Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Cassie ends cross-examination in rapper’s sex trafficking case

Dawn Richard, a former member of Diddy's girl group, Danity Kane, took the stand Friday in the rapper's federal trial for sex crimes.

Richard, 41, testified to witnessing Diddy hit his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during an alleged altercation in 2009.

The singer said she "observed Cassie being attacked." She said that Diddy came down stairs screaming, hit her in the head and beat her around.

Richard claimed Diddy "came downstairs angry saying where the f--- is his eggs." She then alleged Diddy grabbed a skillet of eggs and attempted to hit Cassie in the head.

Cassie allegedly fell to the ground anticipating the hit, but it didn't hit her. "She went into a fetal position ... literally trying to hide her face," Richard said.

She claimed that Diddy began to "kick and punch" Cassie in her body and head, and then proceeded to put his arm around her and drag her upstairs. Richard said she heard yelling.

"I was scared for her," she testified. Richard also claimed she was afraid for herself and didn't know how to intervene or call for law enforcement help.

"I was scared what that might mean for myself," Richard said on the stand.

Richard, who was signed with Bad Boy records from 2004-11, claimed she often saw Diddy being abusive with Cassie.

Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura's lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, praised the pregnant singer after her testimony wrapped Friday in the Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial.

"It has been an incredible honor to represent Cassie Ventura," Wigdor said outside the courthouse.

"Her bravery and courage will always be remembered. I am hopeful that the filing of her civil lawsuit and her testimony this week in the criminal case will help her in recovering from the years of abuse that she was forced to endure."

While on the stand, Ventura testified to allegedly being raped by Diddy following their breakup.

She also claimed to enter rehab and pursue trauma therapy in the beginning of 2023 after having "horrible flashbacks" while on the set of a music video.

Cassie's lawyer also read a statement on behalf of the singer after the conclusion of her testimony Friday.

"This week has been extremely challenging, but also remarkably empowering and healing for me," Cassie's statement read. "I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from abuse and fear. For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember, and the more I can remember, the more I will never forget."

"I want to thank my family and my advocates for their unwavering support, and am grateful for all the kindness and encouragement I have received," her statement continued. "I am glad to put this chapter of my life to rest. As I turn to focus on the conclusion of my pregnancy, I ask for privacy for me and my growing family."

Read more about Cassie's testimony in the Diddy federal trial.

Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested on Sept. 16 at the Park Hyatt hotel in New York.

HSI special agent Yasin Binda testified in court Friday that detectives allegedly discovered a number of supplies frequently used in "freak off" sessions.

Binda told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson that one Ziploc bag with Johnson's baby oil and another bag with AstroGlide was recovered from Diddy's hotel room.

A lighting device used for "potentially mood lighting" was also discovered.

Binda claimed that agents found "several bottles of baby oil in the bathroom," and another "five bottles" were found in the bathtub.

Two bottles of lubricant were discovered in a drawer of a nightstand, Binda said. She claimed "this was not all the baby oil and lubricant found in the hotel room."

On March 25, 2025, Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided in connection to a federal human trafficking investigation, officials confirmed to Fox News Digital at the time.

During the search, authorities allegedly seized various "freak off" supplies, including narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura’s husband championed the singer in a statement shared after she finished her four-day testimony in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial.

"Over the past five days, the world has gotten to witness the strength and bravery of my wife freeing herself of her past," Fine wrote in a statement read by Cassie's lawyer outside the courthouse. "There has been speculation online surrounding how it must feel for me to sit there and listen to my wife's testimony. I have felt so many things sitting there. I have felt tremendous pride and overwhelming love for Cass. I have also felt profound anger that she has been subjected to sitting in front of a person who tried to break her. So, to him and all of those who helped him along the way, please know this...you didn't."

"You did not break her spirit nor her smile that lights up every room," he added. "You did not break the souls of a mother who gives the best hugs and plays the silliest games with our little girls. You did not break the woman who has made me a better man. I did not 'save Cassie' as some have said. To say that is an insult to the years of painful work my wife has done to save herself. Cassie saved Cassie. She alone broke free from the abuse, coercion, violence, and threats. She did the work of fighting the demons that only a demon himself could have done to her. All I have done is lover her as she has loved me."

