Defense Focuses on Texts and Alleged Consent
In the ongoing federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Cassie Ventura, his former partner, faced intense cross-examination by the defense. Defense attorney Anna Estevao aimed to undermine Ventura’s credibility and cast doubt on her allegations of abuse, manipulation, and coercion.
The defense introduced several text messages between Ventura and Combs that suggested she may have willingly participated in the “freak-offs”—group sex encounters that Cassie Ventura has described as non-consensual and abusive. In messages read aloud in court, Ventura wrote things like “I can’t wait either,” “I’m always ready to FO,” and “I like it when we both want it.” Additional messages showed Ventura helping to arrange the events, including selecting hotel rooms, bringing supplies, and even arranging escorts.
Ventura countered these suggestions by calling the texts “just words,” explaining that she often felt compelled to go along with Combs’ demands to avoid violent backlash. She testified that she sometimes initiated or planned the events to maintain a sense of control and minimize risk. “It was like a job,” Ventura said. “I hated them, especially when he recorded them.”
Substance Use and Withdrawal
Ventura testified that both she and Combs used drugs heavily throughout their relationship. While Combs tried to stop several times, she said he never pursued professional help or rehabilitation. She also testified that Combs exhibited withdrawal symptoms—like irritability—which sometimes preceded violent behavior, although she couldn’t confirm if he was high or intoxicated during specific incidents, including the 2016 hotel hallway assault caught on video.
Exploring Their Relationship Dynamic
The defense painted their relationship as complex, passionate, and consensual in many ways. Estevao presented messages expressing love and longing between the two. In one early message, Ventura wrote, “We only had one week together and it’s been the best and worst. I feel protected in your arms. You’re one of the sweetest most sincere people.”
Ventura admitted she loved Combs and tried to make him happy, but emphasized that their connection was clouded by fear and control. She said much of her time was consumed by “freak-offs” or recovering from them. She also confirmed she never felt fully integrated into Combs’ family life, even after 11 years together.
Jealousy, Monogamy, and Kid Cudi
Defense attorney Teny Geragos previously described the trial as a case rooted in “jealousy and infidelity.” During Thursday’s cross-examination, Estevao claimed that Cassie Ventura often expressed jealousy over Combs’ relationships with other women and her frustration about not being the “main girlfriend.”
Ventura confirmed that Combs was still involved with his ex Kim Porter during the early years of their relationship and that she was not publicly acknowledged by him for some time. While she was expected to remain monogamous, Ventura said Combs did not extend the same courtesy.
She also addressed her brief relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, which took place during a breakup with Combs. She ended it within a month after Combs allegedly began threatening Cudi. In a 2023 interview with The New York Times, Cudi confirmed that his car exploded in his driveway around the time he was seeing Ventura.
The Trial Continues
Combs faces three main federal charges: sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. The trial, now in its second week, is expected to continue with more witness testimonies and evidence.
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