Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial: Dawn Richard testifies about drug use, guns and Cassie Ventura beatings

The former Danity Kane member faced a tough cross-examination from the defense. Also on the stand today were Ventura's former friend Kerry Morgan and Combs' former assistant David James.

Where the sex trafficking trial stands
Former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard returned to the stand today. She testified last week that she witnessed Sean “Diddy” Combs attack his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura with a skillet filled with eggs. The defense tried to undermine her credibility today by highlighting inconsistencies with her statements and her attempts to continue working with Combs despite the alleged violence she witnessed.
Ventura's former best friend, Kerry Morgan, also took the stand today. She described multiple instances where she says she saw Combs physically abuse Ventura and a time when she herself was allegedly attacked by Combs. Morgan also testified that Ventura was jealous of Combs' ex-girlfriend Kim Porter and that Combs was jealous of Ventura's relationship with actor Michael B. Jordan.
Also called to the stand was David James, a former personal assistant to Combs. James began his tearful testimony describing his hiring process, when an executive at Bad Boy Entertainment told him, "This is Mr. Combs' kingdom, and we are all here to serve in it." He also said Ventura told him she couldn't leave Combs because he controlled her career and her money.
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.

4h ago / 12:29 PM PDT

Court is adjourned; Combs' former personal assistant to resume tomorrow

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Court has adjourned for the day, with David James set to return tomorrow for at least another hour of questioning from the prosecution.

4h / 12:16 PM

Wait there's more
Combs' Agnifilo: MDC-Brooklyn makes us end VCT calls at 6 pm. We need more. Ending at 3 pm helps. If you can extend it --
Judge: Put a letter on the docket

4h / 12:12 PM

Judge: We'll break for the day.

5h / 12:10 PM

David James: Mr. Combs said, Kim is my queen, out in LA with my family. He said, I have Cassie right where I want her, she's young and moldable.
AUSA: Your Honor, how much longer do you want to go? This would be good place to break.

5h / 12:08 PM

David James: I asked her, why don't you leave? She said, Sean controls my life, my music, he pays for my apartment...
AUSA: Next conversation?
David James: It was about her music. But the album never came out
AUSA: Did you overhead a conversation?
David James: Yes

5h / 12:06 PM

AUSA: Did Mr. Combs have girlfriends then?
David James: Kim Porter... Sarah, Tara, Yana - and Cassie.
AUSA: What was your first conversation with Cassie?
David James: We were on Star Island, Kerry Morgan was there too. Cassie said, This lifestyle is crazy.

5h / 12:05 PM

AUSA: What did security staff tell you?
David James: To stay in my lane.
AUSA: Who said that?
David James: Bond, Uncle Paulie...
AUSA: Focusing on his personal chef, who is is?
David James: Chef Jourdan.
[Jourdan Atkinson]

5h / 12:00 PM

AUSA: Did you travel with Mr. Combs as well?
David James: Yes.
AUSA: Who were the security staff?
David James: D-Roc, Bonds, Uncle Paulie...
AUSA: You worked 20 hours a day?
David James: Yes. Security did too.

5h / 11: 56 AM

AUSA: What would you do, as assistant?
David James: Bad Boy to 5, then out to dinner, then to the studio to 3 am. We'd get a call time at the end of the night.

5h / 11:53 AM

David Jones: I said, I'd know his food and restaurant preferences. He asked me why I'd make a good assistant. I said, Can't stop, won't stop. I got the job.
AUSA: Did he have others?
David James: Ms. Robles, Mr. Barber, others

5h / 11:51 AM

AUSA: How did they test you?
David James: They gave me 40 appointments and asked me to make a schedule. You had to know, for example, what time a particular show on Hot-97 came on.
AUSA: What did Mr. Combs ask you?
David James: To make a spread sheet for Miami

6h / 11:49 AM

David James: I went to college in Michigan... Later I faxed my resume to Bad Boy.
AUSA: Where was the interview?
David James: 1710 Broadway.
AUSA: Who'd you meet?
David James: Tommy, his sister Keisha and others

6h / 11:45 AM

Next witness is David James.
AUSA: Why are you here?
David James: I've been subpoened.
AUSA: Were you Combs' personal assistant?
David James: From 2007 to 2009.
AUSA: Who is that in this photo?
David James: That is David James.
AUSA: That is, yourself?
Yes.

6h / 11:43 AM

AUSA Foster: What happened in Jamaica?
Kerry Morgan: He dragged Cassie by her hair, a fifty yard hallway.
AUSA: Was he talking about jealousy?
Morgan: No. He said she spent too long in the bathroom.
AUSA: Nothing further.
Judge: Any re-cross?
Agnifilo: Now.

6h / 11:41 AM

Kerry Morgan: I see that I said that.
Now cross examination
AUSA Foster: Do you remember Mr. Agnifilo asking you about an incident in LA-
Combs' Agnifilo: Objection
Judge: Overruled.
AUSA Foster: And he hit her, like in Jamaica, arguing about jealousy

6h /  11:33 AM

Combs' Agnifilo: You went to an Urgent Care and not the hospital?
Kerry Morgan: Right.
Agnifilo: But you don't the prosecutors it was bloody and you went to the hospital?
Morgan: I don't remember that.
Agnifilo: Look at this [3500 material, not shown to jury]

6h / 11:31 AM

Combs' Agnifilo: I want to show you a few more photos. But first let's talk about the incident when he put his hands on your neck. Were you & Cassie using any drugs at the time?
Kerry Morgan: No
Agnifilo: What did he say?
Morgan: He said, Who is she cheating with?

