Live updates: Cassie Ventura to face second day

of questioning by Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyers

in sex-trafficking trial

Defense attorneys have tried to portray Ventura as a loving partner to Combs who willingly participated in the “freak offs."

Where the sex-trafficking trial stands
Cassie Ventura will face her second day of cross-examination from

Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers today.
Defense attorneys yesterday tried to portray Ventura as a loving partner and willing participant in the "freak offs," and attempted to link the volatility of her relationship with Combs 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.
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

6h ago / 2:05 PM PDT

Judge dismisses jurors and tells them to watch sports this weekend

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

U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian sent jurors home for the weekend, thanking them for their role in preserving democracy and urging them to watch basketball and baseball.

"We know how hard it is for you, your families, for everyone," Subramanian told the panel. "You are the bedrock for democracy. We will keep working over the weekend. Watch the Mets, Yankees, Knicks … see you on Monday."

The judge asked jurors to return to court at 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

1h / 2:43 PM

Judge: So that's it. I'll have a word in the robing room with Ms. Comey and Mr. Agnifilo, I don't need court reporter

1h / 2:33 PM

Judge: Who are the next witnesses?
AUSA Comey: Kerry Morgan.. David James

1h / 2:30 PM

Combs' Agnifilo: We cannot sit here and say Ms. Ventura did anything because of this event, because she didn't talk about this one. So this is rank speculation
Judge: But she was there.
Agnifilo: She doesn't know the effect on Cassie Ventura.

1h / 2:03 PM

Judge: About this line of testimony-
AUSA Comey: This shows consciousness of guilt for Count 1. And relevant to Count 1.
Agnifilo: It's not sex trafficking - it's domestic violence.
Judge: Why didn't you bring a motion in limine on this?
Agnifilo: I didn't know

1h / 1:57 PM

[Back from sidebar]
Judge Subramanian: Jurors, you can leave for the weekend, watch the Yankees play the Mets, or the Knicks. If you're not into sports there's a lot going on. See you Monday.
[Jurors leave]
Judge; Mr. Richard, you can leave

1h / 1:52 PM

AUSA: The next day, what happened?
Dawn Richard: That it has been passionate, and she was OK. That it would be better if we didn't talk, that people could end up missing
AUSA: How did you understand that?
Dawn Richard: Death-
Combs' Agnifilo: Objection!
Sidebar

1h / 1:49 PM

AUSA: Then what?
Dawn Richard: Sean Combs was kicking her in the head and body, then dragged her up to the first floor, glass breaking and yelling. I was scared for her, and for me too
AUSA: Did you intervene?
Dawn Richard: No.
AUSA: Do you call police?
No.

1h / 1:47 PM

AUSA: What did he do?
Dawn Richard: He was saying, Where the f*ck is my food, he grabbed a black skillet with eggs and tried to hit her over the head. Cassie dropped to the ground
AUSA: What did she do?
Dawn Richard: She went into fetal position

1h / 1:45 PM

[Photo of Diddy - Dirty Money shown]
AUSA: When were you a member of this group?
Dawn Richard: 2009 to 2011.
AUSA: The incident in 2009 when Sean Combs beat Cassie, where was it?
Dawn RIchard: In Sean Combs' LA home. We were recording

1h / 1:41 PM

AUSA: Who is depicted in this photo?
Dawn Richard: Cassie.
AUSA: In 2009 did you observe an incident between Puff and Cassie?
Dawn Richard: She was attacked by Sean Combs, kicked
AUSA: Did you see more violence by him against Cassie?
Dawn Richard: Often

1h / 1:39 PM

Judge: The US may call its next witness.
AUSA: Your Honor, the Government calls Dawn Richard.
AUSA: Where are you from?
Dawn Richard: New Orleans, Louisiana.
AUSA: From 2004 and 2011, who did you work for?
Dawn Richards: Puff, Sean Combs.
AUSA: Do you see him?
Yes

1h / 1:35 PM

AUSA Smyser: No further questions.
Judge: Any cross?
Combs' Teny Geragos: In the hotel room, did you see any bags and clothing indicting that woman was staying with him there?
Agent Binda: Yes.

1h / 1:25 PM

[Physical evidence is passed around to jury - then photo shown]
AUSA Smyser: What was found in the black mini pack bag?
Agent Binda: Nine thousand dollars.
AUSA: Please take the cash out of the bag.
[Agent Binda does, fanning out the bills]

1h / 1:18 PM

AUSA Smyser: And that is this?
Agent Binda: Bags of pink powder found in the medicine bottle
[Stipulation shown agreeing it was found and tested, by Customs and Border Patrol lab]
AUSA (reading from stip) The pink power was found to be ketamine, and MDMA in bottle

1h / 1:13 PM

AUSA Smyser: What was found in the bathroom?
Agent Binda: Several bottle of baby oil
[Shown]
AUSA: Now, the bedroom - what was found in the LV bag?
Agent Binda: Medication in the name of Frank Black

1h / 1:09 PM

AUSA Smyser: What was your role?
Agent Binda: I took photographs of items. Then signed them on the 6051 form.
AUSA: Was this found in the closet?
[Photos shown - plastic bags full of J&J baby oil and Astroglide bottles

1h / 1:00 PM

AUSA Smyser: When Sean Combs arrested, where did you go?
Agent Binda: The Park Hyatt, room 2115, where he was staying.
[Photo of entrance shown to jury]
AUSA: What did you do?
Agent Binda: We assigned a letter to each room and began to search

1h / 12:56 PM

Jury entering!
AUSA Madison Smyser: Good afternoon. Where do you work?
Special Agent Yasin Binda: HSI, in the human trafficking group. I'm in the crisis negotiation group, too.
AUSA: Did you serve subpoenas in this case?
Agent Binda: Yes.

