Casandra “Cassie” Ventura has finished day one of her cross-examination following bombshell testimony accusing Sean “Diddy” Combs of rape, blackmail, sexual degradation and physical abuse.
Combs’s defense attorney Anna Estevao ended the day by showing the jury explicit text messages between Ventura and Combs in March 2016. The pair were planning the “freak off” that led up to an alleged assault at an InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. Footage of the 2016 incident, which was released publicly last year, shows Combs hitting and kicking Ventura.
“We can have fun, I don’t want you thinking I don’t want to,” Ventura texted Combs.
Ventura previously testified she went along with “freak offs” throughout their relationship because she was afraid Combs would hurt her or release footage from the encounters. “Freak offs” involved Ventura having sex with other men at Combs’s direction, typically while taking drugs, she said.
Combs is facing sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy charges. Combs was arrested in September 2024 as federal authorities alleged he threatened, abused, and coerced victims “to fulfill his sexual desires” between 2004 and 2024. Combs has denied any accusations of wrongdoing.
Read More
Key Points
- Jury sees early messages between Cassie Ventura and Diddy
- Cassie Ventura told Diddy she's 'always ready to freak-off'
- Cassie Ventura used a burner phone so Diddy wouldn't discover messages with Kid Cudi
- Thursday recap: Defense focuses on text exchanges and Cassie Ventura's drug use
Judge sends jury home, cross-examination to resume tomorrow
22:05
,
Katie Hawkinson
Judge Arun Subramanian has dismissed the jury for the day.
Cassie Ventura’s cross-examination will continue tomorrow morning. Subramanian said the defense must wrap up cross-examination by Friday midday.
“The direct took a day and a half, so the defense will have a day and a half. So you have today, you have the morning tomorrow,” Subramanian said this afternoon.
Ventura broke up with Kid Cudi over fear of Diddy's reaction
Wednesday 14 May 2025 20:27
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura says she broke up with rapper Kid Cudi over fears that Sean “Diddy” Combs would hurt them both.
The rapper, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, dated Ventura in 2011.
When Combs found emails between Ventura and a member of Mescudi’s staff in 2011, she said he lunged at her and threatened her with a wine bottle opener.
Cassie Ventura says Diddy 'beat me up' after she attended a Prince party
Wednesday 14 May 2025 20:37
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura told the court that Sean “Diddy” Combs “beat” her after she attended a party hosted by musical icon Prince in Los Angeles.
Ventura says she attended but didn’t tell Combs because she thought he’d prevent her from going. But she ran into him at the late musician’s house, and said she could tell he was angry.
“I ran out as fast as I could,” she said.
Combs “burst[ed]” into her hotel room later that night, Ventura said.
“He beat me up in that room,” she testified. “He was throwing luggage at me, just calling me all kinds of names.”
Diddy allegedly threatened to blow up Kid Cudi's car
Wednesday 14 May 2025 20:44
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs threatened to blow up rapper Kid Cudi’s car after he discovered their 2011 relationship.
The rapper’s real name is Scott Mescudi.
"Sean wanted Scott’s friends to see Scott’s car get blown up,” Ventura said.
Cassie Ventura describes alleged 2018 rape
Wednesday 14 May 2025 20:58
,
Ariana Baio, Katie Hawkinson
In a particularly graphic moment, Cassie Ventura said Sean “Diddy” Combs came to her home in August 2018 and raped her on the living room floor.
The alleged attack happened just as she was starting to date her now-husband, Alex Fine.
Ventura said his “eyes were black” — a description she used yesterday to describe the moments when Combs would become enraged.
Cassie Ventura says she 'tried to walk into traffic' after relationship with Diddy
Wednesday 14 May 2025 21:16
,
Katie Hawkinson
After testifying that Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly raped her in 2018, Cassie Ventura then told prosecutors she “tried to walk into traffic” but that her now-husband stopped her, according to Inner City Press.
