Latest news with #Cassie
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What's happened during the Diddy trial? Day-by-day recap
NEW YORK - The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has already cemented itself in pop culture history with its dramatic revelations and high-profile testimonies. As the proceedings unfold in Manhattan federal court, each day brings new insights into the allegations against the former larger-than-life hip-hop mogul, who faces charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. JUMP TO: KID CUDI'S TESTIMONY | CASSIE'S TESTIMONY Here's a day-by-day recap of the trial, with evidence photos and court sketches included: A former assistant, known by the pseudonym "Mia," recounted witnessing violence against Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and described her own alleged rape and assault by Combs. She described an incident where she and Cassie attended a party hosted by Prince, only for Combs to arrive with bodyguards and allegedly beat Cassie, until Prince's security intervened. Mia testified about her challenging work conditions, including a 24-hour first shift and being held captive in Combs' home for five consecutive days, unable to leave. Earlier in the day, Deonte Nash, former stylist for Combs and Cassie, concluded his testimony with further accounts of Combs' alleged violence towards Cassie, detailing how she used makeup to conceal bruises. Day 15 testimony revealed details about the investigations into Kid Cudi's home invasion and car firebombing. An LAPD officer recounted responding to a burglary call at Cudi's home in December 2011, finding luxury items in plain sight but no signs of a gun or theft. An LA Fire Department arson investigator testified about the targeted damage to Cudi's Porsche in January 2012, noting it was less severe than typical Molotov cocktail damage. In the afternoon, Deonte Nash, Combs' longtime personal stylist and close friend of Cassie, testified about witnessing Combs physically abuse Cassie and being aggressive towards him. Nash described seeing bruises on Cassie's body and mentioned her weekly visits to a hotel with Combs, carrying a black bag of sex toys. On the stand, former Diddy aide Capricorn Clarke described her dedication to her boss, even as she witnessed him abuse Cassie. She recalled one incident where Diddy threatened to "f*** her up" if she tried to intervene as he kicked Cassie. Clarke said she was involved in the alleged Kid Cudi home invasion and faced Combs' anger for not disclosing Cassie's relationship with Cudi. After being fired by Combs in 2012 following the Kid Cudi incident, Clarke said she experienced significant financial hardship, losing her home, car and income, and was blacklisted from the industry. Under cross-examination by Combs' lawyer, however, Clarke struggled to recall key accusations, such as witnessing Combs with a gun. Rapper Kid Cudi testified that Diddy broke into his home in 2011 after discovering Cudi was dating Cassie, and later suspected Combs was behind the firebombing of his car. Cudi described meeting Combs to discuss the incident, but Combs denied involvement, though he apologized years later. During cross-examination, Combs' lawyer suggested Cassie was living a "double life," maintaining relationships with both Combs and Cudi. Additional testimony from Combs' former assistant and a makeup artist detailed instances of Combs' alleged abuse towards Cassie, including physical violence witnessed on a private jet and at a hotel. Testimony on Day 12 of the Diddy trial featured Dr. Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist, explained the complexities of abusive relationships, including love and trauma bonding, coping mechanisms and memory. Dr. Hughes, paid $6,000 per day for her testimony, highlighted how victims may stay with abusive partners due to emotional bonds and use substances to numb their pain. Dr. Hughes has previously testified in high-profile cases involving Amber Heard, Johnny Depp, R. Kelly and NXIVM founder Keith Raniere. Later, George Kaplan, Diddy's former assistant, testified about cleaning his hotel rooms, often finding items like baby oil, Astroglide, candles and liquor. He described disposing of empty bottles and a powdery substance to maintain Combs' image and recounted being instructed to purchase drugs twice, using cash provided by Combs. Regina Ventura testified that she took out a $20,000 home equity loan in 2011 to prevent Combs from releasing a sexually explicit video of Cassie, marking her first awareness of Cassie's abuse. She advised Cassie to document her bruises and injuries. Male sex worker Sharay Hayes, a prosecution witness, unexpectedly aided the defense by stating he had sex with Cassie