20 Things You Missed From The Diddy Trial
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're revealing the most explosive testimony and shocking moments from the 7-week long federal trafficking trial of Sean Diddy Combs. Warning, certain information contains distressing details.
Cassie Tells Her Story
Cassie Ventura's multi-day testimony provided several shocking detailed accounts of alleged abuse and manipulation at the hands of Sean Diddy Combs. Cassie described being coerced into the illicit substance-fueled sex parties known as freak-offs, where she was forced to engage in indecent acts. She said Combs initially handled hirings for the "freak offs," but the responsibility later fell to her. She described it as a "job," claiming she had little time for anything else. Cassie also alleged that she suffered from the forced encounters, including chronic infections. She further testified that Combs would film the X-rated entanglements and used the recordings to blackmail her. The prosecution had Cassie recount the alleged history of physical abuse she says she endured at the hands of Combs including an indecent assault in 2018 after they split. She claims members of his staff not only witnessed violent incidents but also the aftermath. Cassie recalled one instance where a security guard was purportedly so affected by her appearance that he broke down in tears. In addition to stating that she saw Diddy assault others, Cassie reiterated an allegation from her civil suit - that Diddy threatened to blow up Kid Cudis car after discovering their relationship. Not long after the threat, Cudis car exploded in his driveway. Cassie also disclosed that she received a $20 million settlement from Diddy just 24 hours after filing her November 2023 civil lawsuit against him.
Cassies Cross-Examination
The defense's cross-examination of Cassie Ventura saw Diddy's legal team focus on the pairs past relationship, painting it as initially loving and consensual. Cassie would go on to describe their romance as intense, fast-paced, and at first, sweet - emphasizing Diddy's charm and the attention he gave her. The defense introduced texts and emails between the two, filled with affection and jealousy. There were also messages brought forth that allegedly showed Cassie's enthusiasm for freak-offs. Cassie stated that she agreed to them to please Diddy but added, theres a lot more to that. She testified these encounters became less about love and more about control. The defense, however, argued that she willingly partook of her own accord, with Cassie even admitting to participating in a freak-off while she was dating Kid Cudi. Cassie also clarified that the baby-oil used was not laced with anything, something that had been rumored.The defense also pressed Cassie on both her own and Diddys state of mind during the violent incidents, including the one at the InterContinental. Cassie acknowledged struggling with substance addiction and disclosed that Diddy once OD-ed on painkillers at a party in 2012. She revealed that she checked into a treatment facility in 2013 to address her mental health and PTSD, but firmly denied that it was for love or sex addiction. Meanwhile, prosecutors alleged that the defense is deliberately dragging out the cross-examination of Cassie, who is nearly nine months pregnant, in hopes shell go into labor thus forcing a mistrial.
Cassie's Former Friend Takes the Stand
Cassie Venturas former friend, Kerry Morgan, detailed a long history of alleged abuse from Diddy that she claims to have witnessed firsthand. Morgan testified to witnessing several violent incidents - one in Los Angeles, where she said she saw Combs push and possibly hit Cassie, and another in Jamaica. Its there that Morgan says she heard guttural, terrifying screams before seeing Diddy dragging Ventura. Morgan alleges that she and Combs chased after Cassie in golf carts when she fled. Morgan says she found Ventura first and the two hid in a ditch. She further testified about being assaulted by Diddy herself, alleging the music mogul struck her with a coat hanger during a confrontation. She states that Combs later paid her $30,000 to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Morgan also revealed that Combs was jealous of Cassie spending time with actor Michael B. Jordan and often accused her of cheating. On re-direct, Morgan clarified that the alleged attack in Jamaica was not jealousy-related, but instead a dispute over how long Ventura was taking in the bathroom.