Ventura said she then attended “trauma therapy.”
Prosecutors went on to ask Ventura what kind of pain Combs put her through.
“Shame, to carry the things that were shameful for him,” she said. “I took on a lot of responsibility for that that I never should have. He brought the concept to me when I was 22. It was expected of me.”
If you or someone you know is in distress, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988 or by visiting 988lifeline.org.
Cassie Ventura reveals 2023 lawsuit settlement amount
Wednesday 14 May 2025 21:20
,
Ariana Baio, Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura revealed she settled her November 2023 lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs for $20 million, according to Inner City Press.
“It settled for $20 million in 24 hours,” she testified.
The settlement amount was previously unknown.
When asked why she was testifying in Combs’s trial, Ventura responded: “I can't carry this anymore. What's wrong is wrong.”
Jury dismissed, cross-examination to begin tomorrow
Wednesday 14 May 2025 21:33
,
Katie Hawkinson
Judge Arun Subramanian has dismissed the jury for the day after prosecutors finished questioning Cassie Ventura.
The defense will start cross-examining the star witness tomorrow morning.
Day three recap: Prosecution ends questioning of star witness Cassie Ventura
Wednesday 14 May 2025 21:42
,
Kelly Rissman
Day three of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s sex trafficking trial has come to an end.
Star witness Cassie Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, spoke softly throughout the day and often rubbed her belly. She seemed to avoid making eye contact with Combs throughout her testimony.
Ventura was very emotional, wiping away tears when she discussed taking on too much responsibility “for [Combs’s] personal shame” when she was just 22 during the alleged “freak offs.”
She paused for a while before testifying that Combs raped her in August 2018, and her voice broke.
The overflow room was about half-full by the end of the day, with far fewer members of the public than earlier in the week.
Cross-examination will begin Thursday morning and is expected to span a day and a half.
Diddy witness plans to share things she ‘would’ve taken to the grave’ - but fears taking the stand
Wednesday 14 May 2025 22:35
,
Ariana Baio
A former employee of Sean “Diddy” Combs is planning to testify against him in his sex trafficking case and share details that the employee would have taken “to her grave” before his arrest, her lawyer claims.
While Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura is serving as the government’s star witness in the case against Combs, the music mogul allegedly abused other people around him – including a former employee who is going by the pseudonym “Mia.”
“Candidly, her nerves are through the roof,” an attorney representing Mia said in court on Wednesday. “She would’ve taken these things to her grave. These are the worst things that ever happened to her.”
Keep reading:
Cassie Ventura to return to witness stand for third consecutive day
10:58
,
James Liddell
The prosecution’s star witness Casandra “Cassie” Ventura is due to be cross-examined by the defense, having detailed an alleged pattern of physical abuse, psychological distress and sexual degradation at the hands of Sean “Diddy” Combs during Wednesday’s testimony.
Day four of Combs’ sex trafficking trial is due to resume later this morning at Manhattan Federal Court.
Deep breaths and silence: Jury reacts to images from Diddy’s ‘freak-offs’
11:15
,
James Liddell
At the start of Wednesday’s afternoon session at Manhattan Federal Court, seven still images from freak-off videos, which were described by Cassie Ventura throughout her testimony, were shown to the jury, leaving the court falling silent.
One juror took a deep breath and placed a hand on her chest while viewing the images, while another juror appeared to move his eyes away quickly after glancing at the pictures, per CNN.
Some jurors didn’t visibly react as they viewed the images, The Washington Post reported. Some looked at the photos just once before glaring up again, while some took second or third looks
The pictures are not available to the media. Reporters, however, could watch the jury as they viewed the photos.
ICYMI: Diddy allegedly threatened to blow up Kid Cudi's car
11:20
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs threatened to blow up the car of rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, after he discovered their 2011 relationship.
“Sean wanted Scott’s friends to see Scott’s car get blown up,” according to her testimony.
