In dramatic testimony during Day 10 of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial, a former assistant to the music mogul accused him of kidnapping her and threatening to kill rapper Kid Cudi in a violent episode connected to Combs’ jealousy over a past romantic relationship.
Capricorn Clark, who worked for Combs in various roles from 2004 to 2018, told jurors that in December 2011, Combs showed up at her residence in the early morning hours, armed with a gun, and demanded she accompany him to Kid Cudi’s home.
According to Clark, Combs had just learned that his longtime on-and-off girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, had been romantically involved with Cudi.
“He wanted to go kill Kid Cudi,” Clark testified, describing Combs’ demeanor as enraged and the encounter as “terrifying.”
She told the jury that she witnessed Combs and one of his bodyguards enter Cudi’s home while the rapper was away. When Cudi later returned and remained in his car, Combs and the bodyguard allegedly gave chase, though Cudi was able to flee.
Clark further testified that after the confrontation, she, Cassie, and Cudi met at his home, where she tried to persuade Cudi not to include Combs’ name in a police report about the break-in. She also recounted a separate incident in which Combs allegedly beat Cassie so severely that Clark phoned Cassie’s mother, saying:
“He’s beating the s— out of your daughter. Please help her. I can’t call the police, but you can.”
Clark is a key witness in the broader federal case against Combs, who faces multiple allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and kidnapping. Prosecutors allege that Combs, either directly or through associates, created an environment of fear and coercion for years.
Defense Moves for Mistrial
Earlier in the day, defense attorneys moved for a mistrial, accusing prosecutors of misconduct during the testimony of arson investigator Lance Jimenez. The motion stemmed from questions prosecutors asked Jimenez regarding a Molotov cocktail discovered in Kid Cudi’s vehicle in 2012.
Jimenez testified that fingerprint evidence related to the device had been destroyed in August 2012. Defense attorneys claimed that subsequent questions—asking whether he had authorized the destruction of the fingerprints and if it was unusual—unfairly suggested Combs had tampered with evidence. The defense argued that the line of questioning was prejudicial and inflammatory.
U.S. District Judge overseeing the case denied the mistrial motion but instructed jurors to disregard the fingerprint-related questions, stating, “Questions regarding destruction of fingerprint cards are irrelevant and not to be considered in this case.”
Defense Questions Witness Credibility
During cross-examination, Combs’ attorneys sought to cast doubt on Clark’s credibility by introducing a 2021 text message she sent to Combs. In it, she reminisced fondly about their past, writing:
“Did you ever know I had the biggest crush on you before I started working for you?” and referenced “dope chemistry” between the two.
The defense used the message to question why Clark would express such sentiments years after claiming she was kidnapped by Combs in 2011. They also pointed out that Clark had met with Combs’ legal team in April 2024, after federal raids on his properties, raising questions about her motivations.
Despite the defense’s attempts to undercut her testimony, Clark maintained that her past messages did not erase the trauma she experienced.
As the trial continues, Clark’s detailed testimony—paired with physical evidence like the Molotov cocktail incident—continues to shape a complex picture of alleged abuse, intimidation, and manipulation inside the world of one of hip-hop’s most powerful figures.
The case continues with additional witness testimony in the coming days.
