Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Cassie Ventura

pressed on drug use,

Kid Cudi relationship, 'freak off' videos

For a third day, Ventura is testifying against the mogul as the government's star witness.

Where the sex trafficking trial stands
Cassie Ventura faced cross-examination from Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers today. She testified about the start of her relationship with Combs and responded to graphic texts and emails about "freak offs" — the drug-fueled orgies allegedly orchestrated by Combs.
Defense attorneys tried to portray Ventura as a loving partner to Combs who willingly participated in the "freak offs," and attempted to link the volatility of the relationship to drug use and jealousy. Ventura testified Combs was extremely upset over her affair with rapper Kid Cudi and admitted she was jealous of Combs' ex-girlfriend, Kim Porter.
Ventura had previously testified that she was frequently physically abused by the rap mogul, suffered multiple medical issues as a result of constant "freak offs"

and that she was blackmailed with sex videos.
Combs faces five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has vociferously denied the allegations against him.
This live briefing may include graphic descriptions of sexual violence. For resources on sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.
Sign up for the “Diddy on Trial” newsletter for key developments and analysis, and listen to Dateline's nightly podcast.

8h ago / 2:29 PM PDT

Dawn Richard expected to be next witness for government

Adam Reiss

Reporting from New York City

Dawn Richard, a former member of the girl group Danity Kane, is expected to take the witness stand on Friday once lawyers finish questioning Ventura, prosecutor Maurene Comey said.

Richard last year filed a lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of groping, assaulting and imprisoning her.

The court is in recess until 9 a.m. EDT tomorrow.

Judge: Adjourned

8h / 2:12 PM

Judge: If there are more issues, someone needs to email the Court

8h / 2:09 PM

Judge: Have your next witnesses ready tomorrow. Who are they?
AUSA: Dawn Richard...

8h / 2:04 PM

Judge: Thank you Ms. Ventura, no discussions with the Government, we'll see you tomorrow. Everyone else may be seated.
[Witness leaves]
Judge: How much more?
Estevao: Let me check.
AUSA Johnson: Half an hour on re-direct
Agnifilo: We'll figure it out tomorrow

8h / 2:01 PM

Combs' Estevao: The drugs were bad MDMA, right?
Ventura: I have no idea.
Judge: It's 5 o'clock, jurors you may go home. Do not look up anything about the case. All rise!

8h / 2:00 PM

Combs' Estevao: So you were turning to Johnny - was he a dancer or an escort?
Ventura: We hired him as a dancer but he did what an escort does.
Estevao: Do you remember the beginning of this freak off in the Inter Continental?
Ventura: Not really.

8h / 1:52 PM

Combs' Estevao He's saying it'd be a shorter than usual freak off?
Ventura: That's how I would understand it.
Estevao: What do you say?
Ventura: Kerry is here, we can't do it at my house.
Estevao: You say, That guy is sick. I'm not going to ask you what you meant

9h / 1:37 PM

Combs' Estevao: You say, Baby I want to F.O. so bad - you were asked in your direct, and said you didn't want him to ruin your premiere
Venture: Sure
Estevao: Mr. Combs says, If we start at 7 pm and go until 4 am, you can get enough rest after
Yes

9h / 1:27 PM

Combs' Estevao: Mr. Combs went to your premiere lunch at London hotel?
Ventura: He did.
Estevao: Then he says, I just got out of a spiritual therapy session.
Ventura: I asked, How did it go
Estevao: He said it's a process. This is leading up to the hotel incident

9h / 1:21 PM

Ventura: Could we just clarify what time these messages are really from, with the UCT?
AUSA: There's a stipulation on that

9h / 1:17 PM

Combs' Estevao: You sent him an explicit message?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: He responded with Mmmm with a number of M's... He wrote, Too bad you have to work LOL
Ventura: He did.
Estevao: You ask him, Are you feeling better? Then he's discussing bodily function
Yes

9h / 1:11 PM

Judge Subramanian: We're in the home stretch of the day. Let's get our jury back... All rise!
[Jury entering]
Combs' Estevao: Is this from March 4?
AUSA: With UCT time it is March 3
Estevao: OK. Mr. Combs refers to accessories
Ventura: For the premiere

9h / 12:54 PM

Judge: We'll take a break then

9h / 12:52 PM

Combs' Estevao: You would heat up the baby oil?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: Now, is this from the day before the Inter Continental Hotel incident?
AUSA Johnson: This is a long document, we need time to read it

10h / 12:46 PM

Combs' Estevao: Ms. Morgan sued you and Mr. Combs?
Ventura: Made a demand.
Estavao: And you paid part of that?
Ventura: I did.
Estevao: And you haven't spoken with her since?
Ventura: Maybe one text.
Estevao: That was the relationship ender?
Yes

10h / 12:44 PM

Ventura: I saw the hanger. I saw he was angry that I was doing drugs with Kerry.
Estevao: This broke up your 17 year friendship with her?
Ventura: It did.
Estevao: Did you tell Mr. Combs about your relationship with your now-husband?
No

10h / 12:41 PM

Ventura: I did not go with them. So I don't think I said that
Combs' Estevao: You also did drugs with Ms. Morgan, right?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: Do you recall telling the government that you did NOT set what he did, hitting her in the head with a wooden hanger

10h / 12:38 PM

Combs' Estevao: Switching topics - when you say Mr. Combs went with guns to find Suge Knight, do you remember telling the government that you did go with them?
Ventura: No.
Estevao: Let me show you
AUSA: Just for the parties.

10h / 12:35 PM

Combs' Estevao: When Mr. Combs threw you off the boat in Cannes, when he accused you of taking drugs and squeezed your leg -
Ventura: Among other things.
Estevao: But you still wanted to be with him?
Ventura: I did.