Ventura says she broke up with Mescudi over fears Combs would hurt them both.
When Combs found emails between Ventura and a member of Mescudi’s staff in 2011, she testified that Combs lunged at her and threatened her with a wine bottle opener.
In full: Cassie accuses Diddy of raped and reveals $20m civil suit settlement
11:59
,
James Liddell
An emotionally packed day of testimony from Sean Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, ended with shocking revelations – how she claimed the abuse from the music mogul lasted for years, how she tried to harm herself and how the superstar raped her when they broke up in 2018.
Ventura has spent more than two days on the witness stand and is expected to resume her testimony Thursday. Towards the end of Wednesday, she made several revelations about his relationship with Diddy. She also testified that he paid her a $20 million settlement to end her civil suit against him.
Ariana Baio looks at the key moments in Wednesday’s hearing:
In sketches: Day two of Cassie Ventura's bombshell testimony
12:35
,
James Liddell
Lines dwindle in downtown Manhattan
12:52
,
James Liddell
Reporter Kelly Rissaman is in line outside the courthouse on a hazy morning in downtown Manhattan, with Casandra “Cassie” Ventura scheduled to be cross-examined by the defense soon.
Someone tried to sell me their spot in line for $10 – a significant drop from the $300 price tag on Monday, Kelly writes. The line has dwindled down to almost exclusively press.
Recap: Cassie Ventura's bombshell testimony at witness stand
13:15
,
Kelly Rissman, James Liddell
Star witness Cassie Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, spoke softly throughout day three of the trial and often rubbed her belly. She seemed to avoid making eye contact with Sean Combs throughout her testimony.
Ventura was very emotional, wiping away tears when she discussed taking on too much responsibility for Combs’ “personal shame,” which started at the age of just 22 when the alleged “freak-offs” began.
She paused for a while before testifying that Combs raped her in August 2018, and her voice broke.
The star witness also revealed for the first time that she sued Combs in November 2023. The court heard that the rapper settled the lawsuit for $20 million a day later.
Much of the jury remained stony-faced and silent as it was shown images taken from a video of one of Combs’ alleged freak-offs.
Ventura told the court that the freak-offs videos were “blackmail materials” that Combs threatened to release to humiliate her.
Prosecutors showed several photos depicting bruises on Ventura’s face and body, which were sustained, she said, in beatings that happened “too frequently.”
The overflow room was about half-full by the end of the day, with far fewer members of the public than earlier in the week.
Which celebrities may be been mentioned during Diddy's trial?
13:45
,
James Liddell
The sex-trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continues in Manhattan federal court, where jurors heard testimony that mentioned a few A-list stars.
The list of 190 celebrities spans beloved Hollywood actors and elite musicians who may be referenced during the trial, including Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers and Kanye West, among others, according to Variety.
Isabel Keane details some of the celebrities who could be referenced during the trial:
Testimony to resume in 30 minutes
14:00
,
James Liddell
Thursday’s court session for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial has begun at Manhattan Federal Court, with the jury expected to be brought in at around 9.30 a.m. this morning.
The prosecution’s star witness Casandra “Cassie” Ventura is due to be cross-examined by the defense attorney Anna Estevao this morning.
Just in: Diddy arrives in courtroom
14:01
,
James Liddell
Sean “Diddy” Combs has arrived from jail and is in the courtroom, the Washington Post reported.
He is sitting on the defense bench wearing a sweater and a white collared shirt.
Judge addresses text message issue before Cassie's cross-examination
14:15
,
James Liddell
Judge Arun Subramanian said that he’d address concerns over the handling of certain text messages in the case at 8.30 a.m. this morning – approximately one hour before testoony is scheduled ot start, according to CNN.
Prosecutors voiced concerns about the defense bringing in text messages that reference Casandra “Cassie” Ventura having sex with someone other than Sean “Diddy” Combs or an escort.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said his team wants the jury to see exchanges between Combs and Ventura that reference infidelity and jealousy that use a more “vulgar” vocabulary.
