Diddy trial live updates: Cassie Ventura getting grilled by the defense
By Kyle Schnitzer, Jack Morphet, Priscilla DeGregory, Matt Troutman and Kaydi Pelletier
Cassie Ventura is being grilled by her ex-boyfriend Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers in his federal sex-trafficking trial in Manhattan on Thursday.
The defense is likely to spend several hours, if not days, trying to catch the pregnant R&B singer in lies, attack her character and poke holes in her story — after she spent an emotional two days on the witness stand recounting in painstaking detail how Diddy allegedly raped her, brutally beat her, forced her to have drug-fueled sex with strangers during “hundreds” of “freak-offs,” and manipulated her by threatening to release “humiliating” sex tapes.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
He faces life in prison if convicted.
The trial is not televised because cameras are prohibited inside the federal courthouse — so watch this space for all the latest updates.
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What to know about the Diddy trial
Live updates from court on Wednesday
Diddy paid Cassie eye-popping amount to settle bombshell 2023 lawsuit, singer reveals during emotional day of testimony
Cassie reveals horrific attack by Diddy after they broke up in emotional testimony: ‘I just remember crying’
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32 minutes ago
Combs' lawyer trying to dispel rumor 'freak-off' baby oil was mixed with date rape drug
By Jack Morphet, Kyle Schnitzer and Priscilla DeGregory
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyer Anna Estevao tried to dispel the allegation that Sean "Diddy" Combs laced baby oil with a date rape drug during questioning of Cassie Ventura.
During the questioning Cassie said she was the one who picked up baby oil from the drug store for "freak-offs" and the only thing she did to the baby oil was heat it up. She said there were never drugs in the baby oil during her and Combs "freak-offs."
"You testified yesterday you would get Johnson & Johnson baby oil from the drug store, right?" Estevao asked. "You testified yesterday you would heat up the baby oil and thats the only thing you did to it, right?"
Ventura answered yes to both questions that appeared to be an attempt to shoot down a claim Combs doused one victim with lubricant mixed with the drug Rohypnol — or GHB.
60 minutes ago
Cassie testifies about night Diddy OD'd on opioids after Playboy Mansion party
By Jack Morphet and Kyle Schnitzer
Sean "Diddy" Combs' attorney asked Cassie Ventura if she remembered the night he overdosed on opiates in February 2012.
“Was that around the time Whitney Houston died? I believe so," Ventura replied.
“That evening, we had a 'freak-off.' We went to a sex club in San Bernardino. And then he had a party at the Playboy Mansion that night, and I went home.”
She later said: “From what he told me, he took a really strong opioid that night. But we didn't know what happened, so we took him to the hospital.”
Combs' lawyer later asked: "During the entire duration of your relationship, you two were addicted to painkillers?"
"Very much so," Ventura replied.
1 hour ago
'Come and find out,' Cassie quips at Diddy lawyer when asked about 'rehab'
By Kyle Schnitzer, Jack Morphet and Priscilla DeGregory
Cassie Ventura quipped 'come and find out,' when Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyer Anna Estevao asked her about "rehab."
"It's not a rehab facility — it's a spa," Ventura told the defense attorney. "Come and find out."
cassie in court sketch
Cassie Ventura quipped 'come and find out,' when Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyer Anna Estevao asked her about "rehab."
REUTERS
cassie and diddy lawyer in court sketch
Ventura hasn't lost her cool at all during the marathon grilling, but her answers have gotten shorter and more tense.
REUTERS
Estevao had been asking her about her drug use and getting treated in rehab and by life coaches.
Ventura admitted that she once went to a rehab in Sedona, Arizona in 2017 but it didn't stick and after she got out she took part in another "freak-off" with Combs.
Ventura hasn't lost her cool at all during the marathon grilling, but her answers have gotten shorter and more tense.
For example, when Estaveo implied that Ventura was Combs' number two woman, after his baby mama Kim Porter, Ventura offered a very quick response, muttering "mhmm."
Diddy and Kim Porter with their twin daughters D'Lila Star and Jessie James at his famous annual white party in East Hampton, on Sept. 2, 2007.
Diddy and Kim Porter with their twin daughters D'Lila Star and Jessie James at his famous annual white party in East Hampton, on Sept. 2, 2007.
Getty Images
At another point, Ventura suggested the jury wasn't hearing the full context of the messages between her and Combs.
