Cassie Ventura has told a New York court she would give back the $20 million settlement paid by Sean “Diddy” Combs if it meant she could erase years of alleged abuse, including what she described as “humiliating” drug-fuelled sex parties orchestrated by the rapper.
Testifying as the star witness in Combs’ high-profile criminal trial, Ventura became emotional as she denied defence claims that her accusations were financially driven. “I would have agency and autonomy,” she said through tears, recalling the toll a decade-long relationship took on her mental health and career.
The rapper and music mogul, 55, faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for the purpose of prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty but could face life imprisonment if convicted.
Over four days of graphic and harrowing testimony, Ventura, 38, alleged she was coerced into taking part in what were termed “freak-offs” — prolonged sex sessions with escorts under threats of violence. She described instances of physical abuse, saying some sessions left her injured and emotionally shattered.
The defence team sought to undermine her credibility, pointing to text messages exchanged between the pair that suggested a complicated but consensual relationship. Combs’ lawyer, Anna Estevao, implied Ventura filed her 2023 lawsuit out of financial desperation, noting she had recently moved in with her parents.
Ventura firmly denied this. Referring to the $20 million settlement paid out just one day after filing the lawsuit, she said: “I would give it all back if it meant I never had to go through that.”
The court also heard that Ventura is expecting a separate $10 million settlement from InterContinental Hotels over a 2016 incident involving Combs. CCTV footage, played in court earlier this week, showed the rapper physically assaulting Ventura in a hallway — a key piece of evidence in the case.
In a message sent to Combs after the attack, Ventura wrote: “I’m not a rag doll. I’m somebody’s child.” Days later, the couple exchanged messages professing their love for one another — messages Combs’ legal team have used to argue the relationship was flawed, but not criminal.
On Friday, the jury also heard from singer Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, who testified that she witnessed Combs beating Ventura at his Los Angeles mansion in 2009. “She was in the foetal position,” Richard said, adding that Combs warned her afterwards, saying: “People go missing” if they talk.
A Homeland Security special agent, Yasin Binda, also testified, confirming that drugs, large amounts of cash, and baby oil were seized from Combs’ hotel suite during his New York arrest.
The case has gripped national headlines, with crowds forming outside the Manhattan courthouse daily, hoping to glimpse the embattled music mogul or the stream of celebrities called to testify.
Prosecutors are expected to continue presenting witnesses when the trial resumes next week.
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