“This is the real-world way that people express hurt over realization that there’s cheating going on,” he said.
New suit: Accuser details Diddy’s ‘violent sexual assault’
14:28
,
James Liddell
Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been hit with a new civil suit from a “Jane Doe” plaintiff who alleges he violently assaulted her in 2001. The legal filing is separate from the trial in New York, where he faces sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
According to the complaint filed today in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, the plaintiff alleged Diddy raped her at his Park Avenue apartment the last time they saw each other.
The rapper is the defendant in multiple similar civil suits relating to sexual assault, with many centered on his alleged “freak off” parties. He is also facing criminal charges in relation to many allegations, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
In recounting the alleged incident in court documents, the unnamed woman gave an unflattering description of his penis, saying that it appeared to be “the length and girth of a large tootsie roll,” later describing him as “itty bitty Diddy,” according to court records.
Oliver O’Connell has the details.
Cassie Ventura returns to witness stand
14:41
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura has returned to the stand for the third day of her testimony.
She’s wearing a light-colored blouse with a tuxedo-style jacket, The Washington Post reports. Her hair is tied back.
She will now face cross-examination from Sean “Diddy” Combs’s defense team.
Defense asks Cassie Ventura if she loved Diddy
14:49
,
Katie Hawkinson
Sean “Diddy” Combs’s defense attorney Anna Estevao began her cross-examiniation by asking Cassie Ventura if she loved the music mogul.
“I did,” Ventura responded.
Estevao then asked: “Others called him Diddy or Puff Daddy, but you called him Sean, right?”
“Yes,” Ventura said.
“To you, he was Sean,” Estevao added. “You knew the real Sean that other people didn’t see.”
Who is defense attorney Anna Estevao?
14:54
,
Katie Hawkinson
Sean “Diddy” Combs’s attorney Anna Estevao is cross-examining star witness Cassie Ventura today.
She’s a partner at the New York law firm Harris Trzaskoma LLP, and formerly clerked for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Estevao said she was “proud” to represent Combs during a hearing in October 2024.
Defense attorneys signal potential argument as Ventura's cross-examination begins
15:00
,
Ariana Baio
Defense attorneys have already hinted at the argument they plan to make: Sean “Diddy” Combs and Cassie Ventura had a long relationship filled with a lot of love but also a lot of jealousy, which ultimately fueled violent arguments.
But they’ve maintained that the sour side of the relationship did not amount to sex trafficking, racketeering, or transportation for prostitution.
Defense reveals early emails between Cassie Ventura and Diddy
15:04
,
Katie Hawkinson
The defense showed the jury emails between Cassie Ventura and Sean “Diddy” Combs from January 2008, early in their relationship, CNN reports.
Combs wrote: “It makes me so happy that you would fly to ATL just to see me.”
“I love you, I miss you, can’t wait to hold you,” he added.
Ventura wrote back: “I’m a very lucky woman. I miss you so much. I’d fly wherever you needed me, whenever. I love you.”
Jury sees texts between Cassie Ventura and Diddy
15:22
,
Katie Hawkinson
The defense showed the jury several text messages between Cassie Ventura and Sean “Diddy” Combs.
This included an exchange from two-and-a-half years into their relationship, CNN reported.
“Going to sleep now so it can be tomorrow faster,” Ventura wrote. “I love you.”
“Love my baby,” Combs responded.
Ventura then sent Combs a smiley-face, to which he responded: “I love you so much it consumes my life…”
The defense also shared an April 2010 email from Ventura, expressing that she wanted more “attention” from Combs.
“I haven’t talked to you AT ALL, I know you can take 3 minutes out of your day to talk to me and you don’t even try,” she wrote to Combs.