"This isn't what I feel is relevant right now," Ventura said. "There's a lot we skipped over."
1 hour ago
Diddy and Cassie called each other 'get high partners,' she says while being grilled about drug use
By Jack Morphet and Kyle Schnitzer
Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie Ventura called each other "get high partners," she testified while being grilled by his attorney about their drug use.
"Part of the reason you wanted to participate in the 'freak-offs' was to have your time with him? It was a special time with him you cherished?" Combs' attorney Anna Estevao asked.
"Yes," Ventura replied, repeating the one-word answer when Estevao then asked "It was a time to connect with him?"
"Did you ever call each other ‘get high partners’?" she continued, to which Ventura also replied "Yes."
diddy, his lawyer and cassie in a courtroom sketch
This court sketch shows one of hundreds of texts and emails between Diddy and Cassie that the jury saw Thursday, with this one of hers' saying "Pop Pop, I really miss you" — using the creepy nickname he told her to call him.
REUTERS
Estevao then noted there were periods when Combs didn't approve of Ventura using drugs, including opiaites.
Ventura has previously testified that drugs were a big part of the twisted "freak-offs" Combs allegedly coerced her to partake in -- recalling one terrifying incident where she woke up naked in the shower after ingesting GHB during one of the sick sex sessions.
She said she developed an "on-again off-again" opioid addiction, relying on the pills to help her feel "numb" after taking part in the "freak-offs."
1 hour ago
Cassie reveals Diddy jealously suspected she had a relationship with 'Creed' star Michael B. Jordan
By Matt Troutman
A jealous Diddy suspected that Cassie had a relationship with "Creed" actor Michael B. Jordan.
Cassie Ventura, while testifying about infidelities and jealousies during her decade-long relationship with Sean Combs, casually dropped another A-list star's name.
"Combs suspected you were in a relationship with someone else. Who was that?" asked defense attorney Anne Estevao.
"Michael B. Jordan," Ventura responded.
Ventura also testified that Combs had been enraged over her short-lived relationship with rapper Kid Cudi.
She acknowledged she carried on that affair in part to retaliate against Combs' own infidelities.
1 hour ago
Who is Anna Estevao, Diddy's lawyer leading cross-examination of Cassie?
By Tamar Lapin
Anna Estevao is the lawyer on Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team grilling Cassie Ventura on cross examination.
She's listed as a partner at New York's Harris Trzaskoma LLP law firm, specializing in the defense of "individuals and organizations in high-stakes white collar and criminal matters."
Anna Estevao
Anna Estevao is the lawyer on Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team grilling Cassie Ventura on cross examination.
Linkedin/Anna Estevao
Estevao in court
Estevao in court Wednesday as jurors are shown video evidence of Diddy.
REUTERS
Combs' seven-attorney legal team, led by New York attorney Marc Agnifilo, also includes Teny Geragos, who has experience defending against sexual misconduct claims.
Her dad is high-profile attorney Mark Geragos, whose celebrity clients have included Chris Brown, Kesha and Michael Jackson.
2 hours ago
Diddy fan making a scene outside court before arrest: video
By Kaydi Pelletier
A Diddy fan who was arrested this afternoon outside the courthouse in lower Manhattan was yelling and making a scene there earlier this morning:
2 hours ago
'How you doing,' Diddy says to reporters in courtroom during break
By Kyle Schnitzer
Sean "Diddy" Combs looked back at two reporters in the courtroom gallery during a brief break and said, "How you doing?"
The Bad Boy Records founder — holding a pack of Post-It notes and a pen — had been standing at the defense table speaking with his lawyers when he looked over and acknowledged the two reporters who'd been studying his demeanor.
Earlier in the day, during a sidebar with the lawyers and the judge, Combs hopped over his lawyer Marc Agnifilo's chair but a courtroom personnel shook his head and Combs immediately returned to his own seat.
He then gestured prayer hands toward his children before leaving the the courtroom for lunch.
2 hours ago
Cassie grilled about cheating on Diddy with Kid Cudi, says it would've been 'way too dangerous' if he found out
By Jack Morphet, Kyle Schnitzer and Priscilla DeGregory
Cassie Ventura said it would have been "way too dangerous" if Sean "Diddy" Combs found out she was cheating on him with Kid Cudi.
Ventura said used a burner phone with Cudi -- real name Scott Mescudi -- even when she was on a break with Combs.
