MANHATTAN, New York — In a sensitive federal trial that has drawn significant media attention, Cassie Ventura, the former partner of Sean "Diddy" Combs, testified against the music mogul on charges of sexual misconduct. Ventura, who is currently pregnant, was the only witness to take the stand on the second day of the proceedings at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse.
Over the course of nearly eight hours of testimony, Ventura detailed alarming experiences from her 12-year relationship with Combs, asserting that many incidents centered around his sexual gratification. Her allegations form a key aspect of the charges against the rapper, who is contending with serious accusations, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
During her testimony, Ventura spoke candidly about her drug use, revealing that substances such as ketamine and cocaine were employed as a means to cope with her circumstances, describing how they helped her detach during what she termed "freak offs." She explained, “I couldn’t imagine doing that without some sort of buffer,” indicating her reliance on these drugs to endure the experiences.
Ventura painted a vivid picture of these "freak off" parties, where baby oil was a notable component of the activities, at Combs’ request. She described a distressing incident involving a blow-up pool filled with oil, asserting that refusal to participate could lead to Combs’ wrath. "You couldn’t say no," she stated, emphasizing the pressure she felt to comply.
Moreover, she recalled that Diddy’s close associates were instrumental in organizing these gatherings, which included not only provisions like oil, lubricants, and condoms but also drugs. Ventura alleged that these events were meticulously planned, with staff responsible for everything from booking hotel rooms to cleaning up afterward.
Legal documents associated with the case hint at a broader operation, suggesting that Combs and his associates facilitated the transportation of commercial sex workers across state lines and maintained a consistent pattern of exploitation. According to the indictment, these gatherings were characterized as "elaborately produced sex performances," with Combs taking an active role in directing the proceedings.
Ventura, who started her relationship with Combs in 2006 and ended it in 2018, indicated that the emotional toll of their interactions often left her feeling drained. “The ‘freak offs’ became a job,” she told the court, noting that when she was not engaged in these activities, she was typically recovering from the physical and emotional impacts of the events.
Her testimony also revealed distressing insights into Combs’ demands and fantasies, including voyeurism and swinging, which she described as shocking. She recounted an instance where Combs expressed a desire to see her with another man, underscoring the complexities of their relationship during the early years.
Facing serious charges, Combs maintains his innocence, asserting that he has never coerced anyone. Should he be found guilty, he faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, with a potential maximum sentence of life.
The courtroom proceedings continue, with the public awaiting further developments as the trial unfolds.