“You’re in too much of a rush to get me off of the phone,” she added. “That’s not being in a relationship with someone that you love and are in love with. I am really hurt by the way you deal with me, I don’t need your money, I need some attention. I am thankful, but I can pay for these things myself.”
Defense asks Cassie Ventura if she did 'freak offs' to make Diddy happy
15:29
,
Katie Hawkinson
Defense attorney Anna Estevao asked Cassie Ventura if she told Sean “Diddy” Combs she wanted to participate in “freak offs” to “make him happy.”
“There’s a lot more to that,” Ventura responded, according to CNN.
Earlier this week, Ventura testified that she would have sex with other men at Combs’s direction during these “freak offs.” The first one happened when she was 22, she said.
Ventura told prosecutors earlier this week she felt she couldn’t say no to the “freak offs” after Combs allegedly blackmailed her with images from the encounters.
Cassie Ventura asks for short break amid 'freak off' questioning
15:34
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura requested a break as the defense asked about her “freak offs” with Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The judge granted her request. The court is now on a short recess.
Diddy's family returns to courtroom
15:39
,
Katie Hawkinson
Sean “Diddy” Combs’s mother and sons arrived at Manhattan federal court earlier this morning to support him as Cassie Ventura testifies for a third day.
Combs’s family has supported him throughout the week. Combs’s twin daughters attended earlier this week, but have since traveled back to California for their high school prom this weekend, CNN reports.
Cassie Ventura returns to stand
15:51
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura has returned to the stand after requesting a short break.
The defense will continue cross-examining her. Before the break, defense attorney Anna Estevao had brought up emails Ventura sent to Sean “Diddy” Combs about their alleged “freak offs.”
Cassie Ventura told Diddy she's 'always ready to freak-off'
16:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
Defense attorney Anna Estevao asked Cassie Ventura about a message she sent to Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2009.
"I'm always ready to 'freak-off' lol," Ventura wrote.
Ventura testified earlier this week that she only went along with Combs’s “freak offs” because she was afraid of physical violence and was concerned he would release footage from the encounters.
Diddy starts taking notes as Cassie Ventura discusses explicit messages
16:20
,
Katie Hawkinson
Sean “Diddy” Combs has started taking notes in the courtroom as his attorney questions Cassie Ventura about explicit texts she sent him while planning “freak offs.”
This is the first time Combs has taken notes during his trial, according to the New York Post.
Diddy invited Britney Spears to Cassie Ventura's 21st birthday party
16:22
,
Katie Hawkinson
Sean “Diddy” Combs invited Britney Spears to Cassie Ventura’s 21st birthday party in Las Vegas.
"Sean was there and he brought Dallas Austin, Britney Spears," Ventura testified Thursday. "I think those were the two people that stand out to me."
Combs kissed Ventura for the first time the night of the party, she told the court.
Ventura told Combs she wanted to feel 'safe' during 'freak offs'
16:39
,
Katie Hawkinson
Defense attorney Anna Estevao asked Cassie Ventura about a series of messages she sent Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2009 about their “freak offs.”
Ventura told Combs she wanted to “feel safe, like home” so she can be “more open with the things we do in bed,” CNN reports.
“The last time was a mistake but since has made me feel a little dirty and grimy as opposed to sexual and spontaneous,” Ventura’s message continued. “That’s the only reason why I go back and forth in my mind with wanting and not wanting to do it.”
Cassie Ventura laughs as she recalls 2007 messages with Diddy
16:49
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura laughed as defense attorney Anna Estevao presented her with an email she sent 18 years ago to Sean “Diddy” Combs.
“It’s making me giggle because it’s from 2007,” Ventura said.
“I know,” Estevao responded. “We’re taking you back.”
In the email, Ventura told Combs she was “grateful” to be in his life but was worried he was “constantly weary” of her.
Defense asks Cassie Ventura about 2023 lawsuit
17:03
,
Katie Hawkinson
Defense attorney Anna Estevao asked Cassie Ventura if she “understands” her 2023 lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs “ruined” his career.