10h / 12:30 PM

Combs' Estevao: The time after San Bernardino, you learned that he had overdosed?
Ventura: A very strong opiate, yes.
Estevao: Were you ever NOT addicted to painkillers?
Ventura: We took ibogaine
Estevao: Where did you get it?
Ventura: Cancun, Mexico. Separately

10h / 12:25 PM

Combs' Estevao: You tried to get into a rehab, the Golden Door?
Ventura: It was a spa... There was a time I lost all sense of smell and taste and woke up in a hospital with an IV in my arm - I tried then to get help.

10h / 12:20 PM

Ventura: I'm not sure.
Combs' Estevao: You got a life coach for your drug use - according to this document?
Ventura: I don't know who that person is.
Combs' Estavao: You were doing a lot of drugs?
Ventura: It was a rough time.

10h / 12:17 PM

Combs' Estevao: You told Ms. Khorram that you learned only after the fact that Mr. Combs had dangled Ms. Bongolan off the balcony?
Ventura: I'm not sure.
Estavao: You were on drugs?

10h / 12:11 PM

Combs' Estevao: Did you ever call yourselves Get High Partners?
Ventura: We did.
Estevao: Did you take drugs from him without him knowing it?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: What was he reaction?
Ventura: Explosive.
Estevao: Did he tell LA dealers not to deal to you?
Yes

10h / 12:04 PM

Ventura: Yes.
Combs' Estevao: For drugs, you'd both go to rehab?
Ventura: Rehab wasn't really a thing during our relationship.
Estevoa: The freak offs were an opportunity for you to take drugs together?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: You went a lot to Burning Man?
Yes.

10h / 12:02 PM

Combs' Estevao: Why were you asleep?
Ventura: A drink at the Abbey had something in it, I think
Estevao: Did Mr. Combs ever abuse you while he was inebriated, then say he didn't remember it?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: Did you feel he was not taking responsibility?

11h / 11:59 AM

Combs' Estevao: The eyebrow gash incident, what was it about?
Ventura: Didn't answer the phone and went to sleep, I was supposed to be packing for a trip.
Estevao: He was inebriated?
Ventura: I don't remember that.

11h / 11:56 AM

Combs' Estevao: The physical abuse, when did your father learn about it?
Ventura: Same time as my mother.
Estevao: Did Mr. Combs come to Connecticut to speak to your parents?
Ventura: I don't know if it was then.
Estevao: Kerry Morgan knew about the abuse?
Yes.

11h / 11:52 AM

Combs' Estevao: You sent a video not only to Mr. Combs but also to staff - who? D-Roc?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: You sent it to them because you were angry with all of them?
Ventura: I was hurt. I spent all my time with them.
Estevao: You thought they were in on it

11h / 11:49 AM

Combs' Estevao: You blocked him and focused on the movie, right?
Ventura: I tried my best.
Estevao: Mr. Combs suspected you of a relationship with whom?
Ventura: Michael B. Jordan

11h / 11:48 AM

Combs' Estevao: He suspected you of having an affair with another person in the industry - you were in South Africa filming?
Ventura: Yes, Honey 3 (laughs)
Estevao: While you were there you saw a photo of Mr. Combs with Gina and were irate, right?
Ventura: Angry

11h / 11:46 AM

Combs' Estevao: This came up later in your relationship, that you had cheated on him with Kid Cudi?
Ventura: He brought it up quite a bit.
Estevao: When he cheated, he said, Well you had an affair with Kid Cudi, right?
Ventura: Sometimes.

11h / 11:41 AM

Judge Subramanian: OK, let's get Ms. Ventura back, and the jury
[Jury enters]
Combs' Estevao: Your affair with Mr. Mescudi was only a month long but you got a burner phone for it?
Ventura: Right.
Estevao: Mr. Combs' kicked you in the back?
Ventura: Yes

11h / 11:25 AM

Judge: Let's take a break

11h / 11:22 AM

Combs' Estevao: After Mr. Combs found out by going through your phone, you went to see him - you knew he was upset, he previously attacked you
Ventura: Yes. I thought I'd be safer with other people there.

11h / 11:19 AM

Combs' Estevao: Why did you begin your relationship with Mr. Mescudi?
Ventura: We enjoyed each other's company.
Estevao: You were in a relationship with Mr. Combs?
Ventura: We were on a break.
Estevao: But you were still doing freak offs with him?
Ventura: Yes

11h / 11:15 AM

Combs' Estevao: Did there come a time he suspected you were in a relationship with someone in the industry - Mr. Mescudi?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: Mr. Combs thought it could be good for your career if you collaborated with Mr. Cudi - I mean, Mr. Mescudi
Ventura: Yes

11h / 11:11 AM 

Combs' Estevao: You wanted to be the main girlfriend?
Ventura: In 2013, yes.
Estevao: You saw social media posts of Mr. Combs with other girlfriends and got angry, right?
Ventura: Can I speak? I was jealous of certain situations.

11h / 11:09 AM

Combs' Estevao: If you saw him on social media on vacation with, it was heartbreaking?
Ventura: It could be. I was seven years in....
Estevao: And what about this, about Gina... You wrote, I don't want to be a side piece. But I'll treat you as a king

12h / 11:04 AM

Ventura: This is not about what I felt, right? Because you are skipping over a lot here...
Combs' Estevao: What did you write?
Ventura: As much as you think you're Bruce Willis, you're not. Your kids were babies when we started dating

12h / 10:56 AM

Combs' Estevao: You also saw the Book of Mormon?
Ventura: Yes (laughs)
Estevao: Masked Pleasure, if that a sex club?
Ventura: I would assume.
Estevao: He asks Are you ready for tonight. What do you say?
Ventura: Yes, I just have to get some things

12h / 10:54 AM

Combs' Estevao: He tells you, You better put me on VIP vibrate alarm or something. He's frustrated you don't answer his texts fast enough?
Ventura: Right.
Estevao: You tell him to come to NYC understanding there could be a freak out
Ventura: Maybe

12h / 10:52 AM

Combs' Estevao: Mr. Combs wrote to you, let's do something different in NYC this weekend... FYI Dave hit me. What does hit mean?
Ventura: Reached out.
Estevao: And Daniel contacted you. Did this mean you might have a freak off?
Ventura: Might.

