The second week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile trial brought a series of powerful testimonies as prosecutors continued building their case against the music mogul, who faces charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Over a dozen witnesses took the stand, including notable names from the music industry, to provide accounts supporting allegations of systemic abuse, coercion, and criminal enterprise.
Prosecutors Aim to Establish a Pattern of Racketeering
The heart of the prosecution’s case lies in demonstrating that Combs operated a criminal enterprise using his businesses and staff to commit and conceal acts of abuse and commercial sex trafficking. Several former employees described how they were directed to clean up after so-called “freak-offs”—sessions where Cassie, Combs’ former girlfriend, was allegedly coerced into sex with paid male participants.
George Kaplan, a former personal assistant, detailed how he would dispose of alcohol, drugs, and baby oil from hotel rooms post-encounter. He admitted to witnessing physical abuse toward Cassie but said he never alerted authorities—even after seeing Combs assault her on a private jet.
David James, another assistant, described being ordered to stock hotel rooms with sexual paraphernalia, including Viagra and lubricants. He also recalled a disturbing incident where Combs drove with three loaded handguns while searching for his rival, Suge Knight.
Allegations of Threats and Intimidation Surface
Regina Ventura, Cassie’s mother, testified that Combs reacted aggressively upon learning Cassie had briefly dated rapper Kid Cudi. She recounted feeling “physically sick” after Cassie warned her that Combs intended to release explicit videos in retaliation. Ventura said Combs then called her, angrily demanding $20,000 as reimbursement for his investment in Cassie’s career—money he later returned.
Kid Cudi Testifies About a Break-In and Car Arson
On the stand, Kid Cudi described a frightening episode following his relationship with Cassie. He recalled her calling him in a panic after Combs discovered they were seeing each other. Shortly after, Cudi was informed that Combs and one of his aides had entered his home uninvited. When Cudi arrived, he found his Christmas gifts tampered with and his dog traumatized and locked in the bathroom.
Soon after, Cudi’s car was firebombed. Though Combs denied involvement during a tense hotel meeting the next day, Cudi testified he didn’t believe him, describing Combs’ posture and demeanor as chilling—likening him to a “Marvel supervillain.”
Dawn Richard Recalls Violent Outbursts and Threats
Singer Dawn Richard, once a close associate of Combs through the group Danity Kane and the show Making the Band, provided a harrowing account of violence and intimidation. She testified that she witnessed Combs attacking Cassie, including one instance where he tried to strike her with a skillet. Richard claimed Combs threatened to make her and another witness “go missing” if they ever spoke out. She described repeated violent episodes, including physical beatings and strangulation.
Former Friend Describes Assault and Fallout
Kerry Morgan, a long-time friend of Cassie, recounted a brutal 2018 altercation during which Combs attacked her while interrogating Cassie about alleged infidelity. Morgan described being hit with a hanger and nearly choked unconscious, resulting in a concussion and visible injuries. She later signed a nondisclosure agreement in exchange for $30,000 but claimed her friendship with Cassie ended after being accused of exaggerating the event.
Hotel Manager Reveals Costly Aftermath of Combs’ Stays
Frédéric Zemmour, general manager of the upscale L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, testified about the mess Combs frequently left behind. His hotel guest profile noted routine damage from spilled candle wax and baby oil, prompting the hotel to set aside an extra $1,000 per stay to cover cleanup costs.
While the trial largely focused on disturbing allegations, moments of levity did surface. One such moment came when former assistant Kaplan told the court that Combs had a fondness for applesauce, often eating it with various meals—even on cheeseburgers. Combs smiled as the courtroom briefly erupted in laughter. —AP
Click here to read the summary for week one of the trial.
Image—Jane Rosenberg / Reuters