eight to 15 times, mostly unprotected, and noted that neither Cassie nor Combs seemed high or drunk. Hayes, also known as "The Punisher," claimed Cassie appeared to enjoy the encounters, though he was not asked back after performance issues. Homeland Security Special Agent Gerard Gannon provided new insights into the raid on Diddy's Miami Beach mansion, involving 80 to 95 agents. In Combs' main bedroom, they discovered numerous pairs of 7-inch high heels, lingerie and parts for two AR-15 assault rifles. Testimony continued with two women providing accounts of Diddy's physical violence, supported by incriminating evidence photos from a federal raid on his Manhattan hotel room. The photos revealed a Louis Vuitton bag nicknamed "The Med Bag," containing drugs, baby oil, pills and pink powder. Prosecutors also released photos of Cassie's injuries from alleged abuse, including a gash on her eyebrow that had become a permanent scar. Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard testified about witnessing Combs' abuse of Cassie, saying she once saw Diddy swing a skillet at his former girlfriend. Richard also claimed Diddy threatened her with death, telling her she could "go missing" if she ever told anyone about his abuse. Cassie's former best friend, Kerry Morgan, also took the stand, recounting being beaten with a wooden hanger and offered $30,000 to sign an NDA. The day concluded with Combs' former personal assistant testifying about his demanding work schedule. Cassie concluded her emotional testimony in Diddy's sex trafficking trial, detailing alleged beatings and rapes during their decade-long relationship. Using Cassie's texts to Diddy, the defense portrayed her as a willing participant in "freak-off" sex marathons, highlighting texts where she expressed willingness, though Cassie clarified her emotional reluctance. Cassie also revealed Combs purchased the rights to her book, "The Dark Times," for $20 million, and that she recently reached an estimated $10 million settlement with the Los Angeles hotel where security camera in 2016 shows her being beaten by Diddy. Dawn Richard, a singer who competed in Diddy's reality show "Making the Band," took the stand and testified about witnessing Diddy hit Cassie "on the head and beat her on the ground" during a 2019 visit to his home recording studio. During her first day of cross-examination, Cassie testified that both she and Diddy struggled with drug addiction, revealing his 2012 painkiller overdose. The defense acknowledged Combs' physical abuse but argued it constituted domestic violence rather than sex trafficking, aiming to portray their relationship as toxic and troubled rather than part of a criminal her second day of testimony, Cassie Ventura alleged that Diddy raped her after she ended their decade-long relationship, and subjected her to physical abuse by threatening to release degrading sexual videos. Cassie described being forced into "hundreds" of encounters with male sex workers, which Combs controlled, fearing damage to her career and family if the videos were made public. Prosecutors presented images from these encounters, eliciting shocked reactions from jurors. Cassie had previously sued Combs in 2023 for abuse, settling for $20 million, with numerous similar claims from other women following. On day two of testimony, star witness Cassie Ventura testified that Sean "Diddy" Combs abused and coerced her into participating in "freak offs," elaborate sexual marathons involving male sex workers, during their turbulent relationship. The R&B singer described the "freak offs" as drug-fueled, weekly ordeals lasting up to four days, where she would be asked to arrange sex with strangers and engage in degrading acts as Diddy watched. She described Combs as controlling and violent, recounting a turbulent relationship marked by physical assaults and manipulation. Despite feeling objectified, Cassie said she complied with Combs' demands out of love and fear of repercussions, including threats to leak videos. Once jury selection was finalized, both parties made opening statements. Prosecutors accused Diddy of using violence and threats to coerce women into drug-fueled sexual encounters over 20 years, while Diddy's lawyer argued the case misrepresents consensual relationships as sex trafficking. In the afternoon, the jury began hearing testimony from witnesses, including allegations of coerced sexual encounters involving his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie Ventura. Jurors were shown the now-infamous 2016 video of Diddy kicking and dragging Cassie inside a Los Angeles hotel. The first witness, a hotel security guard, testified about responding to the incident in this video and claimed Combs attempted to