6h / 11:29 AM

[Agnifilo shows Kerry Morgan photos then asks]
Combs' Agnifilo: Do you know if Louise Hayes is a self-help author, about self affirmation?
Morgan: Yes
Agnifilo: Why did you send him this, with words of encouragement?
Morgan: I don't remember sending it
Agnfilo: OK

6h / 11:09 AM

Combs' Agnifilo: Why haven't you spoken with her?
Kerry Morgan: She did not support me after Sean assaulted me. I try that line at assault.
Agnifilo: You reached a settlement with Ms. Ventura?
Morgan: The money came from Mr. Combs.

6h / 11:07 AM

Combs' Agnifilo: You two were best friends for 18 years - but now you haven't spoken with her since 2018?
Kerry Morgan: That's true.
Agnifilo: At the danger of being Capital Obvious, that's a long time. She's moved on-
AUSA: Objection!

7h / 10:58 AM

Combs' Agnifilo: When you say Sean came and hammered on the door, why did the police come?
Kerry Morgan: They said because of the noise.
Agnifilo: What did they say to you?
Morgan: Cassie was visibly injured. But she didn't say anything.

7h / 10:50 AM

Kerry Morgan: He was having a full on relationship with this little girl.
Combs' Agnifilo: Why do you call her that?
Morgan: She acts like that. She's younger than us.

7h / 10:49 AM

Combs' Agnifilo: And the other way?
Kerry Morgan: Cassie was speaking with Michael B. Jordan and Sean got jealous. She was trying to leave him.
Agnifilo: You were both using drugs?
Morgan: No. We were in South Africa.
Agnifilo: Did you learn about Gina
A: Yes

7h / 10:38 AM

Combs' Agifilo: Then you were both in NYC?
Kerry Morgan: I stayed downtown, she moved to Harlem.
Agnifilo: Have you ever met Kim Porter?
Morgan: Yes. Probably at a concert.
Agnifilo: Was Cassie ever jealous?
Morgan: Uh, yes.

7h / 10:31 AM

Jury entering!
AUSA: No further questions for Ms. Morgan.
Judge: Cross.
Combs' Agnifilo: You were Ms. Ventura's best friend since 2004?
Kerry Morgan: Actually 2001. We met waiting for the Polaroids to develop. I was living in Buffalo, she was in Connecticut

7h / 10:22 AM 

Judge: I anticipate Mr. [David] James will be the next witness - how is he relevant?
AUSA: As to the means and methods of the enterprise, Mr. Combs threatening to assault employees

7h / 10:18 AM

[They're back from brief lunch]
Judge: If I let this is, Ms. Ventura could be recalled as a witness.
AUSA: I doubt that we would call her-
Judge: The defense could call her back to the stand.
AUSA: I doubt that she would be available.
Judge: The evidence is out

8h / 9:48 AM

Judge: You all need to get something to eat. Break.

8h / 9:45 AM

[With jury out for lunch, the arguments continue]
Judge: What's your best citation to try to get this evidence in?
AUSA: 614 F.3d 30, at 39. and 945 F.3d at 706.
Judge: I'll look at them and we'll come back -
Combs' Agnifilo: I haven't seen this before

8h / 9:36 AM

Judge: Break

8h / 9:34 AM

AUSA: Who did you speak to about it?
Kerry Morgan: Ryan, Sean's old assistant.
AUSA: What did he do?
Morgan: Nothing [Shrugs]... I have not spoken with Cassie since.

8h / 9:30 AM

AUSA: Did Mr. Combs every assault you?
Kerry Morgan: Yes. He hit me with a wood coat hanger and choked me.
AUSA: Where did the hanger hit you?
Morgan: Behind me right ear.
AUSA: What did he express concern about?
Morgan: Who Cassie was cheating on him with.

8h / 9:21 AM

AUSA: What happened?
Kerry Morgan: Cassie wouldn't show them her ID. Nothing happened. They left a card.
AUSA: Read this message - did you sent an attachment?
Morgan: Yes. A photo of the card the detective left.

8h / 9:16 AM

AUSA: What about the incident at Comstock [apartment
Kerry Morgan: Cassie came back with a hoodie covering her face. Then Sean came and tried to get in, hitting the door with a hammer. I called D-Roc.
AUSA: Did he get in?
Morgan: No. Then the police came.

8h / 9:10 AM

AUSA: What happened next?
Kerry Morgan: There were two golf carts in the driveway. I got in one and Sean got in the other. We went in different directions, looking for Cassie.
AUSA: Did you find her?
Morgan: Yes. Then we hid in a ditch, whispering

9h / 9:09 AM

AUSA: And the next time?
Kerry Morgan: In Jamaica. I saw him drag her by her hair. I ran back to get my purse and phones so we could leave
AUSA: What did you see next?
Kerry Morgan: I thought she was knocked out. Then she got up and ran into a wooded area

9h / 9:01 AM

AUSA: What did Mr. Combs do to Cassie?
Kerry Morgan: He kicked her.
AUSA: What did she do?
Morgan: Nothing. I told Ruben to do something. He indicated he wouldn't.
AUSA: Then what?
Morgan: We left the house. Cassie and I were hiding by someone's front steps

9h / 8:59 AM

Kerry Morgan: Sometimes he would call 50 times in a row.
AUSA: Would others call you for him?
Morgan: Yes, Kristina Khorram, or KK.
AUSA: Did you witness assaults?
Morgan: Yes, first in the Hollywood Hills. Ruben one of his security guards was there

8h / 8:55 AM

AUSA: How did Mr. Combs act?
Kerry Morgan: He would yell at Cassie. She lost her confidence, big time, lost her spark.
AUSA: Did Mr. Combs talk down to Cassie?
Morgan: Yes. About her looks. Who she talked to.
AUSA: Did he contact you looking for her?
Morgan: A lot