1h / 12:27 PM

[During the "break"]
Combs' Agnifilo: We object to the testimony of the witness after the Special Agent, Dawn Richard.
Judge: Why is this coming up at 3:30 pm? Going forward you just address things before the courtroom

1h / 12:22 PM

Judge: Break [next: a Special Agent]

1h 12:20 PM

AUSA Johnson: Why'd you keep your devices?
Ventura: I was afraid of what was on them, I wouldn't take em to the Apple Store
Combs' Estevao: 1 question: you just reached $10 million settlement with Inter Continental last week, before trial?
Objection! Overruled
Yes

1h / 12:18 PM

Judge: Anything further?
AUSA Johnson: I just have one question.
Judge: I was asking Ms. Estevao. Can you wrap up in two minutes?
Combs' Estevao: This is the last thing I'll ask you to read, Ms. Ventura
Ventura: Thank you. "We need closure and understanding."

1h / 12:15 PM

Combs' Estevao: You stated that you were feeling overwhelmed after filing your civil lawsuit, right?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: You recently received a settlement from the Inter Continental?
Ventura: No.
Estevao: You made a demand?
Ventura: Yes... $10 million, maybe

1h / 12:11 PM

Combs' Estevao: D-Roc was like a member of your family?
Ventura: Yes, like a brother.
Estevao: The assistant Mia, you also had a friendship with
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: OK, here you begin with an explicit message and he responds with one - you are actively sexting

1h / 12:01 PM

Combs' Estevao: You had a bad performance on 106 and Park
Ventura: Early in my career.
Estevao: You did music videos - were they successful?
Judge: May we have a brief sidebar?
[Sidebar]

1h / 11:56 AM

Combs' Estevao: You were put in the studio with Lil Wayne?
Ventura: Yes
Estevao: And with Rick Ross and Pusha T - am I forgetting any names?
Ventura: You've got a lot of names.
Estevao: You are self-conscious about your musical talent?
Ventura: I wouldn't say that

1h / 11:54 AM

Estevao: Beyond Kid Cudi, what other musicians were you put in the studio with? Were you put in the studio with Nicki Minaj?
Ventura: Yes.
[Note: this is the first and so far only reference to Nicki Minaj in this trial - 

1h / 11:51 AM

Combs' Estevao: And freak off videos in this case, they were all on those devices you kept, from 2012 and 2014?
Ventura: I don't know what year.
Estevao: You were able to stand at his side at the Met Gala - being his girlfriend gave you access to producers
Yes

1h / 11:46 AM

AUSA Johnson: No further questions.
Judge: Ms. Estevao?
Combs' Estevao: You knew Mr. Combs' sexual preference was these freak offs, right?
Ventura: I learned.
Estevao: It was part of being his girlfriend
Ventura: Yeah
Estevao: You kept your old device?
A: Yes.

1h / 11:41 AM

AUSA Johnson: Were you open to freak offs at the beginning?
Ventura: At the beginning
AUSA: Did you tell him when you no longer wanted to do them?
Ventura: Yes. More than once.
AUSA: What concerns did you have about saying no to freak offs?
A: Safety, career, love

1h / 11:39 AM

AUSA Johnson: Would you give the $20 million back if you hadn't have had to do freak offs?
Combs' Estevao: Objection!
Judge: Overruled
Ventura: I would give it back to get my agency back
AUSA: Did he beat you during freak offs?
Ventura: Yes [starts crying]

1h / 11:38 AM

AUSA Johnson: Why did you cancel the tour?
Ventura: After I filed my civil suit I was overwhelmed... Addressing the past the way that I chose to was overwhelming. I didn't want to go.
AUSA: Do you plan to file more lawsuits?
Ventura: No.

1h / 11:36 AM

AUSA Johnson: Do you have any doubt that Sean raped you?
Combs' Estevao: Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Ventura: I have no doubt.
AUSA: After Sean raped you on August 18, did you later have consensual sex with Sean during which your now husband Facetimed you?
Yes

1h / 11:25 AM

AUSA Johnson: When Sean wrote, You ready for tonight, what did he mean?
Ventura: Freak off.
AUSA: What were you afraid he would do if you did not do that freak off?
AUSA Estevao: Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Ventura: I don't know that week-
Judge: Next question

1h/ 11:20 AM

AUSA Johnson: On the way back from Cannes, what did Sean do?
Ventura: He played a video of me having sex with an escort.
AUSA: What'd he say he'd do?
Ventura: He'd release it.
AUSA: When you got to NY, what did Sean ask for?
Ventura: A freak off or he'd release it