Rapper Kid Cudi performs onstage during Day 3 of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 21, 2024 in Indio, California
Ventura said she used a burner phone to communicate with rapper Kid Cudi -- real name Scott Mescudi -- even when she was on a break with Combs.
Getty Images for Coachella
"I did not want [Combs] to find out. I thought it would be way too dangerous," Ventura said.
She also said she "could have, possibly" felt justified cheating on Combs with Mescudi since she knew that Combs was also seeing other women.
Dallas Austin, Singer Britney Spears, Rapper P. Diddy and Singer Cassie pose for photos at Cassie's 21st Birthday at Jet Nightclub at The Mirage Hotel and Casino on September 08, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"I did not want [Combs] to find out. I thought it would be way too dangerous," Ventura said about her relationship with Mescudi.
WireImage
When the Bad Boy Records founder found out about Ventura and Mescudi he lunged at her, Ventura testified.
"He lunged, but no contact," Ventura said.
2 hours ago
Diddy fan arrested outside court: pic
By Kaydi Pelletier
One of the Sean "Diddy" Combs fans hanging around outside the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan has been arrested.
A Sean "Diddy" Combs fan is detained by police at the federal court during Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial, in Manhattan
A Sean "Diddy" Combs fan is detained by police at the federal court during Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial, in Manhattan.
REUTERS
Some of the disgraced rap mogul's other supporters are holding signs and wearing T-shirts that say "Free Diddy."
Another fan outside the courthouse Thursday.
Another fan outside the courthouse Thursday.
AFP via Getty Images
2 hours ago
'As much as you think you’re Bruce Willis you aren’t': Cassie texted Diddy on 'the edge of tears' about not being close to his kids
By Jack Morphet, Kyle Schnitzer and Priscilla DeGregory
Cassie Ventura once messaged Sean "Diddy" Combs, referencing Bruce Willis and Eddie Murphy's blended families as she lamented not being close to the fallen music moguls' kids.
Justin Dior Combs, Quincy Brown and Christian Combs depart for a lunch break at the federal court during Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial in Manhattan, in New York City, U.S., May 15, 2025.
Justin Dior Combs, Quincy Brown and Christian Combs depart for a lunch break at the federal court during Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial in Manhattan.
REUTERS
King Combs, D'Lila and Jessie Combs children of P Diddy Combs arrive for the continuation of the jury selection phase of the Sean Diddy Combs trial at the Southern District Manhattan Federal court on May 12, 2025 in New York City.
King Combs and twins D'Lila and Jessie Combs, children of P Diddy Combs, arrive for the continuation of the jury selection phase of the Sean Diddy Combs trial.
Getty Images
“As much as you think you’re Bruce Willis you aren’t," Ventura wrote Combs on July 2, 2013. "He’s married and before he was married, the family as a whole went on trips together or just him and his woman. Eddie Murphy and Paige took his kids away on their own."
The R&B singer was apparently referencing how Murphy's wife Paige Butcher has a relationship with the comedian's children from previous relationships. Willis also has a blended family after having kids with first wife Demi Moore and second wife Emma Heming Willis.
Ventura's message goes on to say she had been on "the edge of tears all week." Ventura clarified for the jury that she was upset she didn't have the chance to form a relationship with Combs' kids.
2 hours ago
Cassie keeps composed, cordial as Diddy lawyer's cross-examination delves into sordid sexts
By Matt Troutman
Cassie has maintained a composed, cordial demeanor while facing a harrowing cross-examination from Diddy's defense centered on intimate details of her sex life with the mogul.
The R&B singer's tenor with Sean Combs' defense lawyer Anna Estevao has even been lighthearted at times, as the pair shared laughs.
Lawyer Anna Estevao cross-examines Casandra "Cassie" Ventura during Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 15, 2025, in this courtroom sketch.
Lawyer Anna Estevao cross-examines Casandra "Cassie" Ventura during Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City in this courtroom sketch.
REUTERS
At one point, Estevao called Cassie “very beautiful and charming,” drawing a laugh and smile out of her.
The sometimes-respectful treatment comes as Estevao tries to paint Cassie as a willing, enthusiastic participant in Diddy's depraved, drug- and baby-oil-fueled "freak-offs."
Cassie has testified that the often-humiliating "freak-offs" became like a job she didn't want to do, as she felt trapped by the violent Combs.