12h / 10:46 AM

Combs' Estevao: How did you find out about Gina - how did you feel? Did it upset you?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: It prompted arguments?
Ventura: It did.
Estevao: And he thought you were not faithful - what were his reactions?
Ventura: It was scary

12h / 10:43 AM

Combs' Estevao: Mr. Combs wrote, Surprise package coming from out of state.. Why can't I reach you? What do you say?
Ventura: I was getting my brows done.
Estevao: Did you come to know Mr. Combs was leaving to freak off to go see Kim Porter?
Ventura: Yes

12h / 10:41 AM

Ventura: This was a game a friend of mine told me, a way to rekindle your romance
Combs' Estevao: By doing something different in the bedroom
Ventura: It's a whole getting into character thing
Estevao: Mr. Combs says, let's get some outfits and go to sex club

12h / 10:39 AM

Combs' Estevao: Mr. Combs' wrote, I've be there right after my session. This was in June 2017. Do you remember arguments you were having at that time?
Ventura: Not specifically.
Estevao: Here you say, the game starts at 10 pm, no breaking character to 8 am

12h / 10:33 AM

Combs' Estevao: What supplies?
Ventura: Lubricants, outfits.
Estevao: He says, Have fun, impress me. You say, OK. He says, Can we kiss a lot. What do you say?
Venture: Yes.
Estevao: You wrote, I left the iPad
Ventura: I don't know whose iPad this meant

12h / 10:30 AM

Combs' Estevao: Here, what do you say?
Ventura: I asked, Which hotel - I must have called him in between. I don't want to assume anything.
Estevao: He said Montage, you said, you could also go to Pleasure Chest. What would you get there?
Ventura: Sexual supplies

12h / 10:27 AM

Combs' Estevao: You could have said yes or no, and you said, Love you.
Ventura: There was no yes or no.
Estevao: Bring up B-420 on page 2. Mr. Combs wrote, Do I have your permission to set up freaky fun. You wrote, Ovulation.
Ventura: Yes.

12h / 10:25 AM

Combs' Estevao: Mr. Combs wrote to you, I want to freak out right now. And you wrote that you wanted it too: "LOL me too."
Ventura: I texted more than that
Estevao: But you did text that to him. Mr. Combs' wrote to you, Jules is available, if you are into it.

12h / 10:23 AM

Ventura enters, jury enters.
Combs' Estevao: Let's turn to GX 411.
AUSA Johnson: It's not in evidence yet.
Estevao: So B-414, page 3 and 4. You wrote, "I love our FOs, when we both want it." You felt that?
Ventura: Loving FOs were just words at that point.

13h / 10:14 AM

Judge: If there's something that really needs to be done on cross after lunch tomorrow, I may allow it. We have ot leave time for re-direct. This witness is being responsive.

13h / 10:12 AM

they're back
Judge: Ms. Estevao, has the witness had a chance to review the exhibits?
AUSA: They are lengthy.
Judge: We'll do the best that we can. I was told this witness would be off the stand by the end of the week. We let the jury go early yesterday

13h / 9:36 AM

Judge: We'll break

13h / 9:34 AM

Judge: Show Ms. Ventura the exhibits in advance. Maybe just ask her question, rather than these exhibits. We have a timing concern.
Agnifilo: They called two witnesses to start. That wasn't our choice. It's a critically important witness.
Judge: Streamline things

13h / 9:33 AM

Agnifilo: We might not be able to finish tomorrow. This is the most important witnesses.
Judge: For months we said, this witness had to be off the stand by the end of the week.
AUSA: Our direct was a day and a half. Limit them to that.

13h / 9:31 AM

Judge: We'll break
[Juror leaves; witness leaves]
Judge: Ms. Estevao, where are we in your cross?
Estevao: We have a lot of exhibits. Let me confer over lunch.
Judge: Non-responsive. Will you finish today or early tomorrow?
Agnifilo: To the end of tomorrow

13h / 9:28 AM

Judge: Sustained. Re-phrase.
Combs' Estevao: What was his drug of choice?
Ventura: Ecstasy or MDMA.
Estevao: Opiates daily?
Ventura: When he was doing them.
Estevao: You saw him withdraw?
Ventura: Yes.

14h / 9:22 AM

Combs' Estevao: Did Mr. Combs' mood depend on whether or not he was withdrawing from opiates?
Ventura: He was more irritable, I would say.
Estevao: What other drugs was Mr. Combs' addicted to
AUSA: Objection. No foundation
Judge: I'll ask if I want the grounds.

14h / 9:17 AM

Combs' Estevao: He still ran his companies even while having all these freak offs, right?
Ventura: He did.
Estevao: What was he addicted to?
Ventura: Success (laughs)
Estevao: What substances? Opiates?
Ventura: Yes. He told me. And I saw it.

14h / 9:14 AM

Combs' Estevao: Do you believe Mr. Combs has good taste?
Ventura: I think he does.
Estevao: He's had an impact on fashion?
Ventura: People like his style. Sean John.
Estevao: Did you consult with him on your look?
Ventura: Sometimes I got advice I didn't ask for

14h / 9:10 AM

Combs' Estevao: If he suspected you of cheating, he'd call you incessantly?
Ventura: That was one of the reasons.
Estevao: Because he thought-
AUSA Johnson: Objection!
Judge: That's sustained.

14h / 9:08 AM

Combs' Estevao: You said Mr. Combs often put you down. But he also sent you encouragement and called you a queen, right?
Ventura: Yes.
[Sidebar]
Estevao: What would trigger Mr. Combs' incessant calls to you?
Ventura: Anger, doubt about where I was

14h / 8:57 AM

AUSA Johnson: I would ask that the witness be allowed to read the entire document
Judge: How many pages?
Combs' Estevao: Eight.
AUSA: We don't have a copy for the witness
Estevao: We'll show it on the screen
[But not in the public gallery]

14h / 8:55 AM

Combs' Estevao: This is from July 2012. You say to Mr. Combs, "I'm horny and bored." This was after a freak off, right?
Ventura: There are a lot for texts here
[Said to be 25 pages - where will defense exhibits ostensibly entered into evidence be available?]