9h / 8:53 AM

AUSA: Did you travel with Cassie and Mr. Combs?
Kerry Morgan: Yes. Ibiza, Miami...
AUSA: What drugs did Mr. Combs provide?
Morgan: Molly, marijuana, Ecstasy.
AUSA: Which did Mr. Combs take?
Morgan: All
Morgan: Did you take drugs alone with Cassie?
Morgan: Opiates

9h / 8:50 AM

AUSA: Did Cassie drink?
Kerry Morgan: Not much.
AUSA: Any drugs?
Kerry Morgan: None.
AUSA: What was she doing for work?
Kerry Morgan: Modeling. Then she recorded "Me and You."
AUSA: When did you learn they were dating?
Morgan: 2007

9h / 8:49 AM

AUSA: Do you see him here?
Kerry Morgan: Yes. There in a yellow sweater.
AUSA: Let the record reflect the witness had identified defendant Sean Combs.
AUSA: Why are you here?
Kerry Morgan: I got a subpoena.
AUSA: Where did you live with Cassie?
Morgan: Manhattan

9h / 8:47 AM

Jury entering!
AUSA: The Government calls Kerry Morgan... Where do you live?
Kerry Morgan: Los Angeles.
AUSA: Who is this [Photo shown]
Kerry Morgan: Cassie Ventura.
AUSA: What was your relationship?
Kerry Morgan: We were best friends. Her boyfriend assaulted me

9h / 8:37 AM

Judge: OK, a break

9h / 8:35 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: You sued for money, right?
Dawn Richard: For justice.
Westmoreland: But the suit asks for money, right?
Dawn Richard: Yes.
Westmoreland: No further questions.
Judge: Ms. Slavik?
AUSA: No re-re-redirect.
Combs' Donaldson: Break?

9h / 8:33 AM

Re-cross
Combs' Westmoreland: You admit you reached out to Mr. Combs to reengage - you claim, only to have a relationship with Laurieann Gibson. But if it got back together, you'd have to see Mr. Combs more, right?
Dawn Richard: Yes.

9h / 8:28 AM

Dawn Richard: Sporadic.
AUSA: Why did you reach out?
Dawn Richard: To help Kalenna Harper.
AUSA: No further questions.
Combs' Westmoreland: May we have a brief conference at the bench?
[Sidebar ensues

9h / 8:25 AM

AUSA: Why'd you reach out to Mr. Combs?
Dawn Richard: One of the judge on Making the Band, Laurieann Gibson, I wanted to reach out-
Combs' Westmoreland: Objection!
Judge: Sustained.
AUSA: How often would you hear from Mr. Combs, after you left Diddy Dirty Money?

9h / 8:17 AM

[They're back from long sidebar, re-direct]
AUSA: Why did you file your civil lawsuit?
Dawn Richard: When I worked for Sean Combs, I had no sleep, the conditions...
AUSA: In every meeting with the Government did you say that Mr. Combs beat Ms. Ventura?
A: Yes

10h/ 8:08 AM

AUSA: Can we have a short sidebar?
[Sidebar - and it is not short. Still wondering why the sides' legal arguments to the judge

10h / 8:02 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: The songs you're released on your own have not reached the level of what you released with Danity Kane and Diddy Dirty Money, right?
Dawn Richard: True.
Westmoreland: And you reach out to Mr. Combs to try to make more money, right?
A: Yes.

10h / 7:56 AM

[Back from sidebar]
Combs' Westmoreland: It was you who reached out to Mr. Combs, to work with him again?
Dawn Richard: Yes.
Westmoreland: But he had threatened you, right - you asked him to work with you again?
Dawn Richard: Yes.
Westmoreland: OK...

11h / 7:52 AM

Judge: Sidebar

11h / 7:48 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: You saw One Stop sell drugs - you saw him take money?
Dawn Richard: Yes.
Westmoreland: Alright, one second... Didn't you tell the government you never saw anyone pay him? So you lied, right?
Dawn Richard: No.

11h / 7:44 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: Did you tell the Government you never saw Mr. Combs do cocaine?
Dawn Richard: I don't recall.
Westmoreland: Your testimony has changed on quite few things.
Dawn Richard: As time progresses I remember more.

11h / 7:41 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: About the guns, you didn't tell the prosecutors about, I saw guns at Daddy's house?
Dawn Richard: They didn't ask.
Westmoreland: You never saw Mr. Combs pull a gun out and wave it around, load bullets or cock it?
Dawn Richard: He just had it.

11h / 7:36 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: Let's move to alleged incident before the Central Park concert - you are aware there was a camera crew?
Dawn Richard: Not in the bathroom.
Westmoreland: You were filmed in the park - are you aware if the video has been turned over?
A: No.

12h / 7:27 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: Isn't it true the first time you said this was a week ago? Would you like me to show you your previous interviews?
Dawn Richard: I know what I said.
Westmoreland: You said Mr. Combs made a death threat - one that you didn't recall 7 times?

12h / 7:21 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: Let's do to your interview on March 18, 2025 - you did not say anything about Mr. Combs told you, People go missing
Dawn Richard: I don't recall that.
Westmoreland: No worries. I'm going to show you a document, for the parties only. Page 5

12h / 7:17 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: Would you agree with me it has been hard for you to keep your story straight with respect to this egg incident?
Dawn Richard: I told it as close as I could.
Westmoreland: The day after, you say Mr. Combs said, people go missing?
A: Yes

12h / 7:09 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: You testified he attempted to hit her about the eggs and Ms. Ventura dropped down in a fetal position, right?
Dawn Richard: Yes.
Westmoreland: Did you ever say you heard a pan hit the wall, you didn't see it?
Dawn Richard: I don't recall.