3 hours ago
Cassie testifies she was 'jealous' of Diddy's baby mama Kim Porter
By Kyle Schnitzer, Jack Morphet and Priscilla DeGregory
Cassie Ventura testified that she was "jealous" at times of Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend and the mother of three of his children.
Portrait of American couple, rapper Sean Combs and Kimberly Porter (1970 - 2018), as they pose with a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne during a New Year's Eve celebration, New York, New York, December 31, 1994.
Sean Combs and Kimberly Porter during a New Year's Eve celebration in 1994.
Getty Images
"I had some jealousy toward Ms. Porter, yeah," Ventura testified.
Combs dated Porter from 1994 until 2007 -- around the time Ventura and Combs became romantic.
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and Kim Porter arrive at the 27th Annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts December 5, 2004 in Washington, DC.
Combs dated Porter from 1994 until 2007 and share son Christian, 26, and twins D’Lila and Jessie, 17.
Getty Images
Kim Porter attends ICON Talks And Motion Picture Association Of America Host Black Male Excellence at SLS Hotel on June 21, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.
Porter died in 2018.
Getty Images
Ventura admitted that it "upset" her that Combs spent all the holidays with Porter -- with whom he shared son Christian, 26, and twins D’Lila and Jessie, 17.
Porter died in 2018.
3 hours ago
'Have fun, impress me,' Diddy told Cassie as she shopped for lube, sexy outfits for a 'freak-off' near the end of their relationship
By Jack Morphet, Kyle Schnitzer and Priscilla DeGregory
Sean "Diddy" Combs once texted Cassie Ventura to "have fun, impress me" when she was on her way to a sex shop to get supplies for a "freak-off."
The jury saw messages between the couple sent on May 26, 2017 -— near the end of their relationship — about her run to a sex shop called the Pleasure Chest.
Ventura testified that when she went to the X-rated store, she "would get different sexual supplies. Lubricants, outfits."
Another message showed the pair appearing to try to avoid getting pregnant after Combs suggested having "one of our nights."
Ventura said she was ovulating and Combs responded that they would "be extra careful."
Ventura also said to Combs in one 2017 message "I'm too excited" about one of their upcoming "freak-offs." She also messaged Combs that she forgot the iPad — which Ventura testified they used to record the sex marathons.
3 hours ago
Peeved judge warns defense it has to finish questioning Cassie by Friday
By Jack Morphet, Kyle Schnitzer and Priscilla DeGregory
A peeved Judge Arun Subramanian warned defense attorneys they would only get a day-and-a-half total to question Ventura.
"This is not the kind of witness who is fighting you," the judge said.
cassie and diddy in a court sketch
Judge Arun Subramanian isn't happy with how slowly Diddy's team is questioning feds' star witness Cassie — who is eight months pregnant.
REUTERS
Combs lawyer Marc Agnifilo said he was surprised to hear there was a hard deadline: "This is a critical witness in a case that involves a life sentence."
Subramanian didn't budge, noting everyone agreed ahead of time that Ventura's testimony would be completed by the end of the week.
He told the defense team they would need to finish up with her by Friday morning, but he said he might give them a little more time after lunch.
3 hours ago
Judge chides defense as it's revealed cross-examination of Cassie could continue through Monday
By Kyle Schnitzer and Priscilla DeGregory
Judge Arun Subramanian chided defense attorneys for Sean "Diddy" Combs for their slow pace cross-examining the star prosecution witness, Cassie Ventura.
Sean "Diddy" Combs listens as lawyer Anna Estevao (not seen) cross-examines Casandra "Cassie" Ventura (not seen) during Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 15, 2025, in this courtroom sketch.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers were criticized for their pace when cross-examining Cassie Ventura.
REUTERS
Lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo justified the length of time their side would be keeping Ventura on the witness stand since she is the "most important witness of the case."
Prosecutor Emily Johnson expressed concern over the R&B singer -- who is eight months pregnant -- testifying for so many days, which would be up to five by Monday.
The tense exchange took place right before the lunch break.
4 hours ago
What was Diddy addicted to? 'Success,' Cassie says
By Kyle Schnitzer
As the lunch break approached, Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers were questioning Cassie Ventura about the music mogul's alleged addictions.
“What was he addicted to?” attorney Anna Estevao asked.
Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura reacting in court during Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, on May 14, 2025
Casandra "Cassie" Ventura reacts at the end of direct testimony during Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2025 in this courtroom sketch.