1h / 11:17 AM

AUSA Johnson: He said he didn't remember hurting you, did you believe him?
Ventura: Not always. Because I knew him. There were times he was pretty aware of what he was doing. It's just who he was. I'd seen him be violent with other people

1h / 11:15 AM

AUSA Johnson: Were you able to cancel work obligations for freak offs?
Ventura: Yes, if I was told to.
AUSA: When you were shooting the movie in South Africa, and you blocked him, how did he contact you?
Ventura: Though Mia

1h / 11:07 AM

AUSA Johnson: What world did Sean open up to you?
Ventura: A world of chaos
AUSA: In your 11 year relationship, who did you want to have sex with?
Ventura: Only him. At that time
AUSA: When Sean wrote, Seduce me all day, what did you do?
Ventura: Write about FOs

1h / 11:00 AM

AUSA Johnson: You were shown messages today in which you and Sean were kind and loving?
Ventura: Yes.
AUSA: Did those period ever last?
Combs' Estevao: Objection
Judge: Overruled.
Ventura: No, they didn't last. There'd a down swing

1h / 10:53 AM

AUSA Johnson: Ms. Ventura, you were shown this message where you ended, I don't want to freak off for the last time, I want it to be the first time for the rest of our lives - what did you say after that?
Ventura: Yes I'm horny, just got over a UTI

1h / 10:52 AM

Estevao: DX 1015 - Mr. Combs' wrote, Want to freak off one last time - what did you write?
Ventura: I don't want it to be the last time, I want freak off for the first time
Estevao: No further questions.
Judge: Re-direct?

1h / 10:51 AM

Combs' Estevao: After the hotel video came out, you posted on Instagam that domestic violence is the issue, right?
Ventura: Yes. I still feel that way.

1h / 10:48 AM

Combs' Estevao: You were preparing to tour, with a Matt Testa?
Ventura: Yes. He's an engineer.
Estevao: Once you settled your lawsuit, you cancelled the tour, right?
Ventura: Yes
Estevao: Because you no longer needed the money?
Ventura: That wasn't the reason

1h / 10:45 AM

Combs' Estevao: You shaped you, over 11 years
[Silence]
Estevao: You shaped each other?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: Your husband's a physical trainer?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: The house you grew up in Connecticut was relatively modest, compared to mansions?
Yes

1h / 10:41 AM

Ventura: I wrote, We should talk and have closure
Combs' Estevao: Mr. Combs sent back a tear face emoji. He said, You were always my ride or die
Ventura: I thought it was nice
Estevao: You'd been craving that?
Ventura: Before. I don't think I was craving now

1h / 10:37 AM

Jury entering!
Combs' Estevao: Ms. Ventura, we're almost done here
Ventura: Thank you.
Estevao: I will read Mr. Combs' messages: You're going to make a beautiful mother, God bless.
Ventura: I said, Thank you, God bless.

1h / 10:29 AM

[Also Combs' Teny Geragos on exhibits and redactions]
Combs' Estevao: I want to say, we are going to finish with cross faster than he thought, probably before the next break
Combs' Agnifilo: May I speak with the Government for one minute?
Judge: Bring the jury back

1h / 10 :12 AM

Combs' Estevao: We can get that in through other exhibits.
Judge: You can redact it right now
Estevao: I will do it right now.

1h / 10:11 AM

AUSA Johnson: What state of mind is this being offered for?
Judge: There are portions that are properly admissible - so this needs to be redacted if it is going to be admitted into evidence. For example, in the 5th paragraph, I've been getting my life together- no

1h / 10:09 AM

They've back
Judge: Let's get this done before the jury returns.
Combs' Estevao: We still think it's appropriate for this message to come in
AUSA Johnson: We still have issues, with phrases like "I'd like to reconnect."

1h / 9:34 AM

Judge: Break

1h / 9:32 AM

Combs' Estevao: And after that memorial service, you never saw Mr. Combs again, right?
Ventura: I did not.
Estevao: He let you go, right?
Ventura: I never saw him again. I don't know about letting me go.
Estevao: You got married to the love of your life, right?

1h / 9:31 AM

Combs' Estevao: After Ms. Porter's memorial service, you wrote to him that you were going home, why had he called Kim his soulmate, what was the 11 years all about?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: That was hurtful?
Ventura: At that time, yes.

1h / 9:24 AM

Combs' Estevao: Your now-husband didn't know you were with Mr. Combs at the time?
Ventura: I don't know what he knew.
Estavao: Later he discovered it?
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Estevao: You don't your husband you were raped?
Ventura: Not that evening

1h / 9:22 AM

Combs' Estevao: And you write back, We can embrace LOL - and you wanted to hug him, right?
Ventura: That's what I said.
Estevao: Did you have sexual intercourse with Mr. Combs that night?
Ventura: I did
Estevao: And during that, your now husband FaceTimed you?
Yes

1h / 9:14 AM

Combs' Estevao: What did you write?
Ventura: I wrote, I do love you, I would just prefer not being one of your girlfriends... Let's get up tomorrow night, I'll do studio from 6 to 9.
Estevao: He writes, Can I hold you? Or are you just going to break up with me?