12h / 7:05 AM

Judge: Cross.
Combs' Westmoreland: You are aware there's a motion to dismiss your lawsuit?
Dawn Richard: I have civil lawyers.
Westmoreland: You sat with the prosecutors and you allegations have chnged?
Dawn Richard: I've been consistent

12h / 7:02 AM

Dawn Richard: I saw Ms. Ventura take the stand and tell the truth -
Combs' Westmoreland: Objection!
Judge: Sustained.
AUSA: Did you see Ms. Ventura file a civil lawsuit, and then file your own?
Dawn Richard: Yes.

12h / 6:59 AM

AUSA: How would you speak to him?
Dawn Richard: Very soft, I'd always call him Bro.
AUSA: Why did you not disclose the abuse you'd seen?
Dawn Richard: I was told not to, by Mr. Combs and Harve Pierre.
AUSA: When did you speak out?
Dawn Richard: 2024.

12h / 6:57 AM

AUSA: Did you see Mr. Combs with guns?
Dawn Richard: Yes. Handguns. On his lower back.
AUSA: Who asked had guns?
Dawn Richard: Security. D-Roc and Bonds
AUSA: What did you do after Bad Boy?
Dawn Richard: Sing. Whenever I got momentum, I'd get a Facetime from him

12h / 6:55 AM

AUSA: Did you see Mr. Combs using drugs?
Dawn Richard: Yes. Weed, ketamine, Molly, cocaine
AUSA: Opiates?
Dawn Richard: That, I never saw.
AUSA: Who brought him the drugs?
Dawn Richard. One Stop. He had it all, including Plan B, birth control

12h / 6:51 AM

Dawn Richard: I asked myself, If he did that to someone he supposedly loved, what he do to an employee? So I'd approach Mr. Combs with softness
AUSA: Did you try to intervene in the relationship?
Dawn Richard: No, for my own safety.

12h / 6:49 AM

Dawn Richard: When we drove back to LA, he slapped Cassie in the mouth and told her to Shut the f*ck up.
AUSA: How did the passengers respond?
Dawn Richard: We stayed silent the rest of the ride.

12h / 6:42 AM

AUSA: The next assault, who was there?
Dawn Richard: D-Roc... Capricorn Clark... Harve Pierre
AUSA: Who was Mr. Pierre?
Dawn Richard: At Bad Boy, answering to Sean Combs
AUSA: Did they do anything?
Dawn Richard: None of us did anything.

12h / 6:40 AM

AUSA: Why'd you remain with Ms. Ventura after this incident?
Dawn Richard: I wanted her to feel supported.
AUSA: What's this?
Dawn Richard: The Central Park event.
[Photo of Cassie in sunglasses - and Dawn Richard too]
AUSA: Why did you wear them?
A: Solidarity

13h / 6:36 AM

AUSA Slavik: In the residence, what happened?
Dawn RIchard: He punched Cassie. She came into the bathroom crying. You could see her upset. Like, she was hurt-
Combs' Westmoreland: Objection!
Judge: Sustained.
AUSA: What injuries did you observe?
A: Swollen eye

13h / 6:35 AM

AUSA Slavik: Who in Security witnessed these things?
Dawn Richard: D-Roc and Bonds.
AUSA: Where did Ms. Ventura get hit?
Dawn Richard: Her knees, her face, all over.
AUSA: Did there come a time you were in NY for a festival?
Dawn Richard: Yes, in Central Park

13h / 6:30 AM

AUSA Slavik: What did you observe?
Dawn Richard: He would drag her and kick her and punch her in the mouth.
AUSA: What would prompt these acts of violence?
Combs' Westmoreland: Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Dawn Richard: When she would speak up for herself.

13h / 6:29 AM

Jury entering!
AUSA Slavik: When Mr. Combs told you people could do missing, how did you interpret it?
Dawn Richard: That people could die. I couldn't believe that this could be the beginning of a journey for us
AUSA: As Diddy Dirty Money?
Dawn Richard: Yes

13h / 6:25 AM

Judge: We have an application from the Press that emails be put in the record. I am directing you to put them together and put them in the docket by next Tuesday, and after that on a weekly basis.

13h / 6:20 AM

Combs' Westmoreland: We have to distinguish between the Danity Kane and the Diddy Dirty Money eras... And Mr. Pierre telling her, Where are you going to go, I don't see how that can be construed as a threat.
Judge: Let me think about it.

13h / 6:17 AM

Combs' Agnifilo: I'm going to defer to Ms. Westmoreland on the other witness.
Combs' Westmoreland: Mr. Richard claims that Mr. Combs assaulted Ms. Ventura right in front of her. These other alleged threats are nowhere near in close proximity to an alleged assault

13h / 6:15 AM

Combs' Agnifilo: This is becoming a sort of bad act free for all. Assault is just not one of the racketeering acts.
AUSA Slavik: This is relevant to the means and methods of the enterprise. The chef is identified as a victim of forced labor.

13h / 6:12 AM

Judge: Let me focus you on the assault on the chef. Mr. James learns from a member of the security detail that Mr. Combs assaulted the chef. Wouldn't that be in the scope of their employments?
Combs' Agnifilo: I don't know what relevance this has to racketeering

13h / 6:09 AM

Combs' Agnifilo: On the David James issue, this defeats the whole purpose of this hearsay objection. The Government is arguing that it's all admissible because the job descriptions are so vague. We contend these are personal matters

13h / 6:01 AM

AUSA Slavik: Personal assistants were with Mr. Combs 20 hours a day... their testimony is admissible.
Judge: My concern is that there are other ways to get this evidence in. What Mr. James would add is just the postscript

13h / 5:54 AM

Judge Subramanian: The same brand of testimony that was objected to on Friday, does the Government expect Ms. Richard to say what she heard and saw?
AUSA: Yes.
Judge: That would be permissible, just like the testimony in the recording studio.