REUTERS
“Success,” Ventura said.
"What substances?" Estevao continued.
Ventura said it varied but that Combs at one point was addicted to opiates, and that she had witnessed him going through withdrawal from those drugs "more than once."
4 hours ago
Cassie grilled over testimony that Diddy controlled her appearance: 'He's had a big impact on fashion'
By Jack Morphet, Kyle Schnitzer and Priscilla DeGregory
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyer Anna Estevao grilled Ventura about getting fashion advice from the fallen music mogul, in an apparent attempt to undercut the R&B singer's earlier testimony that he controlled her appearance.
"Would you send [Combs] photos of your clothes and your hair and ask him what he thought?" Estevao asked.
"Yeah," Ventura said, later acknowledging that Combs ran a fashion brand called Sean John and "had a big impact on fashion over many decades."
Lawyer Anna Estevao cross-examines Casandra "Cassie" Ventura during Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 15, 2025, in this courtroom sketch.
Lawyer Anna Estevao cross-examines Casandra "Cassie" Ventura in this courtroom sketch.
REUTERS
Cassie Ventura and Sean 'Diddy' Combs posing backstage at the Puff Daddy and The Family Bad Boy Reunion Tour in New York City
Cassie (L) and Sean "Diddy" Combs aka Puff Daddy pose backstage during the Puff Daddy and The Family Bad Boy Reunion Tour presented by Ciroc Vodka and Live Nation at Barclays Center on May 21, 2016 in New York City.
Kevin Mazur
Estevao's questions seemed to be in response to Ventura's testimony over the last two days claiming the Bad Boy Records producer controlled every aspect of the way she looked, down to the color she painted her nails.
Before a "freak-off," Combs asked her if she got her nails done, if she was tan and if she had been waxed, she testified.
4 hours ago
Court taking lunch break
By Kaydi Pelletier
The trial is on pause until 1 p.m. while the court takes a lunch break.
4 hours ago
Diddy's lawyer pushing 'swingers lifestyle' defense, as Cassie says she watched him have sex with other women
By Priscilla DeGregory
Ventura testified that she occasionally watched Sean "Diddy" Combs have sex with other women and that it had happened between two and four times.
"It happened, but not often," Ventura said, noting that Combs had brought up her watching him with other women "frequently enough."
cassie and diddy in court sketch
Cassie testifies about bruises she says she suffered after Diddy beat her, as he looks on from the defense table, in thsi court sketch from Wednesday.
REUTERS
Combs lawyers Anna Estevao seems to be suggesting that the "freak-offs" were simply part of Combs' "swingers" lifestyle.
But Ventura responded that while a "swingers" lifestyle is related to "freak-offs" in a sexual way, the two concepts were actually "very different."
On Wednesday, Ventura said the Bad Boy Records founder convinced her it would be "fun" to go to sex clubs.
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5 hours ago
Cassie pressed on bombshell 2023 lawsuit, as defense claims it 'ruined' Diddy's career
By Priscilla DeGregory
Cassie admitted that she didn't know of anyone being aware of Sean "Diddy" Combs' "freak-offs" until her 2023 lawsuit revealed them to the world.
"Fair to say [Combs'] career was ruined," Combs lawyer Anna Estevao said. "When your lawsuit was published in November 2023, you understand his career was ruined, right?"
"I could understand that, yeah," Cassie responded.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs in courtroom during trial, watching as jurors view images implicating him in a case
Sean "Diddy" Combs watches as after being shown images from a Freak Off (not shown to the public), jurors are shown images of what Casandra "Cassie" Ventura described as bruises from Combs during his sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2025 in this courtroom sketch.
REUTERS
Cassie earlier said she wore masks and wigs to disguise herself in the early years of participating in "freak-offs" because she feared that if the video recordings Combs made of the sex marathons surfaced, her music career would be over.
5 hours ago
Cassie giggles as Diddy lawyer brings up mushy 2007 email
By Jack Morphet and Kyle Schnitzer
Ventura smiled as Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers brought up an email she wrote to her then-boyfriend, just a few weeks after her 21st birthday party.
"It’s making me giggle because it’s from 2007," Ventura told the court.
The email expressed how "grateful" Ventura was to be in the much older music producer's life, but also how she felt he was "constantly weary" of her.