14h / 8:48 AM

Combs' Estevao: You would remember if an assistant came in during one of your sessions with an escort?
Ventura: Not necessarily. I was high.
Estevao: So you don't remember much.
Ventura: I had my privacy invaded a lot during that relationship.

14h / 8:46 AM

Combs' Estevao: Did you talk with Mr. Combs about the swinger's lifestyle?
Ventura: That no one talks about it.
Estevao: Were you keeping freak offs secret from your friends?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: His assistants help him?
Ventura: With everything

14h / 8:42 AM

Combs' Estevao: Your period, Mr. Combs is asking you when you're on it, right?
Ventura: Yep.
Estevao: He's asking in the context of when to meet up and have sex?
Ventura: Looks like it.
Estevao: Sometimes you watched him with a female?
Ventura: 2 or 3 times

14h / 8:39 AM

Combs' Estevao: Ms. Ventura, if you don't want to read the answers, I can read them.
Ventura: Thank you.
Estevao: The o has lots of ooooo's after them, right?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: After a freak off you'd make love with Mr. Combs?
Ventura: Yes

14h / 8:38 AM

Combs' Estevao: Fair to say his career was ruined after your lawsuit?
Ventura: I could understand that.
Estevao: Let's read these messages. Mr. Combs wrote, When are you on your period?
Ventura: No now.
Estevao: "What you be thinking about when you horny?"

15h / 8:30 AM

Combs' Estevao: I'd like to start asking about freak offs. Sometimes you wore a wig and a mask?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: The general public did not know -
AUSA Johnson: Objection!
Judge: Rephrase.
Estevao: No one knew until November 2023, in the public
Yes

15h / 8:27 AM

Combs' Estevao: You discuss Kerry Morgan - did you think Mr. Combs was attracted to her?
Ventura: There was a point in the very beginning.
Estevao: Did that complication carry on in your relationship?
Ventura: Not really. Kerry was just always with us

15h / 8:24 AM

Combs' Estevao: You wrote, I see that Kerry is better fitting for you. I'm hurt that you think I'm malicious. You're very important to me. X. Cass.
Ventura [laughs]
Estevao: What were you trying to convey?
Ventura: It's like a journal entry.

15h / 8:22 AM

Combs' Estevao: Mr. Combs taught you how to do oral sex?
Ventura: He did.
Estevao: Look at this. Tell me when you're ready... Can you read it?
Ventura: You can read it. It's making me laugh. It's from 2007.
Estevao: You wrote, I feel protected, you are sweet

15h / 8:17 AM

Combs' Estevao: You had a tattoo of Mr. Leslie's initials on your body, right?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: How many tattoos did you have then?
AUSA: Objection. Relevance.
Judge: Overruled. But let's keep it moving
Ventura: 3
Estevao: The one on your arm?
A: No Regrets

15h / 8:15 AM

Combs' Estevao: You were dating Mr. Leslie - how much older than you was he?
Ventura: Ten years.
Estevao: Then you traveled to Miami with Mr. Combs - the flier of the event was just a cover, to spend time with Mr. Combs, right?
Ventura: That's true.

15h / 8:14 AM

Combs' Estevao: You had rough performance?
Ventura: 106 and Park, it did not go well for me.
Estevao: How did he help you after that?
Ventura: We did a YouTube video, he said, Everybody makes mistakes.
Estevao: What was wrong?
Ventura: I couldn't hear myself

15h / 8:12 AM

Combs' Estevao: Who is Tommy Mottola?
Ventura: A well known producer.
Estevao: You were an up and coming star?
Ventura: I guess you could say that.
Estevao: After you signed with Bad Boy, things were still platonic?
Ventura: Yes

15h / 8:09 AM

Combs' Estevao: Who was at your 21st birthday party in Las Vegas?
Ventura: Britney Spears, Dallas Austin.
Estevao: How did you get them there?
Ventura: They came for Sean.
Estevao: You're very beautiful and charming
Ventura: Thank you
Estevao: It's true

15h / 8:05 AM

Combs' Estevao: Were you afraid that Mr. Combs was only seeing you for sex in this way?
Ventura: That was a concern.
Estevao: You still were not public in your relationship with him?
Ventura: Correct.
Estevao: Were freak offs important?
Ventura: Integral to us

15h / 8:00 AM

Combs' Estevao: What pills were you taking then?
Ventura: Opiates.
Estevao: You deleted videos on your devices, right?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: What did you write?
Ventura: That I need to feel this this is my husband, the only one who will see this side of me

15h / 7:56 AM

Ventura: That I'll go to Duane Reade for candles and then set up the room.
Combs' Estevao: Did you understand that he was going to take another video of you?
AUSA: Objection! Speculation!
Judge: Ms. Estevao, you can move on.
Estevao: You ask, any pills on you
Yes

15h / 7:53 AM

Combs' Estevao: He said, I want to see - how did you reply?
Ventura: "I can't wait either."
Estevao: You wrote, "I feel like I want to f*ck," right?
Ventura: That's what it says.
Estevao: Mr. Combs says, I'm so horny I can't concentrate - what do you say?

16h / 7:49 AM

they're back
Judge: Ms. Estevao, you may proceed.
Combs' Estevao: Ms. Ventura, this is from Mr. Combs to you - you respond with an extremely explicit message, right?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: This is two days after the planning of a freak off, right?
Yes

16h / 7:24 AM

Judge: We will take a recess

16h / 7:23 AM

Combs' Estevao: This was an explicit message from you about the anticipated upcoming freak off?
AUSA Johnson: Objection!

16h / 7:19 AM

Combs' Estevao: So now, these messages about freak off... When you say, you know it doesn't matter to me, you mean, weekend or weekday, either is fine?
Ventura: That's what it says.
Estevao: Mr. Combs says, Maybe we can call Jules, can you do it.
Yes.