13h / 5:52 AM

AUSA: As I argued in my letter -
[NOTE: Judge Subramanian just ruled orally on letters that are not in the docket

13h / 5:49 AM

All rise!
Judge Subramanian: On the defense's application with regard to Dawn Richard, Ms. Geragos' opening statement opened the door to this testimony... As to Mr. James, the testimony would be inadmissible absent more

13h / 5:45 AM

OK - US v Sean Combs, Week 2 begins with Judge ruling on scope of Dawn Richard's testimony, then Kerry Morgan -

MATTHEW RUSSELL LEE OF I.C.P.

reporting as the ears to the inside for

Mind Of Monkey Studio

AND NOW THE VERSION NBC NEWS

POSTED TO THEIR WEBSITE

4h ago / 12:29 PM PDT

Cassie said Combs controlled her career and paid her allowance, former assistant says

Adam Reiss and Gavon Laessig
David James recalled the first time he interacted with Cassie Ventura while he was Combs’ personal assistant.

It was in Miami when Combs rented a yacht to try to impress her, James said. When he and Ventura were smoking cigarettes, Ventura told him, “This place is crazy.”

When James asked why she didn’t leave if she thought it was so crazy, Ventura told him she can’t. “He controls my career, pays my allowance, and pays my rent,” she said, according to James’ testimony.

He broke down in tears on the stand again as he described his second interaction with Ventura, when they discussed a track list she picked out and she was "super happy."

James also testified he heard Combs talk about Ventura to a friend during a car trip in L.A., describing her both as his “queen” and as being “very moldable.”

4h ago / 12:27 PM PDT

Former assistant says he was told, 'This is Mr. Combs' kingdom and we are all here to serve in it'

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
David James broke down in tears describing the Bad Boy staff's undying loyalty to the music mogul, who viewed him as a king, the witness said.

James recalled meeting with staffers during the interview process in 2007 and one female executive left a lasting memory.

An overcome James grabbed tissues and testified the executive pointed to a picture of Combs on the wall and said, 'This is Mr. Combs' kingdom and we are all here to serve in it.'"

James testified that Combs was surrounded by security staff who all carried legal weapons. He said the head of security, Uncle Paulie, carried a switchblade.

When asked what security told him about the job, James replied, “To stay in my lane ... I understood it do what I was hired to do and only that job.”

4h ago / 11:46 AM PDT

David James, Combs' former personal assistant, called to the stand

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Kerry Morgan's time on the witness stand ended after a quick redirect from the prosecution, who just asked her to reiterate what she saw during Combs' assault of Cassie in Jamaica.

The government then called David James, a personal assistant who worked for Combs between 2007 and 2009, to the stand.

James told the court he was testifying because he was subpoenaed twice.

5h ago / 11:30 AM PDT

Morgan says Cassie was not supportive after Combs allegedly beat her with a wooden hanger

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Kerry Morgan said she hasn't spoken to Cassie Ventura in seven years after Ventura allegedly failed to take her friend's side after an alleged altercation with Combs.

The witness recalled an incident when the three of them were at Ventura's apartment in 2018 when, Morgan claims, Combs grabbed her by the neck and hit her with a wooden hanger.

"The reason I stopped speaking to her was because she was not supportive of me after that incident. I draw my line at physical abuse," Morgan said under cross-examination.

Even though Ventura eventually left Combs, married personal trainer Alex Fine and is about to have their third child together, Morgan said the relationship remains broken. The witness said she received $30,000 to keep quiet.

"She said it was through him, the money wasn’t coming from her. She was the go-between," Morgan said. "I did not demand money from anyone. She offered money to close the case on it so I don't sue anybody or say anything public about it," Morgan said. "All I got was $30,000."

5h ago / 11:00 AM PDT

Combs was jealous of Cassie's time with Michael B. Jordan, Morgan says

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
While Cassie Ventura may have been jealous of Kim Porter, her former friend says that Combs was also jealous of Cassie's time with actor Michael B. Jordan.

Ventura told the court last week that she and Combs had broken up while she was in South Africa for a few weeks filming a movie, and during that time he suspected she was having an affair with Jordan. Kerry Morgan said much of the same under cross-examination today.

"What I remember was that she was speaking to Michael B. Jordan and they hung out together," Morgan said. "And he was jealous of it."

5h ago / 10:58 AM PDT

Cassie was jealous of Kim Porter, Morgan says

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Cassie Ventura was jealous of Kim Porter, Combs' ex-girlfriend and mother to three of his children, according to Kerry Morgan.

Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo asked Morgan if Cassie was ever jealous of Porter, who died in 2018.

"I'm sure," Morgan said. "Yes, she was jealous because she could never go to New Year's Eve parties."

Porter was the mother to Combs' children Christian and twin daughters Jessie and D’Lila.

6h ago / 10:30 AM PDT

Morgan returns to stand for cross-examination

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
The prosecution ended its direct questioning of witness Kerry Morgan just moments after she returned to the stand this afternoon.

Combs' defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, will cross-examine Cassie Ventura's former best friend.

6h ago / 10:19 AM PDT

Court is back in session

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Both sides have returned from lunch and court is back in session.

Morgan will return to the witness stand, but Judge Arun Subramanian is first listening to arguments for a motion.

7h ago / 9:38 AM PDT

Court adjourns for lunch break later than planned
Doha Madani

Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned the court for a 30-minute lunch around 12:35 p.m. ET, slightly later than planned.

Subramanian told attorneys that he hoped to adjourn for lunch at noon now that the court will adjourn at 3 p.m. ET every day.