Diddy's Former Assistant Talks
David James, a former assistant to Sean "Diddy" Combs, testified about his experiences while working for the music mogul between 2007 and 2009. James recalled an early conversation with Cassie Ventura where he suggested she leave him and she responded, I cant. I cant get out. James confirmed he was regularly tasked with setting up hotel rooms for the couples freak-offs, which involved a bag containing pill bottles and personal items like lubricant and baby oil. He says he used cash from Combs personal bag rather than seeking company reimbursement. James also described an incident that made him feel personally endangered. After picking up food from a diner and spotting Suge Knight, James said Combs demanded that he be driven to the diner. With Diddy sitting in the back seat with three handguns in his lap, James testified that the moment left him "shook up." But, when they arrived, Knight had left. Under cross-examination, James acknowledged a past incident where he grabbed the wrists of a female chef in an argument at Combs' Star Island home. When he told Diddy what had happened, he said Combs responded, You cant be putting your hands on women.
Cassie's Mother Speaks
Regina Ventura, mother of Cassie Ventura, testified that in December 2011 she received a phone call from her daughter, who said Diddy was threatening to release explicit tapes and have her and her then boyfriend, Kid Cudi, physically harmed. Regina also testified that Combs contacted her around the same time, demanding $20,000 to "recoup money" he claimed to have invested in Cassie. Regina said he appeared angry about Cassies relationship with Cudi. When she and her husband took out a home equity loan to raise the money and sent it to Combs, the funds were returned without explanation just five days later.
Exotic Dancer Punisher Testifies
Sharay Hayes, a former exotic dancer known as "The Punisher," testified that he was hired by Cassie Ventura in fall 2012 for what he believed would be a birthday striptease. Upon arriving, Hayes said he was told that the couple instead preferred creating a sexy scene involving baby oil. He was given a stack of cash and instructed to follow Venturas lead, while hearing directions from her "husband. Hayes stated he was hired between eight and twelve more times with some occurring on consecutive days. During these encounters, Hayes said Cassie never refused a direction from Combs, and he observed no signs of discomfort, violence, filming, or intoxication from either party. He did, however, mention feeling pressure himself, recalling that in 2016 he was unable to perform - after which he was never contacted again. When questioned about developing feelings for Ventura, Hayes denied having any emotional connection or relationship with her.
Kid Cudis Explosive Testimony
Kid Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, testified about his brief relationship with Cassie Ventura, which began in 2011. He said Ventura confided in him about Combs abusive behaviour. He went on to say that after Diddy allegedly found out about their relationship, Ventura warned Cudi that he was enraged. Cudi and Cassie then talked with one of Combs employees who appeared shaken and said he and his associates were inside Cudis home. Allegedly, Diddy later admitted he was there, claiming he just wanted to talk. When Cudi returned home, he noticed his security cameras had been moved, gifts were unwrapped, and his dog was locked in a bathroom. He reported the incident to police. A month later, his car was set on fire in what he described as a Molotov cocktail attack. Though he suspected Combs, the defense countered that the only DNA recovered belonged to a woman. Cudi said he never received follow-up from investigators. He later confronted Combs at a hotel, describing him as a Marvel supervillain, as he denied involvement in the fire. Cudi and Ventura ended their relationship in late 2011 due to the drama and fears for their safety. He further admitted that he felt like Cassie played him.
Diddys Former Employee Tells All
Capricorn Clark, a former employee of Sean Diddy Combs, delivered explosive testimony to start the third week of the music moguls federal trial. Clark claimed that on her first day working for Diddy, he threatened her about her past ties to Death Row Records saying that if he found out she had ties to Suge Knight, hed have to kill her. Clark also recounted a time when a diamond jewelry bag in her possession went missing en route to Miami. She said Combs allegedly left her behind where she was picked up by his security, locked in an empty office, and subjected to five straight days of polygraph tests. One of the men administering the tests allegedly warned her that if she failed, they were going to throw her into the East River. She also said Combs physically assaulted her after a chef she confided in told him that she hated her job. Clarks testimony also further outlined Diddys alleged control over Cassie Venturas singing career - saying he micromanaged everything from her looks to her opportunities. In December 2011, Clark alleges Combs showed up at her home in a rage, armed with a gun, after discovering Cassie was seeing Kid Cudi. She purports that he said, Get dressed, were going to go kill him and essentially kidnapped her. Clark says she stayed in the car once they arrived at Cudis house and secretly warned Ventura via a burner phone. On cross examination, Clark admitted that while Cassie had talent, she felt her live performances were lacking and that her substance use was interfering with opportunities. Breaking down in court, Clark recalled messages she sent to Combs in 2014 and 2015 begging for forgiveness. She described feeling like a protector for Combs, saying he had no one else looking out for him.