She also wrote that she felt that her then-friend Kerry Morgan "would have been the better one to go after since I’ve witnessed (more than once) you realizing that she is way better fitting for you than I am."
"It’s hard for me to handle that," she wrote. "I’m hurt that you think that I’m a malicious person."
5 hours ago
Cassie said she wore masks and wigs for 'freak-offs' to disguise herself: 'I definitely didn't want anyone to know'
By Jack Morphet and Priscilla DeGregory
Cassie described how when she first agreed to start participating in "freak-offs," she sometimes wore masks and wigs to disguise herself.
"The encounter itself was pretty crazy," the R&B singer testified. "I really followed [Combs'] lead on that because I had never done it before. I definitely didn’t want anyone to know."
"You feared the release of explicit tapes would ruin your career?" Combs lawyer Anna Estevao asked.
"Yep," Cassie responded.
Combs normally videotaped the "freak-offs" he orchestrated, according to testimony.
5 hours ago
Diddy brought Britney Spears to Cassie's 21st birthday celebration, where he first kissed her
By Priscilla DeGregory
Cassie just told the jury that Sean "Diddy" Combs brought Britney Spears to her 21st birthday celebration, where the fallen music mogul made his first move on the R&B singer.
The party was held at a club in Las Vegas and Combs invited the "Hit Me Baby One More Time" pop star to the soiree, as well as singer and music producer Dallas Austin.
Britney Spears, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Paris Hilton and Dallas Austin at Cassie's 21st birthday party in Las Vegas on Sept. 8, 2007.
Britney Spears, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Paris Hilton and Dallas Austin at Cassie's 21st birthday party in Las Vegas on Sept. 8, 2007.
WireImage
diddy and cassie at a party with britney spears in the background
Diddy was her producer and their relationship took a romantic turn when he made a move on her for the first time as she turned 21.
WireImage
Britney Spears, Diddy, 50 Cents, Paris Hilton and Dallas Austin at The Hard Rock in Las Vegas
Britney Spears, Diddy, 50 Cents, Paris Hilton and Dallas Austin at The Hard Rock in Las Vegas on Sept. 8, 2007, the night Cassie says Diddy kissed her for the first time.
FilmMagic
cassie and diddy at a party
Combs invited the "Hit Me Baby One More Time" pop star to the soiree at the Mirage Hotel and Casino, as well as singer and music producer Dallas Austin, Cassie testified at trial.
WireImage
Cassie previously explained that until that birthday, Combs, then 38 and 17 years her senior, was just her music producer, but when he kissed her that night, their relationship began shifting toward a romantic one.
WireImage
"Sean was there and he brought Dallas Austin, Britney Spears," Cassie testified. "I think those were the two people that stand out to me."
Cassie previously explained that until that birthday, Combs, then 38 and 17 years her senior, was just her music producer, but when he kissed her that night, their relationship began shifting toward a romantic one.
Photos from the party, hosted by rapper 50 Cent, show Paris Hilton was also there.
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5 hours ago
Diddy takes notes in court for the first time as his graphic sexts with Cassie are read out loud
By Kaydi Pelletier
Sean "Diddy" Combs is taking notes in court for the first time during the trial, as shockingly explicit texts between him and then-girlfriend Cassie about "freak-offs" are being read to the jury during her cross-examination.
diddy in court sketch
Sean "Diddy" Combs is taking notes in court for the first time during the trial.
REUTERS
Diddy's attorney is reading out loud the texts he sent, with Cassie reading her own messages to the jury from the witness stand.
REUTERS
6 hours ago
'I'm always ready to freak off': Cassie's shockingly explicit texts come out in court, showing her excited for sex with Diddy
By Jack Morphet, Kyle Schnitzer and Priscilla DeGregory
The jury has been shown a series of messages that Cassie Ventura allegedly sent to Sean "Diddy" Combs saying she was excited to partake in "freak-offs."
"I'm always ready to 'freak-off' lol," Ventura wrote in a BlackBerry message to Combs on Aug. 5, 2009 -- roughly two years into their relationship, when she was in her early 20s and he was in his late 40s.
The duo decided they would hold one of the marathon sex sessions on Friday night that week.
Jurors also heard more explicit messages in which Ventura seemed to express excitement about taking part in the twisted "freak-offs."
After the message was read out, Ventura asked for a break and grabbed her eight-month-pregnant belly with both hands.