7h ago / 9:38 AM PDT

Combs gave Morgan a concussion in alleged wooden hanger assault and paid her off, she says

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Kerry Morgan recounted the alleged assault she personally endured from Combs that ended her almost two decades of friendship with Cassie Ventura.

She testified that she was at Ventura's house listening to music when Combs came into the singer's apartment. Cassie was in the bathroom and Morgan said she was in the living room at the time.

"He came up behind me and choked me and left finger marks on my neck and hit me in the head with a wooden hanger," Morgan told the court. "Cassie was in the bathroom. It hit me behind my right ear."

Morgan added that Combs was talking about Cassie cheating on him and she grabbed her personal things and left. She said she went to an urgent care for a concussion, noting that she was dizzy and "vomited a few times."

She hired a lawyer but did not file a lawsuit, Morgan said, instead being paid $30,000 from Combs and saying that she signed an NDA.

"We haven't spoken since," Morgan said. "The last time I spoke to Sean was the night of the assault and the last time I saw Cassie was when I signed the NDA."

7h ago / 9:33 AM PDT

Cassie didn't feel she could leave Combs 'because of her job,' Morgan says

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Kerry Morgan testified that though she urged Cassie Ventura to speak to police about Combs' abuse, she refused due to what it would mean for her career and her livelihood.

Prosecutor Meredith Foster asked Morgan whether she had ever spoken with Cassie about if she should stay with Combs. Morgan told the court she and her former best friend would speak about it often.

"I wanted her to do what she wanted to do, but I told her she should leave him," Morgan said. "And she said she could not, because of her job, her car, her apartment."

It was apparent to Morgan that after Ventura spent time with people associated with Combs, "she did not want to leave him."

Earlier in her testimony, Morgan said that Cassie was frustrated that Combs was in charge of her career but never said why he was preventing her from releasing new albums.

7h ago / 9:26 AM PDT

Morgan recalls multiple acts of violence by Combs against Cassie

Adam Reiss, Doha Madani and David K. Li
Kerry Morgan described multiple incidents of Combs allegedly flying off the handle and beating Cassie Ventura with seemingly no provocation.

Morgan first detailed an incident when she and Ventura were vacationing in Jamaica and Combs arrived halfway through their trip.

"Cassie had gone to the bathroom and after a few minutes Sean said she was taking too long, and he left me and then I heard her screaming," the witness testified. "It was guttural, terrifying. I heard her screaming so I went to the long hallway, they were coming out of the master bedroom and he was dragging her by her hair."

Combs then dragged Ventura outside and threw her to the ground, where she hit her head on brick, Morgan said. Ventura and Morgan then fled the scene in a golf cart and hid in a ditch as Combs searched for them in another golf cart for hours, Morgan testified.

Morgan recalls multiple acts of violence by Combs against Cassie, continued
In a second incident, Morgan told the court that she was with Combs and Ventura at a house the defendant was renting in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills.

She saw Combs allegedly hit or kick Ventura. Morgan urged the music mogul's security guard, Ruben, to “do something” and he refused.

She told the court that she and Ventura left the house to hide at a neighbor’s place and heard Combs driving by to look for them. Ultimately, however, Ventura returned to Combs’ house, Morgan said.

7h ago / 9:04 AM PDT

Combs had mood swings and 'could be very aggressive,' Morgan testifies

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Kerry Morgan told the court that she got to know Combs "very well" in the roughly 11 years that he was dating her former best friend.

She described him as someone who was sometimes very nice and generous, but also as someone who had mood swings and "could be very aggressive." Morgan testified that Combs would get mad at Cassie and that Cassie "lost her spark" and confidence while with Combs.

When asked whether Combs ever spoke down to Cassie, Morgan said it could be "often" and could be regarding her looks or her behavior. Morgan also told the court that Combs would sometimes call her up to "50 times in a row" to look for Cassie.

Morgan testified that she personally witnessed Combs assault Cassie two times, once in Jamaica and once in Los Angeles.

7h ago / 8:57 AM PDT

'I moved on': Cassie's former best friend says she didn't want to testify

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Kerry Morgan made it clear that she was only in court testifying because she was issued a subpoena by the government.

"I do not want to testify," Morgan said when asked why she was there. "I moved on with my life."

Morgan also confirmed that she and Cassie Ventura, who met on a modeling shoot as teenagers, no longer speak because Ventura's "boyfriend" assaulted her.

7h ago / 8:56 AM PDT

Kerry Morgan, Cassie's former best friend, takes the stand

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Kerry Morgan, the woman Cassie Ventura described as her former best friend, was called to the witness stand by the government once Dawn Richard's testimony was concluded.

Ventura testified last week that she met Morgan when she was a teenager and the two remained close for about 17 years. Combs' former girlfriend testified that their friendship ended after Combs allegedly hit Morgan in the head with a wooden hanger.

But Morgan was allegedly aware of the abuse Cassie endured from Combs and had been around the couple regularly in the early days of their relationship when Cassie still lived in New York City.

7h ago / 8:55 AM PDT

Despite Combs' death threats, Richard admits to trying to work with him again

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Under another round of cross-examination, Richard admitted she tried to work with Combs again despite all her allegations that the music mogul engaged in violence and drug use.

The defense lawyer, Westmoreland, ticked off the number of performances, writing sessions, travel and career talks Richard would have to engage in with Combs despite the bad acts she had allegedly seen.

Westmoreland asked, "You would spend a lot of time together even though he made death threats?"

Richard responded, "Yes."

When pressed about her lawsuit against Combs, Richard said: "I want justice and to be made whole."

And when Westmoreland asked if that meant being paid money, Richard answered, "Yes."