"I could understand that," Ventura responded.
Ventura filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, accusing him of rape and prolonged abuse. Combs settled the lawsuit for $20 million, Ventura revealed in court yesterday for the first time.
Cassie Ventura describes relationship with Ryan Leslie
17:16
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura testified about Ryan Leslie, a singer-songwriter she was dating when she started forming a relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Ventura sent Combs an email in 2007 describing herself as “sneaky” for cheating on Leslie, The Washington Post reports.
Ventura said her relationship with Leslie was somewhat serious, revealing she has a tattoo of his initials.
Leslie is eight years older than Ventura, while Combs is 17 years older than her.
Court breaks for lunch
17:34
The judge has called for a lunch recess until 1 p.m.
Cassie Ventura will continue facing cross-examination from defense attorney Anna Estevao after the break.
Court resumes and Cassie Ventura returns to the stand
18:31
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura has returned to the stand after a lunch break this afternoon.
During the break, Judge Arun Subramanian told Sean “Diddy” Combs’s attorneys they need to finish cross-examining Ventura by tomorrow.
“The direct took a day and a half, so the defense will have a day and a half. So you have today, you have the morning tomorrow,” Subramanian said, according to CNN.
“If there’s something that really needs to be done after the lunch break, then you can have some additional time at my discretion,” he added.
Mid-day recap: Cassie Ventura faces cross-examination
18:40
,
Kelly Rissman
Cassie Ventura is facing her first day of cross-examination from Sean “Diddy” Combs’s attorneys.
The defense “dumped” 400 exhibits overnight, the prosecution said, so the day has been bogged down in the technicalities of attorneys reviewing documents.
Ventura has been asked to read lengthy printed documents — up to 26 pages long — only for the defense to read small excerpts from them.
Combs’s attorneys have been trying to capture the moments in which Ventura has said she loves him, misses him and seemed willing to participate in “freak offs.” One message showed her setting one up. In another, Ventura said she “can’t wait” for a “freak off.” She told the court she loved Combs and “believed he loved me too.”
Ventura is wearing a white button-down collared shirt under a black blazer with shiny lapels. Her hair is slicked back in a high ponytail, except for a few face-framing pieces in front. At one point, the defense called her “very beautiful and charming.” She thanked the attorney in response.
In another moment, Combs’s attorney asked if Ventura would read an October 2007 email. She responded: “It’s making me giggle because it’s from 2007.”
Combs is wearing a tan sweater and light-colored pants. Throughout the day, he appeared relaxed, slumped in the back of his chair with his arms at his side.
Defense shares more messages about Diddy's 'freak off'
18:59
,
Katie Hawkinson
Defense attorney Anna Estevao showed the jury a conversation about “freak offs” between Cassie Ventura and Sean “Diddy” Combs from 2017.
In the messages, Ventura had accused Combs of playing the victim, CNN reports.
“That’s all you wanted and that’s why I was upset,” Ventura wrote. “I love our [Freak Offs] when we both want it.”
But Ventura said that message was “just words.”
“I would say that loving ‘Freak Offs’ were just words at that point,” she testified today.
Cassie Ventura says she was 'jealous' of Diddy's relationship with Kim Porter
19:18
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura told defense attorney Anna Estevao she was “jealous” of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s relationship with model and actress Kim Porter.
"I had some jealousy toward Ms. Porter, yeah," she testified.
Porter and Combs had three children together. Porter died in 2018 at 47 years old.
Ventura said it would upset her when Combs spent time with Porter and their kids during holidays.
Cassie Ventura says defense 'skipped over' a lot of material
19:35
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura said that Sean “Diddy” Combs’s defense team appears to be skipping over material.
The remark came after defense attorney Anna Estevao moved on from a lengthy text exchange between Ventura and Combs about seeing each other in New York.
