At a recent sex trafficking trial in Manhattan, Regina Ventura, the mother of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs demanded US$20,000 (approximately A$31,150) from her after learning about Cassie’s new relationship with rapper Kid Cudi. Regina recounted feeling “physically sick” upon reading an email from Cassie in late 2011, indicating that Combs had threatened to release explicit videos of her and harm both her and Cudi.
Regina described her confusion over the situation and confirmed that Combs’s fury stemmed from his discontent over Cassie’s decision to date someone else. To protect her daughter, Regina took out a home equity loan to pay the demanded sum, though the money was returned shortly afterward, and Cassie resumed her relationship with Combs. During her brief testimony, which lasted less than thirty minutes with no cross-examination from the defence, Regina presented photos of bruises on Cassie’s body from Christmas 2011. Despite the defence’s argument that her testimony was prejudicial, the judge allowed it, citing the potential for extortion.
In related news, federal agents described a raid on Combs’s mansion in March 2024, where they discovered firearms and various items associated with his alleged sexual exploits, including lingerie and sex toys. Homeland Security Agent Gerard Gannon provided details on the raid, which involved significant resources, due to concerns about Combs’s activities. Combs, who maintains his innocence, faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life if convicted.
Testimony from David James, Combs’s personal assistant from 2007 to 2009, painted a troubling picture of Combs’s lifestyle. James recounted his resignation after a disturbing incident where he was forced to drive while Combs, seated with handguns, displayed dangerous behaviour. He also described the unusual requirements of his job, including stocking hotel rooms with personal items ranging from vodka to Viagra, and witnessing Combs’s erratic actions.
Cassie previously testified that Combs threatened to release compromising videos if she did not comply with his demands. Additionally, James noted that he was subjected to lie detector tests when money went missing and alleged that Combs was under the influence of drugs nearly every day. Another assistant also recalled a concerning moment when he witnessed Combs bring firearms during a confrontation with a rival, which heightened fears for his safety.
Further testimonies included accounts from exotic dancers, revealing the excesses of Combs’s lifestyle involving “freak-offs,” a term hinting at extravagant parties and sexual encounters. One dancer described being hired under false pretences and later encountering Combs during one of these events. The ongoing trial is expected to continue for several weeks, delving deeper into the allegations surrounding Combs’s conduct.