8h ago / 8:32 AM PDT

Richard says she repressed memories of Combs due to trauma

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Federal prosecutor Mitzi Steiner picked up questioning Richard following a tough cross-examination, where defense attorneys attempted to undermine Richard's testimony by pointing out inconsistencies in her retelling of events.

Steiner asked whether Richard had thought about the incidents a lot over the decades since she witnessed them.

"No, it was a hard time, a bad time for me," Richard said. "It did not all come back immediately ... the environment was traumatizing, so I tried to erase those things from my memory."

By speaking with investigators, Richard said that more memories come to her every day and that she tries to relay things "as best and accurate as I can." She confirmed that she did tell the government that she saw Combs hitting Cassie and that he threatened her to keep quiet during several meetings.

Richard testified that she had "no doubt" that Combs tried to strike Cassie, or that Cassie went into a fetal position, or that Combs dragged Cassie by the stairs by her hair. She also had "no doubt" that Combs threatened Richard to keep quiet.

8h ago / 8:12 AM PDT

Richard felt that Combs derailed her career twice

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Richard's cross-examination moved into her career with Combs, which included her work with Danity Kane and Comb's trio, Diddy-Dirty Money.

The singer confirmed that though she said she was scared of Combs, she asked to work with him again. Westmoreland brought up the hundreds of thousands of records Richard sold while with both groups.

Richard confirmed that she asked Combs to sign her as a solo artist in 2011, which would have been the end of her time with Diddy-Dirty Money, and Combs denied her. She also said she asked to work with Combs as recently as about 2020 or 2021.

"You felt like Mr. Combs ruined your career not once, but twice?" Westmoreland asked.

"Yes," Richard said.

8h ago / 7:59 AM PDT

Richard didn't immediately tell government about guns, admits she changed her story about drugs

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The defense challenged Richard's testimony about weapons and narcotics she allegedly saw in Combs' possession, inferring that her memories only recently came to light.

Under direct examination earlier on Monday, Richard detailed the times she saw Combs with guns and illegal drugs.

Westmoreland asked Richard why the witness didn't mention guns in eight meetings with prosecutors, and she said, "It wasn't asked."

Also under direct examination on Monday, Richard said she saw Combs taking ketamine, cocaine and molly.

Westmoreland asked Richard if she's changed her story after previously telling government investigators she hadn't seen Combs with cocaine.

"Yes, as time progresses, I get better at knowing what went on because it was quite a long time ago," the witness said.

9h ago / 7:37 AM PDT

Defense pushes back on Richard's saying Combs threatened her with 'people go missing'

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Combs' defense is attempting to catch inconsistencies in Richard's direct testimony, this time with the allegation that Combs said to her that "people go missing" and that they could die after witnessing a fight between him and Cassie Ventura.

Westmoreland pulled up interviews Richard had with prosecutors in October and March, where she also recounted the same incident with a skillet. Westmoreland pointed out Richard said in the interview that Combs said "this was a love thing," with no mention of "people going missing" in her interview.

"That's not true, I don't recall not saying that," Richard responded.

"You didn't tell prosecutors that Sean Combs said, 'People go missing,'" Westmoreland continued.

"I didn't remember it," Richard told the court, later stating that she remembers "everything I am telling you now."

9h ago / 7:32 AM PDT

Defense questions Richard's version of egg skillet incident, reminds her she's under oath

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Defense lawyer Nicole Westmoreland tried to poke holes in Richard's claim that Combs attacked Ventura with a skillet of eggs.

Westmoreland suggested in her questions that Richard has told different versions of the 2009 incident, including one that simply had Combs throwing eggs at Ventura.

Richard told jurors on Friday that she saw Combs try to hit Ventura with the skillet.

Westmoreland reminded Richard that she's under oath and then asked if she's changed her story over time. Richard responded: "I said the best that I could recall."

9h ago / 7:14 AM PDT

Defense begins cross-examination of Richard

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Combs' attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, began cross-examination of Richard and picked up where prosecutors left off — Richard's lawsuit against Combs.

Westmoreland asked if Richard was aware there was a pending motion to dismiss her lawsuit, a standard practice with civil suits, but Richard said she didn't know.

Defense then began a line of questioning in an attempt to undermine Richard's testimony last week that she witnessed Combs throw a skillet at Cassie. Westmoreland asked if Richard's allegations have "changed over time."

Westmoreland said that in a letter sent to Combs, Richard alleged she "heard a pan hit the wall" but didn't see it. Richard responded to the series of questions that she wasn't aware or didn't recall what Westmoreland was referencing.

CORRECTION (May 19, 1:47 p.m. ET): A previous version of this live blog misstated Richard’s testimony Friday. She testified that Combs tried to strike Ventura with a skillet, not that he struck Ventura.

9h ago / 7:12 AM PDT

Richard says she's seeking 'justice,' not a big civil court payout

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Richard ended her direct examination by saying she's seeking "justice."

In hopes of inoculating Richard against defense claims that she'd be biased against Combs due to her federal lawsuit against the music mogul, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi Steiner asked the witness what she hopes to gain from testifying.

Steiner asked Richard if she's expecting "any compensation for your testimony?"

"I'm expecting justice," she responded.

9h ago / 7:08 AM PDT

Combs supplied with drugs by dealer named 'One Stop' and was surrounded by guns, Richard says

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Prosecutors returned to questioning about Combs' drug use, or rather his offers of drugs to other people, while Richard was on the stand.

Richard testified that Combs would have a drug dealer named "One Stop" deliver a range of substances to the recording studio, including cocaine and marijuana. She also told the court that Combs or his assistants would carry a Louis Vuitton pouch filled with drugs.

Cassie Ventura referred to the Louis Vuitton pouch as Combs' "med bag" during her testimony last week.