1h / 9:10 AM

Combs' Estevao: What did you write?
Ventura: I wrote, I've stopped even caring.
Estevao: But you did care.
Ventura: Yeah...
Estevao: So he said, you could date other people, let's just talk about it, correct?
Ventura: Yes.

1h / 9:07 AM

[After yet another sidebar]
Combs' Estevao: You wrote, I didn't mean to be a b*tch, I just don't get the time. He writes, Just need you to be positive - correct?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: DX 1309 - this is about a yoga instructor?
Ventura: Yup

1h / 8:56 AM

Combs' Estevao: This message to FB, who's that?
Ventura: Frank Black, a name he used.
Estevao: He wrote, I'm in an investor's conference... We'll get back to this.... You still have love for him?
Ventura: I have love for the past and what it was

1h / 8:49 AM

Combs' Estevao: In this meeting, you said the rape took place after Mr. Combs returned from Burning Man - you said he was acting strangely at that dinner?
Ventura: I don't remember exactly that word.
Estevao: Did you meet the US on April 8, 2025?
A: Around then

1h / 8:43 AM

Combs' Estevao: In your civil lawsuit, you say Mr. Combs raped you in September 2018 after you had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Malibu, right?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: Did you meet with the US on Nov 30, 2023?
Ventura: Yes, not the exact date

1h / 8:40 AM

Ventura: I wrote, I don't need you to be taking take of Kim and Gina, I needed you to put me first.
Combs' Estevao: Please read these.
Ventura: I wrote, You lied to me, she never went away, it was the nail in the coffin
Estevao: You meant Gina, the photo?
Yes

1h / 8:38 AM

Combs' Estevao: In August 2018, you called it a closure conversation, Mr. Combs' was inviting you to Burning Man, right?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: I'll read Mr. Combs: You have anger
Ventura: I wrote, My family knows, I am not running around telling our business

1h / 8:31 AM

Combs' Estevao: You say you found a photo of Mr. Combs' with Gina, while you were staying with your parents in Connecticut, right?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: You decided to break up with him - and he didn't threaten you, but suggested couples' counseling?
Ventura: IDK

1h / 8:28 AM

They're back.
Combs' Estevao: Mr. Combs wrote, you're so predictable... You've said you were going to tell him you didn't want to do freak outs anymore, but you didn't say it, did you?
Ventura: I did not.
Estevao: Here, you were suggesting freaking off with a girl

2h / 8:08 AM

Judge: Now, real break

2h / 8:05 AM

With jury out
Judge: Witness list by Sunday 5 pm

2h / 8:04 AM

Combs' Estevao: This message is about having a freak out without ketamine, right?
AUSA Johnson: May I confer with counsel?
Judge: No. But we'll take a break
Jury leaves - more coming

1h / 7:53 AM

Ventura: I was still physically developing.
Combs' Estevao: You were 22.
Ventura: Women keep developing after 22, don't you think?
Estevao: But you're not suggesting you were still physically developing after 22?
Ventura: I am not.

1h / 7:50 AM

Combs' Estevao: Did you participate in EMDR?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: What does it do?
Ventura: Memories and processing them.
Estevao: The idea is you recall prior traumatic memories, like for PTSD - you were being treated for PTSD?
Ventura: Yes

1h / 7:48 AM

They're back
Combs' Estevao: Did you get neuro feedback therapy?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: What is it?
Ventura: They hook something up to your head and show you things, see how you react.
Estevao: Were you told the effects of it?
Ventura: Help me with my trauma

1h / 7:43 AM

AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Sidebar

1h / 7:42 AM

Combs' Estevao: Now let's talk about rehab. Do you still still Suboxone?
Ventura: Something like it.
Estevao: What does it treat?
Ventura: Opioid addition.
AUSA Johnson: Objection!
Overruled
Estevoa: You wrote a book in rehab- the place treats sexual compulsion?

1h / 7:25 AM

Combs' Estevao: What did Mr. Combs say when you told him you thought Mr. Oddi was recording?
Ventura: He said he'd take care of it.
Estevao: Are you aware of an escort leaving comments on Mr. Combs' Instagram page?
Ventura: I am not.

1h / 7:21 AM

Combs' Estevao: Mr. Combs spent a lot of money to make sure the video did not get released?
Ventura: I don't know.
Estevao: You had a conversation with Jonathan Oddi that was transcribed?
Ventura: I'm not sure.
Estevao: He was volatile?
Ventura: I didn't trust him

1h / 7:19 AM

Combs' Estevao: That was you, right?
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: Did Mr. Combs express concern about these videos being released?
Ventura: When?
Estevao: Ever
Ventura: Yes.
Estevao: The escort Jonathan, you thought he took a video?
Ventura: Yes

1h / 7:17 AM

[still the audio played for the jury]
Ventura: I will f*cking kill you, I've never killed anyone in my life, I am going to f*ck you up, it's not going to be blood on my hands, someone else is going to do it, I'm not playing with you Sujit, tell me

1h / 7:16 AM

Combs' Estevao: I'm going to play you some audio
[Ventura saying, "If you saw a video of someone f*cking me, who was f*cking me? You have it, why didn't you show me?
'Cuz I'm not disrespectful bro
Ventura: If you don't show me, I will kill you, cut you up