Former Assistant Testifies Under a Pseudonym
A former assistant to Diddy, testifying under the pseudonym "Mia" to protect her identity, described a chaotic and toxic work environment during her time as both his personal assistant and director of development at Revolt Films. In her testimony, Mia accused Combs of repeated violence, recalling instances where he allegedly threw her against a wall, into a pool, and chucked an ice bucket at her head. She also alleges that he indecently assaulted her multiple times including once after her 40th birthday celebration. Mia also allegedly witnessed Combs physically abuse his former partner Cassie Venturia, recounting incidents where he purportedly threw her to the ground, cracked her head open, and once chased her during a 2012 trip to Turks and Caicos - where Ventura allegedly feared for her life. Mia described seeing Ventura with many visible injuries, adding that she would often hide in hotels until she healed. She testified that Diddy maintained control through fear, secrecy, and the belief that his authority was above the police. Mia also recalled being responsible for preparing and cleaning hotel rooms for her ex-boss. She says she often found the rooms in disarray, with candle wax, baby oil, and blood of various sorts - ultimately describing the freak-off aftermath as a nightmare.
Cross Examination of Former Diddy Employee
On the fourteenth day of Sean Diddy Combs federal trial, a former employee under the pseudonym Mia, faced cross-examination from the defense. She was questioned about messages she sent to Combs after her employment ended where she offered support and affection. Despite no longer working for him, she says she still felt psychologically under his control. She described feeling immense blame and shame after Combs allegedly threatened to tell his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura about an incident between them. She also added that his inner circle routinely ignored Diddys misconduct. Mia testified that Combs repeatedly stole her phone and saw private messages she sent to Cassie. She alleges he even placed tracking devices on Cassies car. When asked why she never reported any of the alleged misconduct including serious indecent assaults, she said she feared being fired, disbelieved, or labeled crazy. Mia added, I just knew his power and his wrath.
Hotel Security Guard Speaks
Eddy Garcia, a security officer at the InterContinental hotel in 2016, testified under immunity after invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Garcia recounted being told of a domestic dispute, which involved Sean Diddy Combs and Cassie Ventura, and viewed the surveillance footage. Garcia alleges he was contacted by Combs chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, who asked if she could get the surveillance footage of the incident. After telling her she would need to go through official channels, he says Combs later called the security desk sounding very nervous. He allegedly offered to take care of Garcia - who alerted his boss. Once financial compensation was agreed upon, he said that his boss downloaded the video for Diddy the next day. Garcia testified that he signed a non-disclosure agreement on Combs company letterhead, confirming it was the only copy. He also allegedly spoke with Ventura, who assured him she wanted this to go away too. Garcia testified that Combs paid him $100,000 which he said he split with his boss and another officer on duty.
Cassies Longtime Friend Called to Testify
Bryana Bongolan, a friend of Cassie Ventura, testified about a violent 2016 encounter with Diddy. She alleged that he held her over a 17-story balcony before throwing her onto patio furniture - causing injuries and lasting psychological effects. Combs allegedly yelled at her, Do you know what the F you did?. Bongolan said she still doesnt know what Diddy was upset about. She also recounted multiple alleged disturbing episodes at Venturas apartment where she often stayed. In one alarming incident, she purports that he burst in and threw a knife in Cassies direction. She also recalled a 2016 beach photo shoot with Cassie, where she recalled Diddy getting in her face and threatening her, saying, Im the devil and I could kill you. Bongolan admitted she never reported these incidents because she was afraid of Combs. She also testified that she regularly abused substances with Cassie, describing it as a problem.