Prosecutors then asked if Richard ever saw a weapon while with Combs. Richard said she saw firearms a "few times" and that Combs' bodyguards "had them and they held them in their lower back."

9h ago / 7:04 AM PDT

Cassie told to 'wait her turn' for album; Combs' employees didn't stop violence, Richard says
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Combs would angrily tell his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura to "wait for her turn" for recording an album, Richard said.

When Richard would support Ventura's musical aspirations, Combs "didn't like me talking with her about that," the witness said.

"He said it would be on his terms. It was always wait, wait, wait. She had to wait for her turn, sometimes it was just wait your turn, other times it was violent or volatile," she said.

The witness said numerous employees of Combs’ and his Bad Boy Records witnessed his violence against Ventura and no one stepped in.

Richard's testimony could help bolster the prosecution's narrative that Combs committed racketeering conspiracy by using his "multi-faceted business empire" to coerce and control women for sex.

9h ago / 7:01 AM PDT

Richard was in two different music groups formed by Combs
Doha Madani

Richard is likely best known for her time performing with the girl group Danity Kane, but she was also in another musical group in the mid-2000s.

She got her start with Combs through his reality show "Making the Band 3," which is how Danity Kane formed. The group had two relatively popular albums between 2006 and 2008, but disbanded in January 2009.

Combs then briefly formed a trio with himself, Richard and Kalenna Harper the same year it was announced Danity Kane broke up. That lasted until roughly 2012, and Richard released a solo album called "Goldenheart" the next year.

10h ago / 6:47 AM PDT

Women in Dirty Money wore sunglasses in 'solidarity' with Ventura after beating, Richard says

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
The two female members of Diddy-Dirty Money wore sunglasses alongside Cassie Ventura during a Central Park appearance as a way to support her, Richard testified.

According to Richard, Ventura was punched in the face by Diddy at his home in 2009 ahead of the event. Diddy's former girlfriend had a swollen eye that Ventura used makeup and sunglasses to hide, Richard told the court.

"We wore sunglasses to have solidarity with her and have a support system because she needed it," Richard said.

10h ago / 6:45 AM PDT

Beatings from Combs often triggered by Cassie 'speaking up for herself,' Richard says

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Dawn Richard said she regularly witnessed Combs lashing out at Cassie Ventura over the years, often after his then-girlfriend would voice her opinion.

"Frequently, he would punch her, choke her, slap her in the mouth, kick her, punch her in the stomach," Richard told jurors.

"It could be because Cassie was speaking up for herself. It could be random. It could be if she had an opinion for herself," Richard said. "She would be quiet and when she had these moments of trying to stick up for herself, he would hurt her for it."

10h ago / 6:37 AM PDT

Richard testifies Combs told her she could die or 'go missing'

Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Richard recalled how frightened she was when Combs allegedly threatened her and the defendant's then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

The incident happened in 2009, a day after Combs attacked Ventura with a skillet, according to Richard.

"He said you could go missing, that we could die," Richard told jurors. "I was shocked but also scared, I couldn’t believe this would be the beginning of a journey for us (with the group Dirty Money)."

10h ago / 6:28 AM PDT

Richard returns to the stand

Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
After about 20 minutes of a discussion between the judge and attorneys from both sides, Richard was brought back to the witness stand to continue her testimony.

Richard wore slacks with a white shirt and an overcoat.

10h ago / 5:58 AM PDT

Court is now in session
Marlene Lenthang

Court is officially in session, kicking off day six of Combs' trial.

11h ago / 5:46 AM PDT

Richard and Combs' attorneys arrive at court
Marlene Lenthang

Former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard arrived at court shortly after 8 a.m.Combs' attorneys, including Xavier Donaldson, Alexandra Shapiro and Marc Agnifilo, were also seen arriving this morning.

11h ago / 5:19 AM PDT

Here's what Dawn Richard said in court Friday

Marlene Lenthang, Adam Reiss and Deon J. Hampton
Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, an all-girl group Diddy created on MTV's "Making the Band," took the stand Friday and testified that she saw Combs physically assault Ventura in his Los Angeles home in 2009.

Richard alleged he threw Ventura to the ground, threw a skillet full of eggs at her, put his arm around her neck and dragged her upstairs.

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

Richard is expected to continue her testimony today.

12h ago / 4:01 AM PDT

Marriage therapist speaks on Combs and Ventura’s relationship
Gadi Schwartz

Sean “Diddy” Combs and Cassie Ventura were in a decades long relationship. As Ventura wrapped up her testimony in the trial, NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz spoke to Sonnet Daymont, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about the couple’s relationship.

13h ago / 3:32 AM PDT

How the Combs trial might affect hip-hop
Gadi Schwartz

Combs spent most of his career as an influential figure in hip-hop; now he is on trial over human trafficking allegations. NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz talks to Variety Senior Music Writer Steven J. Horowitz about how this trial might affect the genre.

13h ago / 3:32 AM PDT

Cassie Ventura’s graphic testimony may set the stage for what’s to come

Erik Ortiz

In the first week of testimony in Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial in New York, Cassie Ventura, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, described over four days on the witness stand a tumultuous relationship with the music impresario that began in her early 20s and lasted on and off for over a decade. As the government’s star witness, her responses gave a window into a world centered around paid sexual encounters lasting days and sometimes occurring weekly — known as "freak offs" — that she said she was forced to endure under the threat of physical and psychological abuse.

The "freak offs" were so regular, she said, they "became a job."

Much of what Ventura, 38, testified to was graphic, from the sex acts with male escorts to the violence, including the fights with Combs that left her covered in bruises, she said, if she attempted to refuse a freak off. A visibly pregnant Ventura also recounted how, she said, Combs raped her on her living room floor in 2018, which he has denied.