Cassie Ventura’s emotional testimony in the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial against abuse, just took an even darker turn.
The singer, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, revealed on the stand that she came dangerously close to ending her life in 2023 after being haunted by disturbing flashbacks of the alleged abuse she endured during her years with the music mogul. The shocking revelation came on May 13, the third day of Combs’ federal trial for sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
During her second day on the stand, Cassie described a chilling moment where she stood at her front door, preparing to walk into traffic while her children were asleep inside the house. She told the court that the flashbacks of the alleged trauma inflicted by Combs had become unbearable, pushing her to the edge. “I was spinning out,” she told jurors. “I didn’t want to be alive anymore at that point.”
This isn’t the first time Cassie has opened up in court about the depth of her suffering. The former Bad Boy Records artist has testified about being subjected to years of mental, physical, and sexual abuse by Combs during their decade-long relationship. One of the most disturbing elements she described was being coerced into what he called “freak offs”, forced sexual encounters involving multiple participants. She claimed there were “hundreds” of such instances over the years.
But while her relationship with Diddy officially ended in 2018, the same year she says he raped her, Cassie admitted that the emotional scars never faded. She has since found love again with her now-husband, Alex Fine. The couple shares two daughters and is currently expecting a third child. But despite moving on publicly, she explained that the internal turmoil never left. In fact, it got worse.
In March 2023, she said, the flashbacks intensified. Her mental health deteriorated to the point where she seriously contemplated suicide. One night, while her daughters were sleeping, she said she reached a breaking point. She described telling her husband, “You can do this without me; you don’t need me anymore,” before trying to leave the house and walk into traffic. Thankfully, Fine intervened and stopped her from leaving, likely saving her life in the process. He has since been seen supporting her daily in court.
Cassie’s latest testimony is part of a broader case in which the U.S. government accuses Combs of operating a years-long criminal enterprise under the guise of celebrity influence. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Cassie is one of several women expected to testify, but she’s clearly the most high-profile, and her words are shaking up both the courtroom and the wider world watching this trial unfold.
This moment in court brings Cassie’s journey into stark focus, not just as a former girlfriend of a powerful man, but as a survivor navigating the aftermath of trauma, motherhood, and healing. Her courage in publicly reliving these moments while expecting another child is something that’s leaving a lasting impact.
Ventura is expected to return to the witness stand on Thursday to continue her testimony. Her statements have already provided a harrowing glimpse into her life behind the glitz of red carpets and music videos, and her willingness to speak her truth under oath may very well shape the outcome of this explosive case.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Just dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. For support regarding sexual violence, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or visit rainn.org. Victims of domestic abuse can also reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org.