1h / 7:05 AM

Combs' Estevao: Why did you go to Sedona?
Ventura: I went to Arizona to get away from the drugs.
Estevao: I'm going to go to a new topic. Mr. Combs told you to go get the video you'd heard about. What did you write?
Ventura: I wrote, You keep putting me down

1h / 6:56 AM

Combs' Estevao: Look at this, it's from 2013
Ventura: Now I see.
Estevao: What else did Mr. Combs take?
Ventura: My car, my passport, when he was angry.
Estevao: Let's refresh you about Mr. Combs being in rehab
Ventura: I vaguely remember

1h / 6:54 AM

Combs' Estevao: Wasn't there a time he found out you were dancing with another person in the entertainment industry, and took your phone, right?
Ventura: I don't remember.
Estevao: It was Chris Brown
Ventura: I was not dancing with him

1h / 6:52 AM

Combs' Estevao: Did Mr. Combs go through your phone?
Ventura: I think so. And he called someone on it
Estevao: The person you had an affair with, an NFL player?
Ventura: I don't know if he's playing anymore.
Estevao: But he was an NFL player - and he was jealous

1h / 6 :50 AM

Ventura: We were in a car and he told me to call my mother - when I did, he grabbed my phone and took it
Combs' Estevao: It was a big fight
Ventura: He was just gone
Estevao: For how long?
Ventura: A few hours until my mother called the police

1h / 6:49 AM

Combs' Estevao: Mr. Combs wrote, F*ck Friday, I don't even want to do that again. What did you write?
Ventura: I wrote, LOL, true.
Estevao: Mr. Combs suspected your of having an affair with... someone else in the industry. What happened, when he took your phone?

1h / 6:43 AM

Combs' Estevao: Here Mr. Combs is asking you for sex soon after the Inter Continental, right?
Ventura: I was saying who he felt.
Estevao: What did you write back?
Ventura: I wrote, We need a different vibe than Friday at the Inter Continental

1h / 6:39 AM

Combs' Estevao: What did you write here?
Ventura: I wrote, When you get f*cked up the wrong way -
Estevao: You meant drugs?
Ventura: And alcohol.
Estevao: Here Mr. Combs writes to you, I am so horny for you-
AUSA Johnson: This is not in evidence

1h / 6:36 AM

Judge: All rise! Good morning. You are still under oath, Ms. Ventura.
Combs' Estevao: You believe Mr. Combs was black-out for the Inter Continental event?
Ventura: I believe he was intoxicated. Everyone's definition is different.
Estevao: But you said black-out

2h / 6:27 AM

Judge: Our jury is ready. Any more issues?
Combs' Estevao: If the rape is after the charged conduct, it shouldn't have come in, it's a huge issue for us.
Judge: It's not a huge issues, you didn't raise it at the time
Combs' Estevao: We thought we could cross on it

2h / 6:25 AM

[Combs speaking about God]
Combs' Estevao: This was about him being in rehab, which Ms. Ventura didn't remember. So we want to refresh her recollection with this.
AUSA Johnson: It cannot be played for her in front of the jury
Combs' Estevao: We have headphones

2h / 6:23 AM

Combs' Estevao: We don't understand why they are taking time objecting to our exhibits.
AUSA Johnson: They are proposing to use a video of Mr. Combs walking in nature, talking about God - it is improper, invited jury nullification
Judge: Let's hear it

2h / 6:21 AM

Judge: The Government has said the defense's cross examination can go until 4:30 pm today and they'll limit themselves to 30 minutes of re-direct.
Combs' lawyer Anna Maria Estevao: We have evidentiary issues
Judge: Tell me about them, should have been in writing

1h / 6:18 AM

OK - US v Sean Combs May 16 Cassie cross to end by 4:30 US says, 

MATTHEW RUSSELL LEE of I.C.P. reporting as the inside ears 

For MIND OF MONKEY STUDIO

AND NOW THE VERSION NBC NEWS

POSTED TO THEIR WEBSITE

6h ago / 2:02 PM PDT

Singer testifies she saw Combs strike Ventura with a skillet full of eggs

Deon J. Hampton and Adam Reiss
Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, an all-girl group Diddy created on MTV “Making the Band”, testified that she saw Sean Combs physically assault Cassie Ventura inside his Los Angeles home in 2009.

“He came downstairs asking where his phone was, and he threw her to the ground,” Richard alleged, adding Combs struck Ventura with a skillet full of eggs.

Richard, who was later part of a trio with Diddy called “Dirty Money,” said she was at the home recording music when the attack occurred.

“He attempted to kick her, she fell to the ground and went into the fetal position, literally trying to hide her head,” Richard told the court.

Richard said Combs put his arm around Ventura’s neck, dragged her upstairs and then heard glass breaking.

“I was scared for her, I was scared to do anything,” Richard testified.

2h ago / 1:32 PM PDT

Cash, pills and 'mood lighting' found at Combs' hotel room

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

Lubricants, cash, pills and "mood lighting" were seized by authorities as they arrested Combs at a New York City hotel nearly eight months ago, a federal agent said.

