Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged cycle of abuse targeted as more witnesses speak
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged cycle of abuse targeted as more witnesses speak
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
Prosecutors in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex-crimes trial continue to target his alleged cycle of abuse as more witnesses come forward with shocking claims.
Following bombshell testimony from Danity Kane alum Dawn Richard and Cassie Ventura Fine's former best friend Kerry Morgan, jurors reconvened in Manhattan court on May 20 to hear more accounts from those in Combs' orbit.
Richard, a former member of Combs' platinum-selling girl group, told the court on May 19 that she saw Combs beat his ex-girlfriend Ventura Fine in 2009 at his Los Angeles home, grabbing her hair and dragging her up a flight of stairs. Meanwhile, Morgan testified that Combs once attacked her in Cassie's California home, choking Morgan and hitting her in the head with a wooden hanger.
Combs' former personal assistant David James also took the stand to reflect on his employment with Combs, including candid conversations with Ventura Fine on her relationship with the Grammy-winning rapper.
Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges
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.
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 claim they have video of.
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Kidnappings tied to dating apps in Mexico, US embassy warns
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is warning that some American tourists in the country have been kidnapped by people they met on dating apps in recent months. According to a June 2 press release from the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara, kidnappings were confirmed in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit, two popular beach destinations in the country. "Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release," the embassy said. "Please be aware that this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area." Officials urged tourists to exercise caution when meeting strangers, and to meet them in public spaces, avoiding isolated areas like houses or hotel rooms. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for Mexico. Jalisco is under a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" due to crime and kidnapping, while Nayarit is under a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" due to crime. According to the press release from the embassy, officials gave the following recommendations to stay safe: Be cautious if using online dating apps in Mexico. Meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations. Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including where you are going, details of the person you are meeting and the app you used to meet them. Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, do not hesitate to remove yourself from a situation. In case of emergency, call 911. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US Embassy warns of kidnappings tied to dating apps in Mexico
USA Today
15 minutes ago
- USA Today
Kidnappings tied to dating apps in Mexico, US embassy warns
Kidnappings tied to dating apps in Mexico, US embassy warns Show Caption Hide Caption Flying is the safest way to travel according to global safety experts Flying is the safest way to travel, according to experts. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is warning that some American tourists in the country have been kidnapped by people they met on dating apps in recent months. According to a June 2 press release from the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara, kidnappings were confirmed in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit, two popular beach destinations in the country. "Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release," the embassy said. "Please be aware that this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area." Officials urged tourists to exercise caution when meeting strangers, and to meet them in public spaces, avoiding isolated areas like houses or hotel rooms. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for Mexico. Jalisco is under a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" due to crime and kidnapping, while Nayarit is under a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" due to crime. US Embassy offers safety tips in Mexico According to the press release from the embassy, officials gave the following recommendations to stay safe: Be cautious if using online dating apps in Mexico. Meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations. Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including where you are going, details of the person you are meeting and the app you used to meet them. Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, do not hesitate to remove yourself from a situation. In case of emergency, call 911. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Newsweek
35 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Diddy Prosecutors Raise Concerns After Witness Identity is Leaked
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Prosecutors in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial raised concerns to the judge on Tuesday after an online streamer and outlet leaked the identity of a key witness in the case. Combs' former personal assistant, who utilized the pseudonym "Mia," finished her testimony on Monday. Judge Arun Subramanian barred a YouTube streamer who shared Mia's identity from returning to court. Prosecutor Maurene Comey said another outlet posted Mia's real name on X. Prosecutors want the post removed and the source barred from court. Subramanian asked the prosecution to draft a possible court order for consideration. Why It Matters Mia worked for Combs from 2009 to 2017. Throughout her multiple days on the stand, she detailed multiple alleged incidents of physical and sexual assault by Combs. Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Sean 'Diddy' Combs, right, turns around and looks at the audience during jury selection at Manhattan federal court, Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. Sean 'Diddy' Combs, right, turns around and looks at the audience during jury selection at Manhattan federal court, Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. Elizabeth Williams via AP The identification of Mia comes as another witness is expected to testify under a pseudonym. "Jane," also identified as Victim-2, is expected to take the stand this week. What To Know Shortly after prosecutors spoke about Mia's identity being leaked, a woman was removed from the courtroom for causing a disturbance. "Everyone is laughing at Diddy," the woman said. "It's not right what they're doing to him!" Subramanian asked for her to be escorted out "right now." Eddy Garcia, who worked as the security supervisor at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in 2016, testified on Tuesday. Combs was seen on the hotel's surveillance footage physically attacking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Footage of the 2016 incident was released by CNN last year. Combs said he wanted the video taken off a server and a copy of the video because it could "ruin his career" if the footage was made public, Garcia testified. Garcia said he then spoke to his supervisor, who agreed to do it for $50,000. Garcia said he signed an NDA, which would charge him $1 million if the agreement was broken. Combs then returned with a brown paper bag containing $100,000, Garcia testified. Garcia said he kept $30,000, gave $50,000 to his supervisor and $20,000 to another security officer. Derek Ferguson, a former CFO for Combs-founded company Bad Boy Entertainment, also testified on Tuesday. He said he never saw anyone help Combs commit crimes or acts of violence. What People Are Saying Garcia, referring to communications with Combs during his testimony: "On Easter, he said, 'Happy Easter my angel, God is good,' and then proceeded to ask if anyone had asked about the incident or the video. I said I hadn't heard anything and he said, 'OK.'" Ferguson, referring to Combs in his testimony: "He just worked constantly. His passion for what he did was really high so his work ethic and the number of hours that he put in was something that really pushed the entire team." What Happens Next Combs' trial is currently in its fourth week. Proceedings are expected to last eight to 10 weeks. Combs is facing life in prison if convicted. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
