Cassie Ventura told a New York court she would return a $20 million (£15 million) legal settlement from Sean “Diddy” Combs if it meant avoiding what she described as “humiliating” drug-fuelled sex parties.
She firmly denied claims that her lawsuit was driven by financial motives. Over four days of testimony, Ventura described a ten-year relationship with Combs that, she said, involved control, abuse, and fear.
The prosecution named Ventura as its key witness. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting people for prostitution. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.
Ventura describes coercion and abuse by combs
Ventura claimed Combs forced her into sex sessions he called “freak-offs.” These encounters, which involved male escorts, happened under threats, she said.
She told the court that these experiences caused physical harm and derailed her music career. The defence argued that financial stress may have pushed her to file the lawsuit, noting she had moved back in with her parents. However, Ventura rejected that view.
She made clear that no amount of money could undo the trauma. “I would have agency and autonomy,” she told the court.
Further claims and key evidence
To undermine her credibility, the defence presented dozens of text messages between Ventura and Combs. Their team said the messages showed a turbulent but not criminal relationship.
They also questioned her about another legal settlement. Ventura confirmed she expected around $10 million from InterContinental Hotels. The payment related to an incident in 2016, when Combs allegedly assaulted her at a Los Angeles hotel.
Prosecutors played CCTV footage from the hotel. It showed Combs hitting, kicking, and dragging Ventura in a hallway. Afterward, she messaged him: “I’m not a rag doll. I’m somebody’s child.” Yet messages exchanged days later included affectionate words.
Witness testimonies reinforce claims
The prosecution introduced more witnesses before the court adjourned for the weekend.
One of them, singer Dawn Richard—formerly of the girl group Danity Kane—said she saw Combs attack Ventura in 2009. “She fell down,” Richard said. “She was in the foetal position.” Richard added that Combs warned her to stay silent, telling her “people go missing” where he comes from.
Another witness, US Homeland Security agent Yasin Binda, described what police found in Combs’ hotel room. They seized cash, drugs, and baby oil.
More witnesses are expected to testify next week. Public interest in the trial remains high, with crowds gathering outside the Manhattan courthouse and some queuing overnight to watch the proceedings.
