Male escort breaks silence on 'Diddy' ‘freak offs' and defends Cassie
A former male escort, once hired for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' infamous "Freak Off" gatherings, has finally spoken out after his photo surfaced during the music tycoon's federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial.
According to the prosecution, Shawn Dearing, 37, was one of over ten men that Combs, 55, allegedly coerced his ex-girlfriend Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura into sleeping with during their almost 11-year stint as a couple.
These claims came to light last month as the escorts' identities were disclosed through court testimony and documentation provided by the prosecution during the ongoing trial.
In a new interview, Dearing shared a moving message for Ventura as he admitted he was booked by Combs for sexual sessions at either a hotel in Beverly Hills or a condo in Los Angeles he believes belonged to Cassie. The former escort says "was only me, him, and her" during the sessions, but he never had intercourse with Combs.
Reflecting on Ventura, who recently gave birth to her third child, Dearing expressed: "She was so uplifting - the kindest and most respectful person," also remarking on her authenticity, "She was genuine throughout the whole experience."
Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Dearing stated he was speaking out now due to his identity being made public due to the trial and wanting to give "some credence" to Ventura's story. He previously had no desire to comment on the allegations, saying that he 'does not seek attention.'
Discussing Ventura with the American publication, Dearing says: 'You got me tearing up! I want what's best for her, honestly, because she … she's a badass lady, man. She's awesome. So I want her respect first and foremost.'
He continues to share that he was hired by Combs for 'more than a dozen sessions and the embattled rapper never touched him during the bookings.
Dearing admits he didn't witness any physical abuse from Combs towards Ventura during his time with the former couple but did spot signs of what he believed to be "psychological abuse' - claiming the mum-of-three's "kindness" was being exploited and she was 'there under [Combs'] control.'
Cassie, who was 22 during the first year of her relationship with Combs, testified in New York City last month while heavily pregnant. The Me&U hitmaker told the court how 'freaks off' became so frequent - and required recovery time - that they became like a job to her.
Combs' trial is now in its fourth week. He was arrested in September 2024 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has entered a plea of not guilty on all charges.
In March last year, Homeland Security agents in the US said they had raided Combs's homes in Los Angeles and Miami, and he was arrested in New York in September.
Prosecutors claim the Bad Boy Records founder coerced and abused women for two decades, using his 'power and prestige' as a music star to silence victims.
His lawyers argue that his relationships with former long-term girlfriends are being mischaracterised and they were always consensual.
* If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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