The opening day of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial in Manhattan kicked off with emotional, explosive testimony from his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who detailed years of abuse, control, and coerced sex acts orchestrated by the music mogul.
Cassie, 38, took the stand Tuesday morning, and though she remained composed for most of the testimony, she broke down multiple times while recounting what prosecutors described as a “campaign of psychological, physical, and sexual domination.”
“He would get in these moods. And I didn’t know what would set it off,” she whispered tearfully.
‘Freak-Offs’ and Surveillance: Cassie’s Shocking Account
Cassie testified that Diddy forced her into “freak-off” sex sessions, which she said involved having sex with other men while Diddy watched, recorded, and controlled the entire scenario.
One of the most harrowing moments came when she confirmed that a male escort was paid thousands of dollars to have sex with her while Diddy looked on. She said the acts felt more like a job than a relationship, something she was groomed into from a young age.
“It started off like it was just a one-time thing… but then it became expected,” she said, describing the regularity of the sessions.
Photos presented in court showed visible bruises from a 2016 incident in a Las Vegas hotel hallway, where Cassie said Diddy beat her violently for no reason other than his “bad mood.”
Cassie’s Composure Cracks as Photos Are Shown
When prosecutors showed surveillance stills and old personal photos, Cassie wept, especially at the image of her alongside her former best friend Kerry Morgan. She dabbed her eyes with a tissue while struggling to speak.
Diddy, seated just feet away, did not react to Cassie’s testimony and instead scribbled notes which he passed to his defense team. At no point did the two make eye contact.
The courtroom was packed, with Diddy’s mother and adult children seated behind him. During a recess, he attempted to approach them, but a U.S. Marshal blocked his path with an arm, keeping the rapper confined to the defendant’s area.
What’s at Stake for Diddy?
If convicted, Sean Combs, 55, faces up to life in federal prison. Prosecutors argue that this is only the beginning of a deeper, more disturbing web of exploitation under the guise of celebrity, luxury, and fame.
His legal team has dismissed the charges as “fabricated,” claiming Cassie’s testimony is emotionally charged but lacks verifiable evidence.
Still, the graphic and consistent nature of her claims, combined with witness lists that include security guards, assistants, and others from Diddy’s inner circle, have already made this one of the most high-profile celebrity criminal trials in years.
Public Reaction & What’s Next
Public response online has been swift, with hashtags like #DiddyTrial and #JusticeForCassie trending on social media. Critics are also questioning why it took years for these claims to reach a courtroom.
Cassie’s testimony is expected to continue into Wednesday, with other accusers and witnesses slated to appear later in the week.
This is a developing story. Check back for live coverage as new details emerge from inside the courtroom.
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