Cross Examination of Bryana Bongolan
During cross examination, Bryana Bongolan admitted that she continued seeing Cassie and Diddy after the alleged balcony incident but claimed she kept her distance. When confronted with a text where she was offering to get Combs a hoodie, she explained, We were trying to be cool. Combs attorney also challenged the timeline, citing travel records that suggested his client was in New Jersey at the time of Bongolans balcony allegation. When pressed with, You agree that one person cant be in two places at the same time, Bongolan replied, In theory, yeah - I cant answer that one. In response to the accusation that she filed a $10 million lawsuit for financial gain, Bongolan testified, I care about justice.
Diddy Accuser Jane Tells Her Story
Testifying under a pseudonym, Jane described a pattern of control, coercion, and manipulation during her relationship with Sean Diddy Combs. She recalled a substance-fuelled trip to the Bahamas with Combs providing her doses. After the trip, she says he wired her $10,000 to compensate for her time away from her work as an influencer. In 2021, Combs allegedly introduced the idea of her sleeping with other men. Jane testified that another man was involved in their intimate encounters 90% of the time, and although she agreed at first, she claims to have told him she wanted it to stop. She purports feeling obligated to perform these nights for him, particularly because he was paying her rent. When asked about hotel nights or freak-offs, she described them as encounters involving a male entertainer that sometimes extended beyond 24 hours.
Jane Returns to the Stand
On Day 19 of Sean Diddy Combs federal trial, the woman testifying under the pseudonym Jane continued her direct examination. She read texts in which Combs pressured her to send bad girl messages, despite her expressing fears that he was keeping incriminating footage of their explicit encounters. Jane testified that she felt manipulated and degraded, saying she no longer wanted to play a role she described as dark and sleazy. Frustrated that he was seeing other women while continuing to plan hotel nights with her, Jane said she felt she had to earn basic affection. She further described an alleged violent altercation after confronting Combs about another woman - claiming he physically assaulted her and damaged her home before sending an assistant with up to $12,000 in cash. During one incident, she referred to as a sobriety party, Jane said she vomited after intercourse with two men but was then pushed into having relations with a third. She says she later developed infections. Jane also testified that Cassie Venturas 2023 lawsuit felt eerily similar to her own experience. She says she was at Diddys home when CNN released footage showing him assaulting Cassie and helped him craft his public apology. Despite everything, Jane testified that they continued to communicate until his arrest.
Cross Examination of Jane
During the multi-day cross-examination by Sean Diddy Combs defense attorney, Teny Geragos, Jane acknowledged that she regretted some of her choices but emphasized they were made under emotional pressure. She admitted to taking charge in the so-called freak-offs, going so far as to personally pick the escorts who took part. Jane also revealed that she loved to bathe Diddy and watch his favorite show, "Dateline." She testified that Combs was open early on about his polyamorous lifestyle, which she initially accepted, but later struggled with. She especially had trouble with his public relationship with Yung Miami. Jane went on to express frustration over unequal treatment, noting that other women received lavish gifts and trips, while she did noteven when she complied with Combs requests. Financially, Jane confirmed Combs wired her over $150,000 during their time together and invested $20,000 into her dress business. Jane spoke about a hotel night around New Years 2022, describing it as lasting roughly three days and involving three men. She also testified about using the promise of a hotel night to convince Combs to end a trip with another woman (Yung Miami), calling it the first time she pulled that card. The jury was also shown angry texts Jane sent after discovering Combs had taken another woman on a birthday trip to Turks and Caicos. She says they reconciled when Combs planned a Turks and Caicos trip for just the two of them.
