In a significant development in the ongoing federal investigation into Sean “Diddy” Combs, Regina Ventura, the mother of singer Cassie Ventura, took the stand Tuesday and testified that Combs allegedly threatened to release explicit videos of her daughter in 2011 unless he was paid$20,000.
The testimony was delivered during federal proceedings scrutinizing alleged sexual misconduct, coercion, and financial abuse by Combs.
Ventura testified under oath that she received an email from her daughter in December 2011, in which Cassie disclosed that Combs threatened to publicly release two sex tapes—one on Christmas Day and another shortly thereafter.
The message also indicated that the threats extended to rapper Scott Mescudi, known professionally as Kid Cudi, who was romantically involved with Cassie at the time.
Regina Ventura told the court that upon receiving the email, she became “physically ill.”
She further testified that Combs demanded $20,000, which he claimed was compensation for money he had spent on Cassie. In response, she and her husband took out a home equity loan, deposited the funds into a joint account, and wired the amount to Combs.
However, she revealed under questioning by prosecutors that the money was returned to their account four to five days later.
The prosecution introduced this testimony as part of its broader effort to demonstrate a pattern of coercion and control Combs allegedly exercised over Cassie Ventura throughout their relationship.
According to courtroom reporting by CBS News, the exchange highlighted how fear extended beyond the alleged victim to her immediate family—triggering financial decisions in the belief that Cassie was under imminent threat.
“It shows that her family was so concerned for their daughter’s safety that they were willing to take out a home equity loan and send that money to Sean Combs,” CBS News correspondent Jericka Duncan explained in her narration.
The defense declined to cross-examine Regina Ventura, stating plainly: “We have no questions.”
The decision not to challenge the mother’s account may reflect a tactical choice, but it also left the prosecution’s testimony unrefuted on the record.
This testimony follows Cassie Ventura’s 2023 civil lawsuit, which was swiftly settled but sparked broader law enforcement scrutiny into Combs’ alleged conduct.
That lawsuit included claims of sexual battery, human trafficking, and emotional abuse—claims Combs has repeatedly denied.
The federal case, which has expanded to include multiple complainants and witnesses, centers around allegations of systematic abuse, intimidation, and the use of wealth and celebrity status to silence or manipulate victims.
Combs has not been criminally charged in connection with Regina Ventura’s specific testimony, and his legal team has maintained his innocence throughout.
Legal analysts suggest that the mother’s testimony could prove significant in establishing a pattern of coercive behavior, a key element in building a case under federal statutes governing extortion, harassment, and racketeering.