“This isn’t about what I feel is relevant right now, right? Because there’s a lot we skipped over,” Ventura said.
Estevao didn’t appear to acknowledge the question, CNN reports.
Cassie Ventura used a burner phone so Diddy wouldn't discover messages with Kid Cudi
19:45
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura said she used a burner phone to contact rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi. The pair dated in 2011 while she was on-and-off with Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Ventura said she used a burner because it would be “too dangerous” for Combs to discover they were talking, even while they were split up.
"I did not want [Combs] to find out,” Ventura testified. “I thought it would be way too dangerous.”
Yesterday, Ventura testified that Combs threatened her with a wine bottle opener after he discovered her relationship with Mescudi.
Diddy addresses reporters during brief break
20:08
,
Katie Hawkinson
Sean “Diddy” Combs addressed reporters inside Manhattan federal court Thursday during a brief break.
"How you doing?" he said, addressing some reporters sitting near the back of the courtroom.
He spent the rest of the break conferring with his attorneys, the Associated Press reports.
Cassie Ventura reveals details of alleged drug use with Diddy
20:29
,
Katie Hawkinson
Cassie Ventura said she and Sean “Diddy” Combs called each other “get high partners” while testifying today.
"Part of the reason you wanted to participate in the 'freak-offs' was to have your time with him? It was a special time with him you cherished?" defense attorney Anna Estevao asked.
"Yes," Ventura replied.
Ventura also said Combs was “explosive” if he found out she was taking drugs without him knowing or while with friends.
“If we weren’t getting high, or if I wasn’t doing it with him, it was a problem,” she testified.
Cassie Ventura discusses night Diddy allegedly overdosed
20:44
,
Katie Hawkinson
Sean “Diddy” Combs’s attorneys asked Cassie Ventura about a time the music mogul overdosed on opiates at the Playboy Mansion in February 2012.
“That evening, we had a 'freak-off.' We went to a sex club in San Bernardino,” she testified. “And then he had a party at the Playboy Mansion that night, and I went home.”
“From what he told me, he took a very strong opiate that night, but we didn’t know what was happening, so we took him to the hospital,” she added.
Defense attorney Anna Estevao asked if Ventura “learned” that Combs overdosed afterward.
Ventura replied: “A very strong opiate, yes.”
Cassie Ventura recalls impacts of drug use
21:15
Cassie Ventura testified earlier this afternoon she became sick from drug use in early 2017.
Ventura previously testified that she would take drugs during her regular “freak offs” with Sean “Diddy” Combs.
“I lost all sense of smell and taste when I woke up, and I had numbing in my arm,” she said.
Combs noticed her symptoms and suggested she see a doctor.
The drugs also left her with “stomach issues and gastrointestinal issues,” Ventura testified yesterday.
Defense suggests Diddy was going through withdrawal during 2016 hotel assault
21:37
,
Katie Hawkinson
Defense attorney Anna Estevao suggested Sean “Diddy” Combs was going through withdrawals when he allegedly assaulted Cassie Ventura at an InterContinental Hotel in 2016, CNN reports.
Estevao showed the jury text messages between Combs and Ventura leading up to the hotel incident. The pair discussed Combs having symptoms that Estevao suggested are consistent with drug withdrawal.
Ventura said she didn’t recall Combs going through withdrawal at the time.
Read more about the alleged assault — which was caught on video — from The Independent’s Mike Bedigan:
Recap: Defense focuses on text exchanges and Cassie Ventura's drug use
22:23
,
Kelly Rissman
The defense spent the first day of their cross-examination underscoring Cassie Ventura’s drug addiction and showcasing text exchanges where she seemed to initiate the “freak offs.”
They also discussed her infidelity and her jealousy. Ventura pushed back on some of the questions but remained composed. At one point, she asked if she could speak after she was interrupted. She also said “thank you” when the defense attorney said she didn’t have to read some explicit texts out loud.
The defense al
