On the third day of testimony in the high-profile sex trafficking trial involving music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura gave harrowing details of the toll the alleged abuse took on her physical health.
In sworn testimony, Ventura stated that she took opiates to cope with pain following repeated forced sexual encounters, which she referred to as “freak offs.” She alleged that the encounters left her in “constant pain,” numb, and frequently sick.
The singer and former longtime girlfriend of Combs revealed to the court that she suffered urinary tract infections (UTIs) so frequently that “antibiotics stopped working,” describing a burning sensation during intercourse. She also testified to developing painful sores in her mouth as a result of what she characterized as constant oral sex.
Ventura further alleged that these acts were not always consensual and sometimes involved physical violence. She recalled one instance where Combs allegedly assaulted her in front of another man, identified only as “Jules,” who afterward asked her if she was okay. According to her testimony, the abuse occurred in multiple cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
“It happened too often to count,” she said.
Among the more graphic incidents discussed in court, Ventura described an assault before a music festival hosted by rapper Drake. She claimed that Combs slammed her into a bed frame, and a photograph of her visibly bruised eye was entered into evidence.
In another episode during the Cannes Film Festival, Ventura said she was thrown off a yacht by Combs and prevented from leaving because he retained her passport. Despite the assault, she said she appeared on the red carpet that evening as planned.
These allegations build on prior testimony from Ventura, who has also disclosed previous civil litigation against Combs that ended in a $20 million settlement. That case alleged years of sexual abuse, coercion, and control by Combs during their relationship, which began when she was 22.
The current trial centers around federal sex trafficking and abuse charges against Combs. Ventura’s testimony marks a significant moment in the prosecution’s case as they attempt to demonstrate a long-standing pattern of coercion, violence, and exploitation.
Cross-examination of Ventura is expected to begin later this week.