16h / 7:13 AM

Combs' Estevao: You testified that you told him, I love you so much you make me a better woman
Ventura: I definitely wrote those messages
Estevao: You wrote, I can't wait until we have a baby of our own - you knew that he had six children at the time?
Ventura: Yes

16h / 7:07 AM

Combs' Estevao: Please read this, 1364.
Ventura: "I haven't talked to you at all, you don't even try. You rush me off the phone. I'm really hurt. I don't need your money, I need some attention."
Estevao: You wanted your special time with Mr. Combs?
Ventura: Yes

16h / 7:04 AM

Combs' Estevao: What did you write?
Ventura: "You hungry, Pop Pop?"
Estavao: And Mr. Combs wrote to you, "We are so in love we don't do anything else." How long had you been seeing each others?
Ventura: Like two and a half years

17h / 6:53 AM

Combs' Estevao: Please read
Ventura: I wrote, "I love you, smiley face, I'll fly anywhere for you, I love you, Cass."
Estevao: This 2009 email
AUSA: Objection, hearsay
Judge: Ms. Estevao, ask more questions.
Estevao: From Blackberry what is BG?
Ventura: Babygirl

17h / 6:49 AM

Combs' Estavao: What was going on when these messages were sent?
Ventura: I'm not sure.
Estavao: What was going on in your relationship then?
Ventura: It was early. We were loving.
Estavao: I offer it
AUSA: Objection, being offered for the truth.
Overruled

17h / 6:47 AM

Combs' Estavao: Bring up this Defense Exhibit-
AUSA: Objection. Not in evidence.
Judge: That's true - this is not in evidence.
Estavao: Ms. Ventura, read it just to yourself... Why did you send this message?
Ventura: To let him know I was going to dinner

17h / 6:43 AM

Combs' Estavao: You kept coming back to him for 11 years?
Ventura: I wouldn't say "coming back."
Estavao: You believed he loved you too.
Ventura: I did believe he loved me too.
Estavao: So when he cheated on you it hurt?
Ventura: Not every time

17h / 6:41 AM

Combs' Estavao: Others called him Diddy or Puff Daddy, but you called him Sean, right?
Ventura: Yes...
Estavao: You knew a version of him the rest of the world couldn't see, right?
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Ventura: In ways.

17h / 6:40 AM

Judge: Bring the jury in.
[Jury enters]
Combs' lawyer Estavao: Ms. Ventura, you loved Mr. Combs, correct?
Ventura: I did.
Estavao: For 11 years, you took care of him?
Ventura: In some ways.
Estavao: You called him larger than life?
Ventura: I did.

17h / 6:26 AM

AUSA Slavik: There are two dozen exhibits that the government has objections to, they are listed in the chart
Judge: Just the ones in the chart?

17h / 6:20 AM

Judge: Mr. Agnifilo, I thought you were going to take his off my plate
Combs' Agnifilo: I will keep trying. This is the main witness, she stands by herself. That said, we have been doing this all night, until 3 in the morning. We flagged exhibits for them

17h / 6:18 AM

AUSA Slavik: The defense last night dumped 400 exhibits on us. This cannot continue throughout the course of the trial.
Judge: Ms. Estavao?
Combs' lawyer Anna Maria Estavao: We have been working tirelessly in response to Ms. Ventura's testimonyAUSA Slavik: The defense last night dumped 400 exhibits on us. This cannot continue throughout the course of the trial.
Judge: Ms. Estavao?
Combs' lawyer Anna Maria Estavao: We have been working tirelessly in response to Ms. Ventura's testimony

17h / 6:14 AM

Judge: Other issues, Ms. Slavik?
AUSA Slavik: As we noted in our email to the court early this morning
[Note: The judicial documents are not being put in the public docket]
Judge: We might get a sign from Ms. Estavao [who will cross Cassie] that it's not an issue

17h / 6:11 AM

[Before the cross examination]
Ventura's lawyer Wigdor: I have a right to be part of the meet and confer about which evidence she can be questioned about; she is the only victim witness that has standing under Rule 412.
Judge Subramanian: We have to move forward

17h / 6:09 AM

OK - US v Sean Combs May 15, Cassie Ventura cross examination begins

MATTHEW RUSSELL LEE of  I.C.P

reporting as the ears to the inside

for MIND OF MONKEY STUDIO

AND NOW THE VERSION NBC

POSTED TO THEIR WEBSITE

8h ago / 2:18 PM PDT

Court done for day as Cassie is asked about taking bad batch of MDMA for hotel 'freak off'

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura was asked by the defense if she took a bad batch of MDMA at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles before Combs was caught on security cameras assaulting her in 2016.

Ventura responded that she didn't recall exactly what she took or how the "freak off" began at the hotel.

That testimony bought an end to a grueling day of cross-examination that'll continue on Friday morning.

U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian is urging Combs' lawyers to wrap up their questions for the eight-months-pregnant witness.

"We will try to narrow it down," defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo said. "This is a critical critical witness and I will come back in the morning and give you an estimate. It is an important witness and a very important case."

8h ago / 2:10 PM PDT

Combs didn't want to get caught in 'the matrix' during 'freak off,' Cassie says

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura told the court that Combs expressed concern about getting caught in "the matrix," their code for getting too high, during "freak offs."

Ventura proposed a shorter "freak off" session at the InterContinental hotel to avoid getting too high before her film premiere.

“A matrix is like the high and we would be getting too high for anything sexual to happen. There would be no performance,” Ventura said during court.

8h ago / 1:49 PM PDT

Cassie relented to Combs' repeated requests for a 'freak off' before 2016 hotel assault

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Reporting from New York City

Combs' videotaped assault on Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel was preceded by his repeated requests for a "freak off" that she expressed reservations about, the witness said.

Ventura said she wanted to devote her attention to the premiere of "The Perfect Match," a romantic comedy that included herself, Terrence Jenkins and Paula Patton.

