New York, May 14, 2025 – In a harrowing testimony, Casandra Ventura—known widely as “Cassie”—told a Manhattan courtroom that hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs exercised full control over her life and coerced her into humiliating sexual acts during their years-long relationship. Her tearful account became a centerpiece in the ongoing Diddy sex trafficking case.
Ventura, now 38 and expecting her third child, met Combs at age 19 as an aspiring singer. She described a relationship filled with manipulation, emotional and physical abuse. “He paid for my house, car, and phone—and then would take them away to punish me,” she recounted on the stand.
Allegations of Physical Abuse and Psychological Control
During the testimony, Ventura alleged that Combs beat her regularly. “He would bash my head, knock me over, drag me, and kick me,” she said through tears. Bruises, swollen lips, and black eyes were common results of his rage, according to her.
She told jurors Combs micromanaged her appearance, dictated her movements, and used material support as a tool for punishment. The prosecution aims to show these patterns of control as part of a broader sex trafficking and abuse framework, a charge defined under U.S. federal law on human trafficking.
Revealing the ‘Freak-Offs’
A large portion of her testimony focused on the so-called “freak-offs,” where she was forced into sexual encounters with male escorts while Combs watched. “They made me feel worthless,” she said. These events sometimes lasted days and involved drug use to dissociate from the trauma.
“If Sean wanted something to happen, that was what was going to happen. I couldn’t say no,” she explained. Combs would pay male participants between $1,500 and $6,000, and arranged their travel through staff under the guise of hiring new employees.
Read more about how sex trafficking is prosecuted in the US.
Global Pattern of Abuse
Ventura described these coercive encounters occurring in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Ibiza. Combs allegedly selected the outfits, the sexual acts, and even the lighting. Photos of escorts, such as Daniel Phillip, were presented in court.
The New York Times reported similar testimony from other witnesses, corroborating Ventura’s story and helping prosecutors build their racketeering and trafficking case.
Next Steps in the Trial
Combs has pleaded not guilty. His legal team is expected to cross-examine Ventura later this week. Crowds including Combs’ family and supporters continue to fill the courtroom.
The case has triggered a national conversation about celebrity privilege and abuse. For a broader look at stars under legal scrutiny, visit our piece on celebrities facing legal trouble in 2025.
For more updates on this story and others like it, visit our Celebrity News section or review our comprehensive coverage of Sean Combs’ legal troubles.
