The federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs entered the end of its first week with a contentious cross-examination of the prosecution’s central witness, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.
The defense sought to undermine her credibility by introducing audio evidence and scrutinizing her personal history, as both sides continue to battle over the narrative that will shape the outcome of this high-profile case.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy, and transportation for the purpose of prostitution. If convicted, the 54-year-old music executive faces 15 years to life in federal prison.
On Friday, defense counsel played a previously unreleased audio recording in which Ventura could be heard using profane and threatening language.
The audio clip, lasting approximately two to three minutes, depicted Ventura repeatedly saying, “I will kill you,” in reference to a video she feared could be released.
The defense argued that the recording demonstrates a significant departure from the calm demeanor Ventura has maintained on the witness stand during more than 20 hours of testimony.
Attorneys for Combs also delved into Ventura’s past struggles with substance use, specifically her ongoing treatment for opioid addiction. This line of questioning appeared aimed at raising doubts about Ventura’s reliability and mental state during key periods referenced in her testimony.
Additional revelations came to light regarding a memoir Ventura had been preparing, titled The Dark Times. According to testimony, Combs had once attempted to purchase the rights to the unpublished manuscript.
Prosecutors emphasized the memoir’s title, connecting it to a comment Combs made during the BET Awards when he thanked Ventura for “holding me down during the dark times” — a statement they argue corroborates her claims of prolonged emotional and physical abuse.
Courtroom observers noted minor but telling details about Friday’s proceedings. Ventura entered court in a navy pinstripe suit and was briefly observed by Combs as she walked to the witness stand. Jurors largely avoided eye contact with both parties, though one juror was reported to have regularly scanned the gallery and press section.
Judge Arun Subramanian, presiding over the case, told jurors the court was “five minutes behind schedule” — a small delay compared to previous days. One juror responded with a visible thumbs-up gesture, prompting light laughter in the otherwise tense courtroom.
The trial resumes Monday, May 19, with continued focus expected on Ventura’s testimony and potential rebuttal witnesses.