Despite her concerns about performing a "freak off" during her promotional duties for the film, she agreed after he kept asking "over and over again."

9h ago / 1:24 PM PDT

Cassie confirms baby oil used in 'freak offs' contained no drugs

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura confirmed to the court that there were never any drugs contained in the baby oil used during the freak offs with Combs.

Combs was accused in a lawsuit last year of spiking the lubricant with GHB, commonly referred to as a "date rape drug."

9h ago / 12:51 PM PDT

Combs once overdosed on painkillers, according to Cassie

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Reporting from New York City

Combs once overdosed on painkillers and that drug dependence fueled some of the rapper's mood swings, Cassie Ventura said.

During this cross-examination by defense lawyer Anna Estevao, Ventura was asked if Combs ever overdosed and if she was ever addicted. Ventura answered "yes" to both.

And when the defense asked if Combs' mood swings were tied to pills, Ventura affirmatively replied, "It was a part (of it)."

9h ago / 12:50 PM PDT

Cassie reached out to Combs' inner circle over balcony dangling incident

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura testified that she sent a text message to Combs’ chief of staff about an incident in which he allegedly dangled someone over a balcony.

Ventura acknowledged hearing about Combs supposedly dangling Bryana “Bana” Bongolan over a balcony after the fact, but still reached out to a person in Combs’ inner circle.

“I did text that … there were other crazy things that happened,” Ventura told the court, adding she couldn’t remember the name of the person she sent the text to. "I saw what I saw, so I don't know."

10h ago / 12:35 PM PDT

Cassie says Combs got 'explosive' when she did drugs without him

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura described Combs' reaction to her taking illicit drugs without him as "explosive."

Ventura added that he told his drug dealers in Los Angeles to stop giving her drugs.

10h ago / 12:11 PM PDT

Combs suspected Cassie of dating Michael B. Jordan

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from Manhattan

Cassie Ventura told the jury Combs suspected her of being in a relationship with actor Michael B. Jordan.

Asked what Combs’ reaction was to the alleged relationship, Ventura said, “I wasn’t there to see it."

Ventura said she couldn’t remember if Combs tried to text her about him but “he did try to make contact.”

10h ago / 11:59 AM PDT

Cassie says Combs became 'crazy' and kicked her when he found out about Kid Cudi

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura says that Combs kicked her in the back at his house after finding out that she was cheating on him with rapper Kid Cudi in 2011.

When asked by Combs' attorney if her relationship with Cudi "drove Mr. Combs crazy?" Ventura replied: "To my knowledge it wasn't good."

She confirmed that Combs was especially offended by the affair with Cudi because of his status within the music industry.

She added that suspicions and grievances over infidelity came up repeatedly throughout their relationship.

11h ago / 11:34 AM PDT

Cassie admits to cheating on Combs with Kid Cudi

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura admits to keeping a burner phone while she was dating rapper Kid Cudi to keep the relationship private and away from Combs.

"I thought it would be way too dangerous if he found out," she said.

As she was dating Cudi, Ventura said she continued to have "freak offs" with Combs because to her it “was a job."

When Combs found out about Cudi — while going through her phone during one of the sex sessions — Ventura said Combs attacked her.

11h ago / 11:04 AM PDT

Cassie says things got 'a little scary' with Combs after she cheated on him

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura says that things got "a little scary" when Combs found out that she was cheating on him.

She also admitted to being upset when she found out that Combs was spending time with a woman named Gina in 2014.

Ventura said the infidelity prompted arguments.

11h ago / 11:03 AM PDT

Cassie admits to being jealous of Kim Porter

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura testified that, during her relationship with Combs, she became jealous of his ex-girlfriend Kim Porter.

Ventura admitted to the jealousy after being asked by the defense attorney if Combs ever left a freak off with her only to visit Porter afterward.

Ventura agreed she was upset about not having the chance to form a relationship with Combs’ children despite having a relationship with him for seven years at that point.

Ventura also acknowledged it could be heartbreaking seeing Porter with the children and that she wanted to be part of Combs' family, not just his sexual fantasy.

“I had some jealousy,” Ventura said of Porter.

12h ago / 10:29 AM PDT

Court returns from lunch; judge continues scolding Combs' lawyers

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian appears to still be agitated from the back-and-forth he had with Combs' attorneys prior to the break.

Subramanian's agitation stems from the speed with which the defense is questioning Cassie Ventura.

The judge sternly reminded the defense that it was given a day and a half to cross-examine Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, and that she would be done by the end of the week.

Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, argued that Ventura should be able to come back Monday morning if needed.

The judge shot back: "In what universe did you not understand this is what was going to happen ... you’re not telling me this wasn't everyone’s understanding that this witness was going to be done this week?"

Ventura was reviewing exhibits in a side room while the exchange took place

12h ago / 10:22 AM PDT

Combs' mother and sons seen exiting court
Claudia Hernández

A photo from Manhattan federal court shows Janice Combs exiting the courthouse as the jury was on a lunch break today.

12h ago / 10:05 AM PDT

Defense struggles with disjointed cross-examination
Doha Madani

Reporting from New York City

The opening hours of Cassie Ventura’s cross-examination were a bit of a slog, with defense questions jumping around in subject and timeline and frequently interrupted by prosecution objections.

Those starts and stops appeared to hinder Combs’ lawyer, Anna Estevao, from smoothly making the defense’s case that Ventura was often a willing participant in the witness’s seemingly abusive relationship with the defendant.

And Ventura appears to have caught on to the defense’s line of questioning.

She’s often interjected qualifying terms such as “at that time” to frame her relationship with Combs as a complicated one that could toggle between caring and violent.

13h ago / 9:38 AM PDT

Jury breaks for lunch; judge wants faster action from defense

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Reporting from New York City

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian called for a lunchtime recess and asked jurors to return to the courtroom at 1 p.m. ET.

Subramanian told lawyers he wasn't happy with the pace of Ventura's examination because he wants the eight-months-pregnant woman to be done sooner rather than later.