Prosecutors had Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Yasin Binda detailed seized items from Combs, who had been in Room 2115 of the Park Hyatt hotel on West 57th Street.

Items taken by agents included plastic bags with Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil and Astroglide, a bottle of the drug Klonopin and $9,000 cash, the agent said.

They also found a lighting device that Binda said: "I would describe it as potentially mood lighting.”

2h ago / 1:19 PM PDT

Cassie's attorney said testifying showed her character

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from Manhattan

Doug Wigdor, Cassie Ventura’s attorney, said she performed well on the witness stand.

“To be able to come into this courtroom and testify for the last week on this very graphic subject is a true testament to her character,” Wigdor said outside the courthouse after Ventura's testimony concluded.

Asked about Ventura’s testimony such as not hating Sean Combs and still having love for him, Wigdor responded, “It’s a complex situation.”

“I think we all know and can appreciate that there are many women, as I’m speaking here today, who are abused by people who they love.”

He added, Ventura and Combs shared a 10-year relationship.

“I think she readily admitted that there were some good times in that relationship,” Wigdor said. “But that doesn’t, that does not permit someone to do the things that she testified to to her and to control her and to subject her to the physical and mental abuse that she suffered.”

2h ago / 12:53 PM PDT

Former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard to testify next

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane — the girl group Combs assembled on the MTV reality competition “Making the Band” — is set to testify next.

The government says Richard will testify that she observed violence against Cassie Ventura, saw Combs with guns and illicit drugs and that Combs and his associates tried to silence her.

Richard sued Combs last year, alleging that he groped, assaulted and imprisoned her, and threatened her life when she tried to intervene in defense of Ventura.

2h ago / 12:36 PM PDT

Cassie Ventura excused from the witness stand

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from Manhattan

R&B singer Cassie Ventura, the star witness for the prosecution in the federal trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs this week, has ended her dramatic and often emotional testimony, and is now gone from court.

U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian wished Ventura well.

“Have a great weekend,” the judge told eight-month pregnant Ventura before the court entered recess.

2h ago / 12:27 PM PDT

Ventura expects $10 million settlement from hotel over beating captured on video

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

The witness' legal team is still negotiating a settlement with the hotel over the 2016 Los Angeles hotel assault, which was captured by security cameras.

"I do not know the exact number, I think $10 million maybe?" she said under cross-examination.

A deal has not been struck yet, she said, but an eight-digit payout is the expectation.

Ventura was excused from the witness stand moments later.

"Have a great weekend," the judge told Ventura, who is eight months pregnant.

2h ago / 12:13 PM PDT

Being with Combs opened all sorts of doors, Ventura says

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

The defense had Ventura admit there were all kinds of career benefits to being Combs' girlfriend.

Ventura said she attended the Met Gala with Combs, got "a lot of studio time" through the rapper and met many influential entertainers such as Kid Cudi, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross.

2h ago / 12:12 PM PDT

Combs' attorneys start re-cross examination of Cassie Ventura

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

During its re-cross examination of Cassie Ventura, the defense is trying to show that being with Combs gave Ventura entry into a world of celebrities and musicians that she otherwise would not have been able to obtain.

His attorney, Anna Estevao, noted that Ventura went to the Met Gala and had unprecedented access to producers because of her relationship with Combs.

"You said it was a world of chaos? Freak offs, drugs and partying? By being with him you could meet other people in the entertainment industry and go to fascinating places," Estevao said.

3h ago / 11:58 AM PDT

Combs would become violent if Cassie left 'freak offs' without permission

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from Manhattan

Cassie Ventura told the jury that Combs would become violent if she attempted to leave a "freak off" without permission.

“He would get violent, it would be horrible,” Ventura alleged in the courtroom.

She also described Combs beating at her at the Intercontinental Hotel.

“During the 'freak off' he hit me in the eye and I left before he said it was over,” Ventura testified. “He followed me to the hallway and he dragged me back, he was wearing a towel and socks.”

3h ago / 11:44 AM PDT

Ventura: Raped by Combs before having consensual sex with him

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

The witness testified that Combs raped her in August of 2018 before she had consensual sex with him a short time later.

The prosecutor Johnson asked if she had any doubts that Combs sexually assaulted her nearly seven years ago and the witness said, "no (doubts)."

Johnson then asked Ventura if she had consensual sex with him just a few weeks later and she replied, "yes."

2h ago / 11:27 AM PDT

Ventura considered herself a 'sex worker' for Combs

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The government's key witness said she considered herself a "sex worker" serving Combs, in a dramatic — though officially stricken-from-the-record — moment of the trial.

Ventura said that "freaks offs" with Combs became so frequent, it impacted her career as an aspiring singer and actor.

"I had a whole other job, basically a sex worker," she told prosecutors in re-direct testimony.

The defense objected to that answer and Judge Subramanian told jurors to disregard Ventura's statement — though it was impossible to un-hear.

2h ago / 11:19 AM PDT

Prosecutors begin second round of questions for Cassie

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

After a day and a half of being questioned by Combs' attorneys, the government just began its second round of questions for the key witness.

Right off the bat, prosecutors appear to be attempting to counter how the defense has painted Ventura — as a willing participant in Combs' "freak offs" and content in their relationship.

