In a gripping and emotional testimony that rocked a New York courtroom, singer Casandra Ventura, known professionally as Cassie, recounted harrowing details of alleged abuse and control she endured during her tumultuous 11-year relationship with hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, per bbc.com. Ventura, now 38 and visibly tearful, painted a picture of a controlling partner who allegedly orchestrated “humiliating” sex acts and subjected her to frequent physical violence.
As the prosecution’s star witness in Diddy’s sex-trafficking trial, Ventura described how the powerful music executive, whom she met as a 19-year-old aspiring artiste, exerted dominance over every aspect of her life. From dictating her appearance and career choices to allegedly confiscating her phone and cars as punishment, Ventura claimed Combs sought absolute control.
The most disturbing revelations centred around so-called “freak-offs,” sexual encounters involving male escorts that Ventura said Combs coerced her into participating in while he watched. She testified that these encounters, sometimes lasting for days, left her feeling “horrible” and “worthless.” Ventura alleged that she resorted to using various drugs, including marijuana, ecstasy and ketamine, to cope with the humiliating experiences and “disassociate.”
Ventura further claimed that Combs meticulously directed these encounters, choosing her attire, the specific sexual acts and even the lighting. “If Sean wanted something to happen, that was what was going to happen,” she stated, emphasising her inability to refuse his demands. She detailed instances where Combs allegedly flew in male escorts to various locations, including Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas and Ibiza, often instructing her to arrange their travel under the guise of new employees.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution, had a strong contingent of family and friends present in court to support him. His legal team has yet to cross-examine Ventura, whose testimony is expected to continue on Wednesday.
The trial has drawn significant media attention, casting a harsh light on the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry and the alleged abuse of power.
•Featured image: Diddy & Cassie/Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