Ventura previously testified that she participated in the "freak-offs" to please Combs -- and because she wanted to avoid his anger, which often resulted in him beating her.
The defense has said it will show that Combs' alleged victims were actually willing participants in his kinky sex events.
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6 hours ago
Cassie Ventura's husband, Alex Fine, arrives at court: pics
By Sarah Ng
R&B singer Cassie's husband, Alex Fine, arrived at court today to support her in testifying against Combs.
He's shown up to support her every day this week.
Alex Fine arrives at Federal court during the Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial at U.S. court in Manhattan, in New York City, U.S., May 15, 2025.
Alex Fine, Cassie Ventura's husband, arrives at federal court during the Sean "Diddy" Combs sex-trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial in New York City.
REUTERS
Alex Fine (R), Cassie Ventura's husband arrives at federal court for Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City on May 15, 2025.
Fine wore a dark jacket and sunglasses to federal court in New York.
AFP via Getty Images
Fine wore dark sunglasses and a black Carhartt jacket.
The personal trainer shares two children with the singer, with another on the way.
6 hours ago
Cassie's husband, Alex Fine, looks on stoically as she describes falling in love with Diddy
By Kyle Schnitzer and Priscilla DeGregory
Cassie's husband and the father of her children, Alex Fine, is sitting in the courtroom gallery looking on stoically as his R&B singer wife is describing when she fell in love with Sean "Diddy" Combs.
Cassie, eight months pregnant and wearing a black double-breasted blazer with a light blue collared shirt, has remained calm and composed even as she testified that she wanted to spend all her time with Combs in the early years of their relationship, "because I'd fallen in love with him" -- all while Fine looked on.
Combs -- wearing a beige crewneck sweater, white shirt and gray pants -- has observed placidly, putting on his glasses at one point to follow along with the messages between him and Cassie that the jury was being shown.
The sons and mother of the Bad Boy Records founder are also present in the courtroom -- though his daughters are notably absent.
Mom Janice Combs appears to be wearing a new wig from the other days she's been at trial.
So far the jurors have been paying attention but not visibly reacting.
6 hours ago
Diddy's mother, kids and friends are in court: pics
By Sarah Ng
Sean "Diddy" Combs did not come alone to court.
Combs' mother and children were in attendance today in support of the disgraced media mogul.
Janice Combs, mother of Sean "Diddy" Combs arrives at federal court for Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City on May 15, 2025.
Janice Combs arrives at federal court for Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking trial.
AFP via Getty Images
Diddy's mother, Janice Combs, 84, arrived in a green-and-black outfit and sported sunglasses on the way into the Manhattan federal courthouse.
Christian "King" Combs and Quincy Brown, Combs' son and stepson, respectively, attended court as well.
(L-R) King Combs, son of Sean "Diddy" Combs and Quincy Brown, stepson of Sean "Diddy" Combs, arrive at federal court for Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City on May 15, 2025.
Christian "King" Combs (left) and Quincy Brown attended court in support of their father.
AFP via Getty Images
The Bad Boy Records founder's friend Charlucci Finney showed up to court wearing a "Puff" hat, referencing one of Combs' nicknames.
Charlucci Finney, friend of Sean "Diddy" Combs, arrives at federal court for Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City on May 15, 2025.
Friend Charlucci Finney was present as well.
AFP via Getty Images
The case has grown a fervent following, with Diddy fans lining up outside court along with members of the media.
People wait in line outside federal court before the Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City on May 15, 2025.
People wait in line outside federal court before the trial in New York City.
AFP via Getty Images
Members of the media wait in line outside federal court before the Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City on May 15, 2025.
Members of the media wait in line outside federal court before the Sean "Diddy" Combs sex-trafficking trial.
AFP via Getty Images
6 hours ago
Here is the tone so far as Diddy lawyer cross-examines Cassie
By Jack Morphet and Priscilla DeGregory
Defense attorney Anna Estevao's questioning of Cassie so far has been clinical and civil, with both women remaining calm and composed.
Estevao appears to be trying to establish that Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie had a loving relationship through showing affectionate, sweet messages they exchanged from 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Estevao is reading messages from Combs to Cassie while Cassie is reading the communications she sent to Combs from her BlackBerry.
Jurors learned that the Bad Boy Records founder sometimes referred to Cassie as "BG" — for "baby girl" — while the R&B singer often referred to Combs as "Pop pop," the name she called her grandfather that Combs requested she use for him.