Ventura testified that while there were times when Combs was "kind" and "loving," "those periods didn't last."

“I was opened up to a world of chaos and his lifestyle and I wanted approval,” she added. “It was a whole other world. I didn't know or understand at the time. It was a lot.”

2h ago / 11:07 AM PDT

Combs calls Cassie 'the greatest woman in the world' in 2019 email exchange

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from Manhattan

Sean Combs congratulated Cassie Ventura on her pregnancy and described her as the greatest woman in the world during a 2019 email exchange.

“You will make a beautiful mother, God bless,” Combs wrote before wishing her a blessed day, his defense attorney told the court as they concluded their cross examination.

Ventura thanked Combs, told him that she missed him and hoped he was taking care of himself.

“Means a lot it, means more than you know please know I am always here if you need me,” Combs wrote to Ventura. “I pray for the day we can sit down and I can let you know all the things I am reflecting on, I thank God for the time we had together.”

Combs said Ventura was “the greatest woman in the world.”

Ventura responded, “I don’t hate you, I never have.”

2h ago / 10:59 AM PDT

Cross-examination of Ventura is over

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Comb' defense finished its cross-examination of Ventura, bringing her a step closer to leaving court.

She's now subject to re-direct examination by prosecutors and then another possible round of questions by the defense. But it's fair to say, she's closing in on the end of her testimony.

2h ago / 10:38 AM PDT

Back after lunch with hopes to finish up with Ventura

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

Court is back in session and Combs' defense team has been told it has three hours to wrap up its cross-examination of Ventura.

The prosecution would then have another chance to question Ventura as the judge seeks to cut her loose by day's end.

“We’re almost finished,” defense lawyer Estevao told Ventura.

"Thank you," the witness said.

3h ago / 9:42 AM PDT

Court in recess for lunch break

Adam Reiss

Reporting from New York City

U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian declared a recess for the lunch hour and set a restart for 1:10 p.m. ET.

Ventura will remain on the witness stand as the judge hopes to have her cut loose by the end of the day.

3h ago / 9:40 AM PDT

Cassie says she had consensual sex with Combs after she said he raped her

Matt Lavietes

Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura said she had consensual sex with Combs shortly after she says he raped her.

The consensual encounter occurred during September, she said, while she was dating her soon-to-be husband Alex Fine. Ventura said she FaceTimed Fine sometime during that evening.

After the encounter, Ventura testified that she texted Combs that she had a great time.

Ventura added that, after she told Fine that Combs raped her, Fine punched a hole in the wall.

3h ago / 9:37 AM PDT

Combs heavily involved with cross-examination of Ventura

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from Manhattan

Sean Combs has been very involved with the cross-examination of Cassie Ventura. He is leaning in to read the transcript on the monitor, passing notes down the line to be handed to his defensive team, specifically, to Anna Estevao, and whispering with attorney Marc Agnifilo.

4h ago / 9:00 AM PDT

Cassie says Combs raped her after dinner

Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Reporting from Manhattan

Cassie Ventura said Combs invited her to Burning Man in 2018 after they had broken up.

She was now dating her soon-to-be husband Alex Fine, but joined Combs for dinner at an Italian Malibu restaurant, after which Ventura alleges Combs took her home, went inside her apartment and raped her.

Ventura said during the dinner Combs seemed different.

“He was acting strangely, yes,” Ventura testified.

2h ago / 8:51 AM PDT

Ventura admits she once suggested hiring a woman for 'freak off'

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The defense showed Ventura a 2010 text message in which she seemed to suggest to Combs that they bring a woman, instead of a man, to their regular "freak off" sessions.

"Yes that's what I'm suggesting," Ventura said under cross-examination.

The defense has conceded that Combs is prone to violent or behavior. But his lawyers insist that Ventura and other alleged victims were consensual adults, with agency to make their own decisions and thus were not trafficked for sex as the government claims.

2h ago / 8:32 AM PDT

Judge, again, chastises lawyers for not picking up the pace

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

Yet again, Judge Arun Subramanian let both sides know his displeasure with continuing objections voiced by prosecutors and the disjointed presentation by defense lawyers that's keeping the eight-month-pregnant Ventura on the stand.

"We are not going to proceed in this fashion," Subramanian said. "A few ground rules: You say objection you must say the grounds."

He added: "In terms of admitting exhibits why is there confusion among the parties about what is admitted and what is not admitted."

Subramanian has said he wants Ventura's testimony to be concluded today.

2h ago / 8:12 AM PDT

Ventura sought therapy, but not for sex or love addiction

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

Ventura said she once spent 45 days being treated for traumatic memories, but not for anything connected to an addiction to love or sex.

She was treated at Willow House in Arizona where therapists help "you recount memories, it is part of the trauma therapy," Ventura said during her cross-examination.

"It helps you process them and helps you recount memories. They hook you up to a machine and it regulates your brain waves," she added. "It lets you complete a trauma that I cut off."

But Ventura said she wasn't treated for any addiction to love or sex, which would presumably be behind her staying in an abusive relationship with Combs.

