On May 13, 2025, the second day of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ highly publicized federal trial on sex trafficking, racketeering, and related charges unfolded inside a packed Manhattan courtroom, capturing the attention of the media, the entertainment world, and the public at large.
Taking the witness stand was R&B singer and model Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former longtime partner. Her testimony was both emotionally charged and disturbing, painting a harrowing picture of the alleged abuse she endured during their relationship. Ventura, visibly pregnant and accompanied by her legal counsel, described how Combs exercised control over every aspect of her life—from her career to her body and even her state of mind.
She recounted in chilling detail the so-called “freak-offs”—alleged orchestrated sex parties where Cassie said she was drugged and forced to engage in sexual acts with male escorts while Combs watched. Often, she claimed, she was coerced into participation under emotional manipulation, threats, or the influence of narcotics she did not willingly consume. “I felt like I was no longer a person,” she told the jury. “I was just… his possession.”
Supporting her claims was a crucial piece of evidence: a 2016 surveillance video allegedly showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway. The footage, obtained by federal investigators, was described as “disturbing and aggressive” by those in the room. Gasps were reportedly heard in the courtroom when the video was shown.
Also testifying was Daniel Phillip, a self-described former male escort who admitted to participating in several of the “freak-off” encounters. Phillip testified that Cassie appeared emotionally distant and withdrawn during the events and, in his opinion, was not participating out of free will. “It didn’t look like she wanted to be there. It looked like she was enduring it,” he stated under oath.
The courtroom was tense throughout the proceedings, with several members of the Combs family in attendance, including his mother, Janice Combs, and sons Quincy, Christian, and Justin Combs. Observers noted their somber expressions as the testimony unfolded.
Combs’ legal team maintains that all activities Cassie described were consensual and part of a mutually agreed-upon lifestyle. They admitted to instances of domestic conflict but strongly denied the existence of a trafficking operation or coercion. “Mr. Combs is not on trial for being a bad boyfriend,” said one of his defense attorneys. “He is being falsely accused of crimes he did not commit.”
The case is drawing intense public scrutiny, not only because of Combs’ celebrity status but due to the broader implications surrounding power, consent, and abuse within the entertainment industry. The eight-week trial is expected to feature additional testimony from other alleged victims, insiders from Combs’ inner circle, and experts in trauma and sex trafficking.
Cassie’s testimony is scheduled to continue tomorrow, with prosecutors expected to present more digital communications, financial records, and additional witness statements. The outcome of this case could have lasting effects on Combs’ legacy—and possibly, the future of accountability in the music industry.
