Set off Warning: This text accommodates mentions of s*xual abuse.
R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura took the stand on Tuesday as a key witness within the federal s*x trafficking trial towards music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Her husband, Alex Effective, was additionally current within the courtroom to assist her.
The testimony began with Ventura speaking in regards to the arguments and fights she had with Diddy throughout their relationship. Ventura revealed that small arguments would usually finish in horrific bodily abuse.
“He would … knock me over, drag me, kick me, stomp me within the head if I used to be down,” Ventura advised the courtroom.
When requested about “freak-offs,” Ventura stated it concerned a male escort and establishing an expertise for Diddy and performing bizarre s*xual acts. She added that Combs would direct the efficiency, and he or she agreed to become involved as a result of she beloved him and needed to make him pleased.
Ventura additionally stated she did not really feel she had any alternative however to take part within the freak-offs as a result of she feared making him offended or uncomfortable by saying “No.” Combs managed a lot of her life, she claimed.
Diddy even blackmailed her with movies of the “freak-offs” in addition to threatened her with violence. She stated, “It was at all times behind my thoughts that I might in some way be harm by him. Sean is a very polarizing individual, additionally very charming. So it is onerous to have the ability to determine in that second what you want when he is telling you what he desires.”
Ventura, who as soon as dated Combs and was signed to his report label, first got here ahead publicly in 2023 when she filed a lawsuit accusing him of abuse and forcing her into degrading s*xual acts at events. Though the lawsuit was settled only a day later, it sparked a wave of comparable accusations from different people and led to a deeper federal investigation.
Combs now faces 5 critical prison fees, together with s*x trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for pr*stitution. If convicted, he may face 15 years to life in jail.
The trial started on Monday with opening statements, adopted by emotional testimony from different alleged victims. Probably the most disturbing moments got here when the jury was proven resort surveillance footage from 2016. The video appeared to indicate Combs dragging and assaulting Ventura in a resort foyer.
Combs has pleaded not responsible to all fees and denies any wrongdoing.
Disclaimer: For those who want assist or know somebody who’s combating home violence or assault or abuse, please attain out to your nearest psychological well being specialist or NGO or converse to somebody about it. There are a number of helplines accessible for a similar.
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