Sean "Diddy" Combs threatened to leak sex tapes and violently abused his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, a former stylist for the hip-hop mogul testified Wednesday in Manhattan federal court. The witness, Deonte Nash, described years of alleged physical abuse and coercion during day eleven of Combs' high-profile sex trafficking trial.
"He told her she fucked up and he was going to put her sex tapes on the internet," Nash said, referring to an incident in 2013 or 2014. Nash worked for Combs and Ventura from 2008 to 2018. He alleged that Combs routinely beat Ventura and forced her to engage in "Freak Offs," a term prosecutors have used to describe drug-fueled group sex sessions involving male sex workers.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, and could face life in prison if convicted.
Nash also described being attacked by Combs himself, recalling an incident in 2013 when the artist allegedly threw him against a parked car. Nash said he never reported the incident due to fear of retaliation.
The day's testimony also featured Lance Jimenez, a Los Angeles arson investigator, who recounted responding to a 2012 fire at rapper Kid Cudi's home. Prosecutors have linked the incident to Combs after Cudi allegedly had a romantic relationship with Ventura. Jimenez testified that a bottle with a burned cloth was found inside the fire-damaged Porsche. Partial DNA results matched a female profile, and the car's roof had been cut.
The prosecution has argued that the fire is part of a broader pattern of violent acts allegedly ordered by Combs to intimidate and control women in his circle. Last week, Scott Mescudi, known professionally as Kid Cudi, testified that his car was set ablaze shortly after Combs found out about his connection to Ventura.
Combs' attorneys moved for a mistrial, arguing the prosecution's questions about destroyed fingerprint evidence were prejudicial. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian denied the motion, instructing jurors to disregard the contested remarks.
The trial is now in its third week. Ventura, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, previously testified that she endured years of emotional and physical abuse. "I hated the Freak Offs," she told the court, adding she participated only out of fear and because of her feelings for Combs.
Prosecutors contend Combs ran an organized operation using his wealth and influence to maintain power over women through threats, violence, and manipulation. The defense has admitted Combs was abusive in past relationships but insists all group encounters were consensual.