7 hours ago
Jury sees 'loving' messages between Diddy and Cassie in early days of their relationship
By Jack Morphet and Priscilla DeGregory
The jury is being shown a series of "loving" messages that Sean "Diddy" Combs and R&B singer Cassie exchanged early in their relationship.
“It makes me so happy you would fly to ATL just to see me. I am so lucky to have you," wrote the Bad Boy Records founder in a Jan. 1, 2008, message to Cassie.
"I’m a very lucky woman. I miss you so much," Cassie responded.
Cassie explained the messages were from when the couple started dating.
"What sort of messages would you and Mr. Combs exchange" back then, Combs lawyer Anna Estevao asked Cassie.
"Loving," she responded.
7 hours ago
Combs lawyer starts cross-examination of Cassie
By Jack Morphet and Priscilla DeGregory
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyer Anna Estevao has begun what is likely to be a marathon cross-examination of Cassie.
"You and Sean Combs were in love for 11 years, right?" Estevao asked right out of the gate.
"Yeah," Cassie responded.
"You kept coming back to him for 11 years?" the defense attorney pressed.
"I wouldn’t use the word 'coming back,'" the singer said.
"You would continue to go back with him for 11 years?"
"Yes," Cassie replied.
7 hours ago
Cassie spotted heading to court for cross-examination: pic
By Kaydi Pelletier
Cassie Ventura was seen leaving her New York City residence Thursday morning, headed to court to be grilled by Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers.
The "Me and U" singer is wearing a blazer over a light blue button-down shirt, her black hair slicked into a ponytail. She is eight months pregnant with her third child.
Cassie Ventura heading to court Thursday morning for the high-profile Diddy trial in downtown Manhattan.
BrosNYC / BACKGRID
7 hours ago
Diddy in courtroom awaiting his lawyers to begin grilling ex Cassie
By Kyle Schnitzer and Priscilla DeGregory
Sean "Diddy" Combs is sitting at the defense table with his lawyers as they go through legal issues with the judge and prosecutors.
Testimony is expected to kick off again around 9:30 a.m. with the Bad Boy Records founder's lawyers slated to start cross-examining the star prosecution witness, his ex-girlfriend Cassie.
7 hours ago
What to expect when Diddy's lawyers cross-examine feds' star witness Cassie today
By Priscilla DeGregory
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers are sure to leave no stone unturned Thursday when they begin cross-examining star prosecution witness Cassie.
A single defense attorney from the fallen music mogul’s team is likely to spend hours, if not days, grilling the R&B singer — full name Casandra Ventura — as they attempt to try to catch her in lies, attack her character and poke holes in her story.
cassie in court sketch
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers are sure to leave no stone unturned Thursday when they begin cross-examining star prosecution witness Cassie, seen here in a court sketch from Wednesday.
REUTERS
diddy in court sketch
Sean "Diddy" Combs watches as jurors are shown images of what Cassie Ventura described as bruises from his alleged brutal beatings during the sex-trafficking trial against him Wednesday.
REUTERS
Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, spent two days answering questions from prosecutors in painstaking detail and has at times gotten emotional, wiping away tears while recounting the alleged horrors she endured at the hands of the “I’ll Be Missing You” rapper.
But cross-examination is likely to be even more difficult for the married mom of two, since she will be pressed and challenged on every painful detail.
7 hours ago
What happened during the Diddy trial Wednesday
By Kyle Schnitzer, Ben Kochman, Priscilla DeGregory and Anna Young
Cassie Ventura recalled in Manhattan court Wednesday how Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly raped her following their 2018 break-up.
Sean "Diddy" Combs (not seen) listens as his former girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura testifies as a video from a hotel is played at his sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2025 in this courtroom sketch
Cassie claims after their break-up in 2018, Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly raped her.
REUTERS
The attack allegedly took place on the same day the R&B singer met with Combs — whom she had dated for about a decade beginning when she was around 19 — in order to seek closure after their tumultuous relationship, she said at his federal sex-trafficking trial.
Ventura, now 38, told jurors she met up with Combs to resolve lingering issues at a restaurant in Malibu, California, where her former partner was “being really nice,” “laughing” and giving off “kind of romantic vibes” during the “playful” encounter.
But everything changed when the disgraced producer brought her back to her home, went inside and raped her, Ventura testified.
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