Las Vegas Trip with Icon Rapper
Janes testimony about a 2024 trip to Las Vegas stirred significant attention in the courtroom. During direct examination, she described traveling in January 2024 - while briefly separated from Sean Diddy Combs - on a private jet with an unnamed icon rapper and his entourage. The trip was part of a birthday celebration. That night, according to Jane, the group watched a woman engage in sexual activity with a male adult entertainer known as Antoine, whom she knew from prior encounters with Diddy. She further testified that the high-profile rapper asked for other male escort recommendations. Jane went on to say that she had never been intimate with Antoine outside of her hotel nights with Combs. However, after she reconciled with him later that year, he accused her of being unfaithful. As for the identity of the icon rapper, Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo pushed for the names of those present during the Las Vegas encounter to be disclosed. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey objected, arguing that doing so would amount to an effort to harass and intimidate the witness. Judge Arun Subramanian ultimately ruled that the January 2024 incident was not directly tied to the trafficking charges against Sean Combs and therefore the rapper involved did not in fact need to be named.
Jury Shown Explicit Messages and Videos
The re-aligned jury in Sean Diddy Combs criminal trial was presented with a series of records, messages, andmost notablyexplicit video footage of the so-called Freak-Offs. These were presented by summary witnesses Ananya Sankar and U.S. Attorneys Office special agent Deleassa Penland, who were called by the government to help clarify previous witness testimony. Jurors reviewed documentation supporting a purported meeting between Combs, Cassie Ventura, and male escorts at hotels with travel, lodging expenses and damages charged to Combs credit card. Additional travel invoices and messages from 2012 and 2013 showed Ventura being flown across the country, as well as text exchanges arranging Freak Offs with multiple men. One 2013 thread showed Cassie asking Diddy whether he had recorded a particular encounter on his phone. The jury was then shown actual video clips from explicit encounters, marking the first time they viewed moving images rather than stills or audio. The jurors donned headphones and watched approximately 10 minutes of video footage depicting the X-rated encounters involving Diddy, Cassie, and male escorts. Its reported that the courtroom fell silent as faint moans from the footage leaked through the headphones.
Special Agent Takes the Stand
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello continued his testimony on the 28th day of Sean Combs federal trial. He confirmed the existence of numerous explicit videos involving Combs, Jane - a pseudonymous accuser who dated Diddy from 2021 to 2024 - and various other men. The jury viewed more than 12 minutes of these videos, which span dates from late 2021 through 2022, and were referenced in prosecution summary charts. Cerciello also reviewed detailed records from multiple trips Jane took with Combs, including flights, hotel stays, and credit card transactions often funded by Combs' company (Bad Boy Entertainment) or staff. One September 2023 trip to New York included hotel bookings for Jane and an entertainer named Sly, with Jane receiving $5,000 from Combs account manager. Additional messages and booking records from that period show Diddy coordinating logistics with his staff, inquiring about escorts through the company Cowboys for Angels, and organizing hotel stays. For a January 2023 hotel night in Los Angeles, Combs was seen arranging for three entertainers, sending Jane $15,000 and discussing plans for the evening. Records also show texts between Jane and Diddy ahead of an October 2023 sobriety party, with Jane expressing alleged emotional distress and reluctance to engage in the X-rated activities.
Diddy Not Testifying
Outside the presence of the jury, the judge addressed Sean Diddy Combs regarding his decision not to testify in his own defense. When asked how he was feeling, Combs responded, Im doing great, your honor, and took a moment to thank the judge, prompting a chuckle and appreciative response from the bench. The judge confirmed that Combs understood his right not to testify and that no negative inference could be drawn from that choice. Combs affirmed that it was his personal decision not to take the stand.
Have you been following the federal trial of Sean Diddy Combs? Do you think prosecutors made a convincing case or did they fall short? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