When the defense said they would need all day today and all day tomorrow, Subramanian angrily responded, "That is the exact opposite of what I was told."

"This witness needed to be off the stand by the end of the week. So what happened?" the clearly perturbed judge said.

13h ago / 9:30 AM PDT

Cassie details Combs' alleged drug use, calls him an opiate addict

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura alleged during testimony that while Combs was a wealthy businessman and record executive he was doing so under the influence of drugs.

“He needed to recover,” Ventura told the courtroom, referring to Combs’ alleged drug abuse.

Ventura also accused Combs of also using ecstasy and cocaine.

Asked whether she thought Combs was a drug addict, Ventura responded, “I would say he was an addict.”

She answered “yes” when defense attorneys asked if Combs would become angry or volatile during withdrawals.

“I’m not a doctor, coming off of certain pills he would be pretty irritated,” Ventura testified.

13h ago / 9:24 AM PDT

Combs called Cassie incessantly if he thought she was cheating on him, she says

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Reporting from New York City

Combs needed to be constantly updated about Cassie Ventura's whereabouts, perhaps concerned she was stepping out on their relationship, the witness said.

When asked what would trigger a spike in telephone calls from Combs, Ventura said it could be for any number of reasons.

"Could be anything from not telling him where I was, angry about me, could be anything, maybe he assumed I was cheating," she said. "I don't know."

When asked if she believed the volume of calls spiked when Combs theorized Ventura was cheating, she said: "Yes."

13h ago / 9:08 AM PDT

Combs built Cassie up after knocking her down, she says

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

The defense asked Cassie Ventura to confirm that Combs both built up and knocked down her confidence, citing text messages between the pair.

Ventura agreed, also acknowledging that Combs called her "a queen."

"Words were helpful," she said. "He’s got that inspiring energy inside him."

13h ago / 8:58 AM PDT

Lawyers contend Cassie's lawsuit ruined Combs' career

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from Manhattan

Cassie Ventura testified that she understood how filing her 2023 lawsuit accusing Combs of rape and sexual abuse could ruin his career.

Asked by defense lawyers what happened to Combs’ career after she filed, Ventura responded, “That’s a lot.”

Prosecutors objected to that question. Defense lawyers then rephrased, asking if she understood how the publicity surrounding the lawsuit ruined his career.

Ventura responded: "I can understand that."

14h ago / 8:47 AM PDT

Cassie met Combs while she was dating Ryan Leslie

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura testified she was dating rapper and producer Ryan Leslie when she met Combs.

When Ventura signed with Bad Boy Records in 2006, she was platonic with label boss Combs and dating Leslie, the witness said.

Ventura was about three years into her relationship with Leslie when she went to Miami to see Combs, leading to the first time she and the defendant had intercourse, the witness admitted under cross-examination.

She confirmed that a flyer was made to advertise a club appearance she was making to give the impression of a professional reason to travel to Miami, so as not to make Leslie suspicious.

14h ago / 8:38 AM PDT

The defense asks Cassie to confirm her independent success before dating Combs

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

The defense is asking Cassie Ventura about her initial success in the music and modeling industry, in what appears to be an effort to paint her as being independently rich and famous and not under Combs' control.

Ventura was asked to confirm that she was becoming a wealthy celebrity with a thriving music and modeling career on her own, before she began dating Combs, her then-boss. She acknowledged that she was "doing well" during that time.

His attorney asked her: "You were an up-and-coming star?"

Ventura replied: "I guess you could say that."

14h ago / 8:28 AM PDT

Cassie said 'freak offs' were next step in relationship, tells court they were 'integral'

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura told Combs in a 2009 email that having "freak offs" was the next step in their relationship.

But she also mentioned that she went back and forth about the idea and needed to trust him more to be sexually free.

“In order for me to be more open with the things we do in bed, I need to feel safe, like home…like this is my husband, and this is the only man that will ever have this aggressive sexual side of me,” she wrote in the email to Combs. “When we used to freak off when we were so in love there were no questions asked, it felt right. Like it literally made sense for the next step in our sex life together.”

When asked by the defense if "freak offs" were an important part of her relationship with Combs, Ventura responded, "It was an integral part."

14h ago / 8:19 AM PDT

Combs' attorney questions Cassie on drugs and sex videos

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

The defense asked Cassie Ventura if she deleted the sex videos she had of Combs on her devices, which she confirmed.

They then showed an email exchange between Combs and Ventura in August 2009, confirming what appears to suggest the existence of the videos and the pair's illicit drug use.

Ventura emailed Combs: "Do you have any pills on you."

Combs replied: "Imma do it again."

Ventura responded: "I just deleted the video off of my camera, it was so dope."

14h ago / 8:17 AM PDT

Cross-examination resumes with graphic sexual details

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Reporting from New York City

The defense, in its ongoing effort to paint Cassie Ventura's relationship with Combs as consensual, has spent the morning presenting the witness with endless emails and text messages the couple exchanged about their sex life.

The missives have been detailed and graphic.

“I’m so horny,” Combs wrote in one of the tamer messages, with Ventura responding: “Omg I was just about to text you the same thing.”

Or when Combs said, “I can’t wait” for one of their “freak offs,” Ventura shot back: “I can’t wait either.”

14h ago / 8:15 AM PDT

Courtroom sketch shows Combs taking notes
Claudia Hernández

Sean “Diddy” Combs is seen in the sketch taking notes during the morning arguments in his sex trafficking trial in New York City today.

15h ago / 7:41 AM PDT

Judge abruptly calls for a recess as explicit messages are shown

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

Judge Arun Subramanian just abruptly called for the court to go into a 10-minute recess after Cassie Ventura could be seen whispering to him.

The sudden recess came just as Combs' attorneys were showing the court explicit emails and texts between her and Combs from 2009.

An extremely graphic message from Ventura to Combs drew an objection from prosecutors, which the judge sustained.

The emails and texts appear to be an effort on behalf of Combs attorneys to undermine Ventura's repeated claims that she did not want to participate in the "freak offs."

