Cassie Ventura, the former longtime girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs, returned to the witness stand Thursday for a rigorous cross-examination in Combs’ federal sex trafficking and abuse trial.
The defense team for Combs sought to undermine Ventura’s credibility by pointing to sexually explicit text messages she had exchanged with the music mogul. These messages, they argued, contradicted her earlier testimony, which painted Combs as coercive and abusive throughout their 10-year relationship.
Central to the defense’s argument were messages referencing “freak offs” — group sex encounters that Ventura had previously described in court as traumatic and non-consensual. In one message, Combs texted, “I want a freak off,” to which Ventura replied, “Lol me too. Well I want to have fun with you.” In another exchange, she appeared to give consent for him to arrange such an encounter.
Ventura acknowledged the texts but maintained that her relationship with Combs was emotionally complicated. She testified earlier in the week that she felt trapped and manipulated, with moments of affection intertwined with incidents of control and abuse.
“People stay for many reasons,” Ventura said under questioning. “It doesn’t mean they’re okay with what’s happening.”
The defense is expected to conclude their cross-examination by Friday afternoon, after which prosecutors will have the opportunity to redirect.
The trial continues to draw national attention as Combs faces serious allegations related to sex trafficking, assault, and unlawful surveillance.
Combs has denied all charges and remains free on bail.