Fine continued, "Her life is now surrounded by love, laughter, and our family. This horrific chapter is forever put behind us and we will not be making additional statement. We appreciate all of the love and support we have received and we ask that you respect our privacy as we welcome our son into a world that is now safer because of his mom."

Fine, whom Cassie married in 2019, has attended court every day this week in support of the singer.

Cassie is currently expecting the couple’s third child together.

The U.S. Attorney's Office called special agent Yasin Binda to the stand in the Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial for sex crimes.

Binda testified that she works for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as a special agent working in the human trafficking group.

Diddy's ex, Cassie Ventura, testified as "Victim 1" for the government over the course of four days.

While the U.S. Attorney's Office is relying on her testimony as "Victim 1," legal experts told Fox News Digital that her presence as a pregnant woman may impact the jury when deciding Diddy's fate.

"Cassie being pregnant may make her an even more sympathetic figure on the stand," criminal defense lawyer Dan Rubin exclusively told Fox News Digital.

While on the stand, Ventura testified to allegedly being raped by Diddy following their breakup.

She also claimed to enter rehab and pursue trauma therapy in the beginning of 2023 after having "horrible flashbacks" while on the set of a music video.

Read more about Cassie's testimony in the Diddy federal trial.

Dawn Richard, a former member of Sean "Diddy" Combs' girl group, arrived at the Manhattan Federal Court Friday.

Richard, 41, wore a plaid blazer and carried an umbrella while walking into the courthouse.

The singer is expected to testify against Diddy in his federal trial for sex crimes.

Richard was part of the Diddy-produced girl group, which included Aubrey O'Day, Shannon Bex, Aundrea Fimbres and D. Woods.

Woods spoke out against Diddy for the first time in an Investigation Discovery's docuseries, "The Fall of Diddy."

The singer watched a clip from "Making the Band" in which she interacted with the rapper.

"I see myself standing in these dark, scary, predatory spaces, and hearing somebody say some of the most degrading things to me," she told ABC.

"Somebody constantly treating you like a piece of meat, only seeing, only valuing you for your sex appeal," Woods explained when asked how the behavior was "predatory." "In some of the environments, it was even scary to be by yourself."

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura’s testimony concluded Friday after a quick re-direct and re-cross from the prosecution and the defense.

Cassie spent the majority of Friday on the stand being cross-examined by Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense lawyer, Anna Estevao. Earlier in the day, prosecutors expressed concern over the length of the defense’s cross-examination of Cassie.

"Cross-examination that lasts multiple hours longer than direct examination is more than enough to vindicate the defendant’s confrontation rights and satisfy any relevant defense strategy," a letter filed Friday morning and obtained by Fox News Digital read.

The prosecution claimed Diddy’s defense spent Thursday’s cross-examination asking questions that appeared to be solely related to the numerous civil lawsuits against the defendant but not related to allegations in this case, bringing up numerous topics multiple times as well as having Cassie read lengthy text exchanges between herself and Diddy and barely asking any questions about the messages.

Cassie testified about Diddy's alleged physical abuse and her experience with "freak offs" during direct examination on May 13 and May 14.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura revealed she expects to get a $10 million settlement from the Intercontinental Hotel, the location of the 2016 assault on the singer by Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Diddy’s defense lawyer asked Cassie if she received a settlement from the hotel during re-cross on Friday. Cassie said no, but admitted she made a demand and expects to receive around $10 million.

Diddy and Cassie allegedly had a “freak off” at the Intercontinental Hotel on March 5, 2016 that turned violent. Cassie previously testified that she was attempting to leave the “freak off” after Diddy gave her a black eye.

After making it to the elevator lobby, the singer-songwriter testified that Diddy assaulted her. The rapper could be seen dragging Cassie back down the hotel hallway in surveillance footage that was shown to the jury and was previously released to the public in 2024.

Former hotel security guard Israel Florez, who responded after the violent attack, testified Monday that he tried to call police, but Cassie told him not to.

Cassie Ventura attempted to break free from Diddy's contacts in the music industry following the end of their decade-long relationship.

Cassie, 38, confirmed under oath Friday that she was given contacts in the industry, in addition to studio time while she was with Diddy. She said she recorded a song with Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne.

