Cassie Ventura regrets freak-off incident, willing to return $20 million
R&B singer Cassie Ventura made an emotional admission in a New York courthouse, expressing her willingness to return a $20 million settlement from her ex-boyfriend Sean “Diddy” Combs if it erased her participation in his alleged drug-induced sex parties. Facing Diddy’s legal team’s accusations of being driven by money, Ventura, who is the key witness in the trial, recounted the details of her tumultuous relationship with the rap artist spanning a decade, including what she referred to as “freak off” sexual encounters.
During her testimony, Ventura shared unsettling accounts of experiencing physical violence and coercion during the sex sessions, involving men hired by Diddy. She insisted that the financial settlement given to her after suing the music mogul was not a matter of lacking funds but rather a reflection of the trauma she endured, hindering her singing career while inflicting her with physical injuries.
Cross-examined by Diddy’s lawyer, Anna Estevao, Ventura disclosed the distressing details of her life with Diddy and the abuse she claims she faced. The defense presented text exchanges between the couple to showcase that their relationship was volatile at times but not indicative of criminal activity on Diddy’s part.
As Ventura prepared to step down from the witness stand, the defense pushed further, questioning her about another legal settlement she secured, hinting at a $10 million expected payout from InterContinental Hotels tied to a violent 2016 incident involving Diddy. Surveillance footage from this altercation was replayed in court, revealing Diddy’s alleged physical aggression towards Ventura.
An additional witness, Dawn Richard, a member of the group Danity Kane founded on one of Diddy’s reality TV shows, testified against him, alleging physical abuse and financial exploitation. Richard recounted witnessing an episode where Diddy assaulted Ventura, leaving her curled up on the floor. According to Richard’s testimony, Diddy dismissed the incident as “passion” and insinuated threats of retaliation if she spoke up.
Homeland Security agent Yasin Binda detailed the seizure of cash, drugs, and baby oil from Diddy’s hotel room during his arrest in New York, further shedding light on the ongoing legal battle. The trial, characterized by a frenzied media presence, has drawn a large crowd of onlookers, eager to catch a glimpse of the high-profile celebrity and his entwined legal and personal affairs. Additional witnesses are anticipated in the upcoming week as the New York court continues to grapple with the allegations and testimonies surrounding the music mogul’s criminal charges.