Diddy trial updates: Capricorn Clark delivered tearful, harrowing testimony on the stand
Diddy trial updates: Capricorn Clark delivered tearful, harrowing testimony on the stand
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
As Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex-crimes trial kicks off its third week with more harrowing testimony, the jury heard from the mogul's former assistant, Capricorn Clark.
On the stand May 27, Clark alleged through tears that the hip-hop mogul kidnapped her and threatened to kill her multiple times while she worked for him. Clark testified that she was once held against her will for five days after several pieces of jewelry went missing at the rapper's home. She said she was "petrified" and forced to take polygraph tests over and over again.
Clark worked for Combs between 2004 and 2012.
Kid Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, was also brought up in court on May 27, as Clark described Combs rushing to the rapper's Los Angeles home with a gun after learning he was dating Cassie Ventura Fine. "I'd never seen anything like this before," Clark told jurors, choking up as she described Combs allegedly breaking into Mescudi's home in a rage. Later on Tuesday, Marc Agnifilo, one of Combs' defense attorneys, zeroed in on Clark's testimony about the confrontation at Cudi's home during his cross-examination.
Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges
Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.
What charges is Diddy facing?
Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling lawsuit that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry.
He was arrested in September 2024 and has been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
What is racketeering?
Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity.
Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have video of.
Where can I watch the Diddy trial?
The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings.
USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom.
Contributing: USA TODAY staff
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
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