Once her relationship with the "All About the Benjamins" rapper ended, she eventually broke ties with Bad Boy Records.

Cassie recorded hundreds of songs during their relationship, but only some of the music was released. She said when she wasn't working on music, she was "recovering" from the "freak offs."

"The 'freak offs' became a job. There was no space for anything else but to recover," she said on the stand earlier this week during Diddy's federal sex crimes trial.

The freak-offs would last between 24-72 hours. She recalled the longest freak-off was four days. When she wasn't participating, she was recovering from "the drugs, dehydration, staying awake."

"Freak offs" were "elaborate produced sex performances that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded," according to the indictment.

Cassie Ventura got emotional during the government’s redirect Friday in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing sex-trafficking trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson asked Cassie if she would give her $20 million settlement back if it meant she didn’t have to do the “freak offs.”

Cassie replied, “I wouldn’t have had to work so hard to get it back…” The now 38-year-old singer began to cry. Cassie clarified she meant to get back agency and autonomy.

Johnson asked how the alleged beatings Diddy gave her made her feel. Through tears, Cassie said, “Worthless, just like dirt…I was nothing, absolutely nothing.”

Cassie told the prosecutor she was open to trying the “freak offs” in the beginning. She said she tried to tell Diddy more than once she didn’t want to do the sexual sessions any longer. Cassie explained she worried for her safety and career, but was in love with him. At the time, she was concerned he didn’t want to be with her.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly threatened Cassie Ventura on a flight home from Cannes.

Cassie testified Friday that while mid-flight, Diddy pulled up a video on his laptop of the 38-year-old singer having sex with an escort. She said he played the tape the "whole flight home."

She claimed the "Victory" singer "threatened to release" the footage. After the plane landed, Diddy allegedly requested a "freak off" with Cassie.

On the stand, Cassie said she was afraid he would not only release the tape, but also could get violent if she refused his request.

Cassie previously testified to using drugs, including ketamine and cocaine, as a way to disassociate during the "freak offs."

"For me, it was dissociative … I couldn’t imagine doing that without some sort of buffer," she told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson. "I needed to remain high to stay present with the experience."

Ventura admitted that ecstasy made her feel euphoric and aroused, while ketamine would make her dissociative. Cocaine made her heart race, and mushrooms made her see things. GHB, also known as the date-rape drug, made her feel drunk.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

After testifying during the re-direct that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ moods would affect Cassie’s career, she claimed the rapper also directly controlled her business moves.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson introduced communications between Cassie and Martin, someone who was trying to help manage her career at the time. Martin wrote, “Is Puff okay with you doing a common video?” referring to Common the rapper.

Cassie replied that she would check, but thought he would likely be against it. Eventually, Cassie wrote back, “Puff said no to vid.”

During Cassie’s initial testimony, she also claimed Diddy kept her from releasing music at times.

Despite signing a 10-album deal with Diddy’s record label, Bad Boy, Cassie only ever released her debut album. “Cassie” was released in 2006.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura told jurors in the Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial that she relied on her husband's income toward the end of 2023.

Cassie married Alex Fine in August 2019, and is currently pregnant with their third child.

She testified Friday that she was preparing for a tour in October 2023 that was scheduled to begin at the start of the year.

Cassie, 38, filed a civil suit against the "Last Night" rapper in November 2023, and alleged she endured "over a decade" of Diddy's "violent behavior and disturbed demands," in a suit obtained by Fox News Digital. She and then settled the suit one day later.

She testified earlier this week that she received a $20 million settlement from Diddy.

Following the settlement, Cassie canceled her tour. She told Diddy's defense lawyer, Anna Estevao, that the settlement was not why she canceled the tour.

She told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson during the re-direct that she canceled the tour because she was overwhelmed.

"Addressing the past the way that I chose to was quite overwhelming and I didn't want to be away from my kids at that time," Cassie testified.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura testified Friday that Sean "Diddy" Combs' mood dictated her career.

Cassie told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson that her work would take a backseat if Diddy was in the mood for a "freak off."

"Freak offs" would require a lot of prep work, and Cassie claimed she would have to get herself ready, the room, and entertainment (escort).

Cassie claimed she hung on Diddy's words and trusted his style, "so when he would put me down, make me feel less than, I was extra hard on myself ... there was a lot of good, but negative, too."

Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs congratulated her on her pregnancy in 2019.

During cross-examination, Diddy’s defense lawyer introduced messages showing the rapper checking in on Cassie in 2019. A few months later, Combs congratulated Cassie, saying she was going to be a great mother. Cassie confirmed she was pregnant at the time.

On March 7, 2020 Combs texted, “miss my best friend…Frankie is so beautiful…” Frankie is Cassie's first daughter. Cassie responded, “miss you too…” He replied, “thank you so much for responding…I’m always here if you need me…” Cassie sent her love to Combs’ family as well. The rapper responded, saying, “S— has definitely been rough without your friendship…”

Diddy’s lawyer, Anna Estevao, asked Cassie if she considered herself friends with Diddy during their relationship. The singer said yes.

Estevao showed more messages where Cassie wrote, “...I definitely don’t hate you…I wouldn’t have been at this beautiful point in my life without you…we need closure and understanding.” Diddy replied, “you were always my ride or die…my heart is filled with you to know you don’t hate me…"

Cassie told the court when you reflect on things, you get a clearer picture. She said she believes the message from Diddy was heartfelt. However, Cassie claimed they never sat down for closure.

In another message Diddy wrote, “I’ll always love you…pray for the day to sit down…happy you found someone…”

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura's cross-examination finished before 2 p.m. Friday in the Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial for sex crimes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson began the re-direct.

Earlier in the day, prosecutors expressed concern over the length of the defense’s cross-examination of Cassie.

The Assistant U.S. Attorneys working on Diddy’s case requested the judge limit the cross-examination of Cassie to end by 4:30pm ET on Friday.

“The defendant should not now be afforded the opportunity to hold Ms. Ventura on cross-examination over the weekend, offering him an additional two days to review transcripts of the witness’s testimony to prepare additional cross-examination inquiry, or risk a mistrial if the witness goes into labor,” the prosecutors wrote in a letter filed Friday morning to Judge Arun Subramanian.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura testified about her relationship with Sean "Diddy" Combs through text messages reviewed while she was on the stand.

Diddy's defense lawyer, Anna Estevao, asked Cassie to read through messages she allegedly sent the Bad Boy Records founder.

The 38-year-old singer allegedly told Diddy she was "at the edge of tears" in an emotional text exchange about his private, family life.

"As much as you think you're Bruce Willis, you aren't. He's married and before he was married," Cassie read to the jury. "The family as a whole went on trips together, or just with him and his woman. Eddie Murphy and Paige took his kids away on their own.

"He didn't go with his ex because that's not who he's in love with. I've been at the edge of tears this whole week. I don't think that you sympathize with my feelings.

"I understand you feeling like you need to protect your children, but after a while, for what? It's like for what? They've never known you and Kim to be together, unless there's something that I just don't know about. They were babies when we started dating."

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense was back in court Friday to continue Cassie Ventura’s cross-examination.

Diddy hugged his defense lawyer, who led the questioning Friday, after entering the courtroom earlier this morning. A gray-haired Diddy could be seen wearing a light-colored sweater in the court sketch.

On Friday, the defense focused on explosive audio of Cassie threatening to “kill” someone over a recorded video of the singer. Estevao also questioned the singer-songwriter about her time in a trauma rehab facility. Cassie testified that she has been drug-free since 2022 and entered the facility sometime in 2023.

Cassie and the defense lawyer later went back-and-forth about the date Diddy allegedly raped her and spoke about her now-husband’s reaction to the alleged sexual assault.

Cassie’s cross-examination is expected to end Friday, according to Diddy’s defense team.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, was absent from the courtroom Friday during Cassie’s continued cross-examination.

However, some of Diddy’s children were in attendance, including King Combs, Justin Combs and Quincy Brown. The trio left for lunch together during the break in Diddy’s sex-trafficking trial.

Diddy’s daughters, D'Lila and Jessie, attended court Monday for opening statements. The 18-year-old twins excused themselves from court multiple times that day, during testimony from a male escort.

The rapper’s children have been supportive of Diddy since his arrest in September 2024.

"The past month has devastated our family," they wrote in a joint post in October. "Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media."

Fox News' Kirill Clark contributed to this report.