Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former partner, Casandra Ventura, delivered emotional testimony in a U.S. federal court Tuesday, alleging years of abuse, coercion, and exploitation by the hip-hop mogul during their on-and-off 11-year relationship.
Ventura, now 38 and expecting her third child, is one of two key witnesses in the high-profile case, which has drawn intense public attention.
She described how Combs, then 37, began a relationship with her when she was a 19-year-old aspiring singer. The relationship began after she signed to his record label.
According to Ventura, what started as a romance quickly evolved into a cycle of manipulation and control. She told the court that Combs dictated nearly every aspect of her life, from her appearance to her professional activities.
He allegedly provided for her financially, but also used that dependency to exert control—confiscating phones, cars, and other belongings as punishment.
“He wanted control over everything—how I looked, what I did,” she told jurors.
Ventura said the psychological control eventually turned physical, alleging repeated incidents of violence including being kicked, dragged, and left with visible injuries such as black eyes and swollen lips.
A major part of Ventura’s testimony centered on so-called “freak-offs”—sexual encounters arranged by Combs involving male escorts or strippers, which she claims he orchestrated and observed. These incidents, she testified, were degrading and emotionally traumatic.
She recounted taking drugs like ecstasy, marijuana, and ketamine to detach from the situation. “It was a way not to feel what was really happening,” she said. “I didn’t want to be with anyone else but him.”
The alleged encounters took place across various cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Ibiza. Ventura claimed Combs sometimes flew male escorts to their location under the guise of hiring new employees, arranging their travel through staff. Payments to the escorts allegedly ranged from $1,500 to $6,000.
During these events, Ventura said, Combs controlled every detail—from the sexual acts to her clothing and the room’s lighting.
“If Sean wanted something to happen, it would happen. I couldn’t say no,” she testified.
While the defense has yet to cross-examine her, Combs has pleaded not guilty to several federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution.
Supporters of Combs were present in court, but Ventura’s testimony marked a sobering start to the prosecution’s case. She is expected to return to the witness stand on Wednesday.
Source: BBC NEWS