15h ago / 7:25 AM PDT

Was Cassie a willing 'freak off' participant?

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Ventura testified that she wanted to please Combs at the start of their relationship, so she agreed to take part in his "freak offs" — drug-fueled intercourse, often with sex workers as the rapper watched.

"Yes, at the time, I wanted to make him happy," she said.

Combs' lawyers then produce a series of texts and emails in which Ventura discusses the freak offs, including one where she writes "i am always ready to freak off Lol."

But when the defense again asked if she wanted to make him happy by participating in the "freak offs," she clarified, "No, it was a lot more than that."

Even though Combs had six children at the time of their relationship, Ventura admitted in emails of the time she wanted to have a child with him.

15h ago / 7:21 AM PDT

Combs was 'sweet' and 'attentive' in the beginning, Ventura says

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

When asked by Combs' attorney why she wanted to spend so much time with Combs, Cassie Ventura replied: "Because I fell in love with him."

"He was charismatic — big personality, larger than life," she said. "The beginning of the relationship was really fast, fast paced, scary. But the more time I spent with him, his real personality came out — sweet, attentive."

Ventura also acknowledged that at the beginning of their relationship, the pair was reluctant to be public about their romance.

15h ago / 7:11 AM PDT

Combs to Ventura: 'I love you so much it makes me cry'

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The defense appears to hope it can blunt some of the horrific details of Combs' abuse of Cassie Ventura with evidence their relationship had better days.

"I love you so much it makes me cry," according to a message Combs sent on Aug. 12, 2009, to Ventura, known as "Babygirl" on her Blackberry.

Then on April 4, 2010, Combs said his relationship with Ventura meant everything to him.

"Love my baby …i love you so much it consumes my life how did it happen," Combs wrote in an email.

Ventura responded: "I wonder the same thing who was i before we decided to be together."

16h ago / 6:55 AM PDT

Cassie says she knows the 'real Sean'

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

As the cross-examination begins, Sean Combs' attorney asks Cassie Ventura to confirm if she "knew the real Sean."

"Yes," Ventura replies.

"The Sean other people didn’t see," Agnifilo said.

"Correct," Ventura replied.

16h ago / 6:44 AM PDT

Cassie Ventura is back on the witness stand

Adam Reiss

Reporting from New York City

Combs' former partner, a key government witness, took the witness stand for her third day of testimony.

In the opening moments of cross-examination, Ventura answered most questions with simple yes/no responses about their relationship of 11 years.

The witness is wearing a light colored blouse with a coat.

16h ago / 6:43 AM PDT

Cassie and Combs cheating on one another to be focus of defense questioning

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Reporting from New York City

The defense wants to show that Ventura was a willing participant in this relationship and might have been involved with others.

“A large part of the defense is the infidelity on both sides and the fact that Mr. Combs understood that Ms. Ventura was having other relationships with other men," defense lawyer Anna Estevao, who will lead the cross-examination, told the judge outside the ears of jurors.

Prosecutors said they hope to have the eight-months-pregnant Ventura off the stand as soon as possible.

“This witness is very, very pregnant,” said lead prosecutor Maurene Comey. "We are afraid she could have the baby over the weekend. We want her off the stand before the weekend."

16h ago / 6:42 AM PDT

The vigorous fight over text messages

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Reporting from New York City

The cordial relationship between prosecutors and defense attorneys during pretrial hearings is quickly evaporating.

Courtroom tension dramatically increased this morning during arguments, outside the presence of jurors, over which text messages the defense can introduce to show Ventura’s relationships with other men.

The Combs-Ventura relationship was one that took place over text messages, “they texted about everything,” defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo said.

17h ago / 5:47 AM PDT

What to look for during Cassie's cross-examination
Danny Cevallos

Cassie Ventura, the R&B singer and Diddy's former partner, is set to undergo cross-examination today. She has already delivered two days of emotional testimony, alleging that Combs subjected her to years of physical abuse, sexual coercion and manipulation through threats and surveillance.

Cross-examination of a complainant in a case involving sexual abuse and domestic violence is always a challenge for defense attorneys. But the defense must carefully attack Ventura’s credibility and the consistency of her accounts when they begin their cross-examination.

You can expect defense attorneys to explore whether the drugs she took at these “freak offs” have affected her memory. They will also question her financial motives, although the government elicited testimony yesterday that Cassie has already received her $20 million settlement from Combs in the civil case.

Show more

18h ago / 4:43 AM PDT

What to expect from day 3 of testimony

David K. Li and Adam Reiss
U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian hopes to have proceedings start at 9:30 a.m. today, in what figures to be a long day of the defense cross-examining key government witness Cassie Ventura.

Combs’ defense has already conceded that the rap mogul has a bad temper and has been violent under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

But his attorneys will still want to put a dent in Ventura’s lengthy testimony about years of abuse she suffered while dating Combs.

18h ago / 4:43 AM PDT

The court of public opinion weighs in on Diddy trial
NBC News

In the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial, social media is flooded with thousands of opinions from people following the proceedings with heavy focus on the testimony of Cassie Ventura. NBC News' Maya Eaglin describes what people are saying and how the jurors will see evidence the public will not.

18h ago / 4:43 AM PDT

Court coming off a long day of troubling testimony

David K. Li and Adam Reiss
Jurors spent all of Wednesday hearing troubling details of Combs’ relationship with Cassie Ventura, which included incidents of emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

When Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson asked Ventura why she put herself through this grueling process, the witness said she owed it to herself.

“I can’t carry this anymore, the shame, the guilt, what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong, people aren’t disposable,” the witness said.

18h ago / 4:43 AM PDT

How allegations can impact Combs’ reputation
NBC News

At least 18 brands and organizations have already cut ties with Sean "Diddy" Combs since the allegations against him went public, before a verdict in his case has been reached. Molly McPherson, a reputation and crisis strategist, spoke with NBC News' Gadi Schwartz about the possibility of Combs' reputation being repaired depending on the outcome of the trial.