2h ago / 8:06 AM PDT

Should Cassie Ventura be compelled to testify again on Monday?
Danny Cevallos

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian had harsh words for the defense on Thursday over what he perceived as a prolonged cross-examination of key witness Cassie Ventura.

The judge was particularly agitated about the possibility that the defense might not conclude their questioning of the eight-months pregnant Ventura before week’s end.

This will certainly be an issue during Ventura’s testimony today, as it may be difficult for the defense to complete their cross, the prosecution to complete their redirect, and the defense to complete any re-cross, all in one day.

The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees each criminal defendant the right “to be confronted with the witnesses against him.”

“A district court should afford wide latitude to a defendant in a criminal case to cross-examine government witnesses…” At the same time, the “Confrontation Clause [does not] prevent a trial judge from imposing any limits on defense counsel’s inquiry in cross-examining a prosecution witness.”

Should Cassie Ventura be compelled to testify again on Monday?, continued
In other words, the court has broad discretion in this area.

In my opinion (admittedly, as a biased defense attorney), the prosecution has the burden in this case, and they chose a witness who they knew would be eight-months pregnant at the time of trial.

Of course Ventura’s health is important, but another day on the stand to protect Combs’ rights is a minimal additional intrusion.

If the testimony continues to Monday, it should continue to Monday. If Ventura goes into labor over the weekend, any resulting mistrial is, respectfully, on the prosecution, not the defense.

2h ago / 7:39 AM PDT

Jury hears of Ventura's intense fear about 'freak off' video being released

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The jury hears an audio recording of Ventura angrily asking a man if he had a sex tape depicting her in a 'freak off'.

"I want to f------- see that, it is my f------ life and I will kill you," she said. "If you have it pull it up or I will kill you and he will kill you again. I am tired of you talking s---. You said you have it, you are playing games."

2h ago / 7:16 AM PDT

Cassie and Combs discussed video of hotel assault over text

Adam Reiss and Matt Lavietes
Reporting from New York City

Cassie Ventura says she learned there was a recording of her from the InterContinental Hotel in L.A., where Combs physically assaulted her, while she was in Sedona, Arizona, coming down from illicit drugs.

Combs' attorney noted that Ventura was concerned the video might have been from a "freak off." He added that "Combs was encouraging you to get to the bottom of it" with one of his security staffers who was with Ventura in Arizona.

"This is crazy don’t let him out of your sight," Combs texted Ventura.

Ventura acknowledged that she texted Combs back that she didn't see why it was so crazy.

2h ago / 7:09 AM PDT

An angry Combs swiped phones, other possessions, witness says

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

Combs' anger often led to Ventura losing access to her car and phone, the witness said.

Asked if Combs exhibited this kind of behavior when he was jealous, Ventura said it could be any number of things that could trigger her then-boyfriend's ire.

"He would take it (her cell phone) when he was angry about something," she said.

"He took my phone, my car, my watch when he was angry," Ventura later added.

2h ago / 6:54 AM PDT

Ventura tells Combs she's no 'rag doll' to be knocked around

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

Days after she was beaten up in a Los Angeles hotel by Combs, Ventura told the rapper she wouldn't stand for being treated like a "rag doll."

The witness read a March 9, 2016 text message she sent to Combs telling him, "when you get f---- up the wrong way, you always want to show me you have the power to knock me around, i am not a rag doll, i am someones child."

2h ago / 6:35 AM PDT

Prosecutors oppose showing video of Combs thanking God in rehab

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

The government opposed the introduction of video showing Combs strolling through a natural setting and speaking of his faith.

"Out here, going for a hike in the morning, nature and God," Combs tells the camera in footage that defense lawyers said was sent to Ventura while he was in rehab, a month after the 2016 Los Angeles hotel assault.

"Want to wish you a great beautiful day. My thing today is to approach everything with grace and calmness and love and God in my heart. I want you to know I’m growing. I want you to grow with me. Love you”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson objected to the video: "It should be kept from jury and goes to nullification."

The judge will allow Ventura to view it and answer questions but jurors will not see it.

2h ago / 6:16 AM PDT

Judge wants everyone to get on with it; lawyers blame each other

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

U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian wants the pace of questioning to pick up and each side blamed the other for slow downs.

Subramanian asked if there's any reason to believe the day can't end at 5 p.m.

"We may have a problem if the government continues to object and insist the witness reads text exchanges," defense lawyer Anna Estevao said, "and we don’t understand why they continue to object on authenticity."

Prosecutors pointed the finger at Combs' team, accusing it of dragging this out.

"The Government respectfully submits this letter requesting that the Court exercise its discretion to limit the defendant’s cross examination of Ms. Ventura, if necessary, to ensure that her examination concludes by the end of the trial day today," according to a letter from prosecutors.

4h ago / 4:35 AM PDT

Dawn Richard expected to be next witness for government

Adam Reiss

Dawn Richard, a former member of the girl group Danity Kane, is expected to take the witness stand today once lawyers finish questioning Cassie 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. ET.

4h ago / 4:35 AM PDT

The rise and fall of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Sean “Diddy” Combs, once one of the biggest names in hip-hop, is currently on trial over sex trafficking allegations. NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz reflects on Combs’ career and the incidents that led him here.