Diddy Trial: Cassie & Witnesses Detail Abuse in Court

This timeline captures the powerful testimonies and pivotal moments that have unfolded in the courtroom.

Thursday, May 15: Cassie Ventura Faces Cross-Examination

• Cassie Ventura, the singer and former girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs, concluded her four-day testimony, enduring a rigorous cross-examination by the defense.

• Defense attorneys presented explicit messages between Ventura and Combs, aiming to challenge her allegations of abuse.

• Ventura maintained her claims of physical and sexual abuse, including a 2018 rape, and denied that financial motives influenced her 2023 civil lawsuit, which was settled for $20 million within 24 hours.

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  Cassie Ventura: Final Day of Testimony

  
  

  Defense attorney (Q):"Did you ever tell Mr. Combs ‘I love you’ after these alleged incidents?"

  Cassie Ventura (A):"Yes, I did. But loving someone doesn’t erase abuse. I was trying to survive in a relationship I was terrified to leave."

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  Q:"You received $20 million after filing your lawsuit. Isn’t this all about money?"

  A:"I didn’t ask for money. I wanted to be heard, and I wanted him to be stopped. The money didn’t erase anything that happened to me."

  
  

• Q:"Isn’t it true you stayed in the relationship for the perks—the fame, the lifestyle?"

  A:"I stayed because I was afraid. Not because of private jets."

Friday, May 16: Dawn Richard Testifies

• Dawn Richard, former Danity Kane member and Bad Boy Records artist, testified about witnessing Combs physically abuse Ventura, including incidents where he punched, choked, and dragged her.

• Richard recounted a specific event where Combs allegedly hit Ventura with a skillet and later threatened Richard, saying, “You could go missing, that we could die.”

• She described an environment of control and fear, stating Combs "owned" Ventura and punished others for interacting with her.

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Dawn Richard's Testimony : Former Danity Kane Member

Prosecutor (Q):"Can you describe what you witnessed during your time around Mr. Combs and Ms. Ventura?"

Dawn Richard (A):"I saw him punch her in the face so hard she dropped. He dragged her by her hair. I saw him choke her and throw objects, like a vase or a skillet."

Q:"Did Mr. Combs ever direct any threats toward you personally?"

A:"Yes. He told me if I ever said anything, 'You could go missing. We could all die.' He made sure I knew what kind of power he had."

Q:"What was the dynamic between Mr. Combs and Ms. Ventura?"

A:"He controlled everything. He would scream if she talked to anyone. He’d say, 'She’s mine. I own her.'"

Monday, May 19: Kerry Morgan's Testimony

• Kerry Morgan, Ventura’s former best friend, testified about a 2018 incident where Combs allegedly choked and struck her with a wooden hanger while interrogating her about Ventura's supposed infidelity.

• Morgan recounted witnessing two other instances of physical abuse against Ventura: one during a 2013 trip to Jamaica and another in 2016 when Combs attempted to violently enter Ventura’s home with a hammer.

• She stated that after the 2018 incident, Combs paid her $30,000 and required her to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Kerry Morgan's Testimony : Cassie’s Former Best Friend

Prosecutor (Q):"Can you describe what happened at the hotel in 2018?"

Kerry Morgan (A):"He locked us in a room, questioned us for hours. Then he hit me with a wooden hanger while screaming that I was lying about Cassie cheating on him."

Q:"What happened after the incident?"

A:"He gave me $30,000 in cash and made me sign an NDA. I was terrified and just wanted to leave."

Q:"Were there other instances of violence you witnessed?"

A:"Yes. In Jamaica in 2013, he smacked Cassie across the face in front of us. In 2016, he showed up at her house with a hammer after they broke up and tried to break her front door down."

These testimonies have painted a harrowing picture of alleged abuse, control, and intimidation. As the trial progresses, more witnesses are expected to provide further insights into the accusations against Combs. He remains in custody and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.