New York: Pop singer Dawn Richard testified in Manhattan federal court that she repeatedly witnessed hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs physically abusing his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, known professionally as Cassie. Richard’s testimony came during the fifth day of Combs’ high-profile sex trafficking trial, which has captured national attention due to his long-standing influence in the music industry.
Richard recounted a 2009 incident at Combs’ Los Angeles residence where she said she saw Combs violently assault Ventura. She described Combs dragging Ventura upstairs by her hair, followed by the sound of breaking glass and screams.
“He came down the stairs screaming, belligerent, asking where his food was and proceeded to hit her over the head and beat her on the ground in front of us,” Richard testified.
She further claimed that the following day, Combs summoned her and others who witnessed the attack into a studio, gave them flowers, and warned that speaking about the incident could jeopardize their careers.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five felony charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. He has been held at a Brooklyn jail since his September arrest. If convicted on all charges, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and could potentially be sentenced to life.
Ventura, 38, previously testified that Combs coerced her into participating in drug-fueled sex parties he dubbed “Freak Offs,” which are central to the prosecution’s case. She described a pattern of physical and emotional abuse over their 11-year relationship.
Richard is scheduled to continue her testimony next week. She has also filed a civil lawsuit against Combs, alleging she was subjected to inhumane working conditions, including groping and repeated assaults. The suit claims Richard personally witnessed Combs physically abusing Ventura on multiple occasions.
Jurors were also shown photographs of items recovered from Combs’ hotel room on the day of his arrest, including baby oil, lubricant, bags of cocaine, and other drugs, some of which were prescribed to individuals other than Combs.
During the presentation of drug evidence, Combs appeared visibly agitated, placing his hand on his forehead and conversing with his attorneys. Prosecutors handed jurors bags of pink powder that a witness testified tested positive for MDMA and ketamine, along with bags of cash.
Defense Scrutinizes Rape Allegation
Combs’ attorney, Anna Estevao, sought to challenge Ventura’s credibility regarding her allegation that Combs raped her in 2018. She presented text messages from a month after the alleged assault that suggested continued consensual communication and potential plans to meet.
“You don’t say anything to the effect of, ‘Last time we saw each other you raped me?'” Estevao asked.
“Right,” Ventura responded.
Ventura previously testified that Combs raped her at her home following their breakup.
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“I just remember crying and saying no but it was very fast,” she said.
During redirect questioning by prosecutors, Ventura stood by her account, asserting that she was certain Combs raped her, though she admitted to having consensual sex with him weeks afterward.
Combs, who rose to fame as Puff Daddy and later as P. Diddy, founded Bad Boy Records and played a major role in launching the careers of major artists such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, the Notorious B.I.G., and Usher.
Ventura Says Testimony Was About ‘Doing the Right Thing’
Part of the criminal charges stem from Ventura’s civil lawsuit filed in November 2023. She testified that Combs agreed to settle the suit within 24 hours for $20 million.
Asked about her decision to testify, Ventura told jurors she was motivated by a desire to speak the truth after enduring years of emotional trauma.
“I came here to do the right thing,” she said.
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Ventura added that she would return the $20 million settlement if it meant never having to participate in the “Freak Offs.”
Following her court appearance, her attorney Douglas Wigdor read a statement on her behalf: “For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember, and the more I can remember, the more I will never forget.”
In a related development, representatives for pop star Justin Bieber issued a statement clarifying that Bieber is not a victim of Combs. However, they affirmed his support for individuals seeking justice. The clarification followed online speculation spurred by resurfaced videos of Combs and Bieber spending time together, which had prompted concerns about potential misconduct.
