared experiences, including instances of drug use and the nature of their relationship.
As the trial progresses in New York, Ventura continues to allege a pattern of coercive and abusive behavior by Combs. She has testified to being subjected to sexual exploitation and physical violence.
Defense Highlights Texts from Ventura About ‘Freak-Offs’
Combs’ defense team, led by Anna Estevao, sought to portray the relationship between Combs and Ventura as consensual, presenting text messages indicating Ventura’s involvement in planning events known as “freak-offs.” These messages suggest Ventura was excited and engaged in organizing these events.
However, Ventura contended that her participation was often driven by fear and a desire to manage the situation to minimize harm. She described these gatherings as distressing, and her testimony emphasized her attempts to comply to avoid violence from Combs.
Despite her outward participation, Ventura stated, “the ‘freak-offs’ were like a job and she hated them,” particularly due to the recordings made by Combs.
Combs’ Drug Use and Alleged Violence
During cross-examination, Combs’ attorneys explored his drug use and its potential impact on his behavior, though they did not directly connect it to specific violent incidents. Ventura recounted numerous occasions where drug use was prevalent in their relationship and noted Combs’ attempts to quit without professional help.
The defense acknowledged Combs’ misconduct in a 2016 incident captured on video, showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway. Ventura revealed that drug withdrawal symptoms sometimes contributed to Combs’ irritability, but she was uncertain about his sobriety during the videoed assault.
Challenges in the Relationship Dynamics
Ventura’s testimony also addressed issues of jealousy and infidelity. Defense attorney Teny Geragos characterized the case as stemming from “jealousy and infidelity.” Ventura expressed dissatisfaction with the secretive nature of their relationship and Combs’ ongoing involvement with Kim Porter, the mother of several of his children.
Ventura shared that she was expected to remain monogamous, while Combs had multiple partners. Her brief relationship with rapper Kid Cudi ended abruptly due to threats from Combs, culminating in a mysterious incident where Cudi’s car exploded.
NPR’s Isabella Gomez Sarmiento contributed to this report.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
