Cassie concluded her four-day testimony on Friday in the federal sex trafficking trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs. She described multiple violent encounters during their 11-year relationship. She said Combs assaulted her in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. Texts presented in court showed her telling him, “I’m not a rag doll. I’m somebody’s child.”
Texts become a central focus
Cassie and one of Combs’ defence attorneys read through their texts during cross-examination in a Manhattan courtroom. In one exchange, days after the 2016 assault, Cassie wrote, “We need a different vibe from Friday.” The defence aimed to highlight messages that showed mutual affection following the incident.
Cassie’s rape allegation disputed
The defence challenged Cassie’s 2018 rape claim. They focused on inconsistencies in her account. Cassie told prosecutors the incident followed a dinner with Combs in Malibu. She said it occurred at her Los Angeles home in August or September 2018. Defence lawyer Estevao questioned differences between her trial testimony and past interviews.
Prosecutors allege trafficking and coercion
Federal prosecutors claim Combs used his status to coerce women into drug-fuelled sex acts. They allege he orchestrated “freak-offs” involving male sex workers. Cassie testified she participated in “hundreds” of such encounters under threat of violence. She said Combs warned he would release sex videos if she angered him.
Combs denies all criminal charges
Combs has pleaded not guilty to federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges. He has been in custody since September. He faces a minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted. His legal team argues that any violence or sex acts that occurred between consenting adults are not part of a criminal enterprise.
Figure 2: Diddy has pleaded not guilty to the charges made against him
Cassie’s post-incident interactions under scrutiny
The defence presented texts from 2012 suggesting Cassie willingly participated in freak-offs. In one message, Combs wrote, “I want to FO one last time tonight.” Cassie replied, “I don’t want to freak off for the last time. I want it to be the first time for the rest of our lives.” Prosecutors later added context, quoting Cassie’s additional text: “I want to see you, but I’m emotional right now.”
Singer Dawn Richard testifies about abuse
Dawn Richard also testified on Friday. She appeared on Combs’ reality series “Making the Band.” She said she witnessed Combs hitting Cassie at his home studio in 2009. Richard said, “He said that what we saw was passion and what lovers in relationships do.” She testified that Combs locked them in a studio and threatened them.
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Richard filed her own lawsuit
Richard has also sued Combs. She accused him of physical abuse, groping, and psychological manipulation during their professional relationship. Her testimony supports prosecutors’ claims of a pattern of abuse and coercion.
Cassie reveals settlement amounts
Cassie filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in 2023. They settled the case for $20 million, which Cassie disclosed publicly during her testimony. She also revealed a separate estimated $10 million settlement with the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles. She said it related to the 2016 assault but did not specify the claim.
Figure 3: Cassie and Diddy settled for $20 million after a lawsuit was filed
Courtroom moments mark testimony’s end
Cassie appeared visibly emotional as she left the witness stand. Judge Arun Subramanian told her, “You’ve been here a long time.” Cassie glanced at the jury but did not look at Combs. During her final testimony, Combs sat writing notes which he passed to his defence lawyers.
Prosecution builds on pattern of abuse
Cassie’s testimony included descriptions of repeated violence. She said Combs was often under the influence of drugs and alcohol during abusive episodes. She testified that the freak-offs sometimes lasted for days. Prosecutors have stated several women will support Cassie’s allegations.
Public statement released after testimony
Cassie later released a statement addressing her experience. She said, “For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember. And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget.” She said she hoped her testimony would help others heal from abuse and fear.
Legal proceedings continue
The trial continues in federal court in Manhattan. Prosecutors are expected to call more witnesses. The defence aims to challenge claims and show Cassie as a willing participant. Combs remains detained while awaiting the next stages of trial.