silence him with a sack of money. The second witness, Daniel Phillips, who identified as a male stripper, testified about being paid to have sex with Cassie Ventura in 2013 while Combs allegedly watched and masturbated. He described being hired under the guise of performing at a bachelorette party, only to find Cassie in red lingerie. He testified about multiple encounters directed by Combs, who allegedly concealed his identity but was recognized by his voice. Diddy's three daughters left the courtroom during Phillips' graphic testimony. Judge Subramanian ruled that Diddy was not treated differently due to his race in the racketeering and sex trafficking charges against him, rejecting a request to dismiss some charges and suppress evidence. The judge emphasized the severity of Combs' alleged criminal conduct from 2004 to 2024, rather than racial bias, as the basis for the prosecution. At the hearing, Subramanian cancelled plans to finish picking the jury for the trial, saying he was worried that some jurors might get "cold feet" and back out of the case by Monday if they had the weekend to think about it. Two jurors were removed from Sean "Diddy" Combs' jury pool despite expressing a strong desire to serve, due to conflicts of interest. One juror had seen a security video of Combs and initially assumed his guilt but claimed it wouldn't bias her judgment. Another juror was an HBO employee, and the defense noted the "Downfall of Diddy" documentary, which portrays Combs negatively, might be referenced during the trial. By the end of the day, 45 jurors remained in the pool. By the end of Day 2, Judge Arun Subramanian assembled a pool of 35 potential jurors, 10 short of the needed 45 for the Diddy trial. Several jurors were disqualified for perceived biases and conflicts, including one man who doubted he could refrain from smoking marijuana during the trial. Combs actively engaged in the process, rising from his chair as jurors entered or exited. Despite media exposure to the infamous video of Diddy beating Cassie at an LA hotel, some jurors with strong impressions were not dismissed from the pool. Diddy's sex trafficking trial kicking off with jury selection. Judge Arun Subramanian briefed prospective jurors on the charges, emphasizing Combs' presumption of innocence. He told them the trial is expected to last about eight weeks, with court sessions scheduled Monday through Friday, excluding certain holidays. Prospective jurors were questioned individually about potential biases, including views on law enforcement and hip-hop artists, and were asked to review a list of names potentially involved in the trial: Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Michelle Williams, Kid Cudi, Dallas Austin, Laurieann Gibson, Lauren London, Aubrey O'Day, Don Richard and Cassie Ventura. By the end of the day, 19 of 32 prospective jurors advanced, with many acknowledging prior exposure to the infamous video of Diddy beating Cassie but asserting it wouldn't affect their judgment.
Sky News
2 hours ago
- General
- Sky News
Diddy trial latest: Former assistant 'Mia' tells jurors he threatened to kill her
The sex-trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs is continuing to hear evidence from the second of his alleged victims, a former assistant called 'Mia'. Follow the latest from the trial, and catch up on what's happened so far, below. 15:02:57 'Let's go to war': Diddy threatens to 'tell everything' in messages shown to jury The jury is shown another exchange, this time between Sean Combs and Mia on 31 October 2025, while she was still in South Africa. "If you don't call me now f*** it all. And imma tell everything. And dont ever speak me again. You have 2 min. F*** her. Call my [house] now or never speak to me again. F*** abc and all lawyers. Let's go to war," Diddy wrote in the message. Mia explains that ABC had bought the right to a comedy show she had written, but it never aired. When asked what she thought Diddy's message meant, Mia says he was threatening to tell Cassie about the sexual assaults "framed differently... that I had a part in it". Prosecutor Madison Smyser asks Mia what would happen if she didn't follow Diddy's instructions, to which she says she would have been in big trouble, losing her job and being emotionally or physically abused. 14:50:48 Mia recalls 'night terrors' about Diddy and says he threatened to kill her The jury is shown a WhatsApp exchange between Sean Combs's chief of staff Kristina Khorram and Mia in October 2015. Khorram initiates the conversation and tells Mia that Diddy wants to talk to her. Mia responds by saying Diddy didn't sound right in his mind, adding that he was slurring his words, threatening her job and threatened to kill her. When asked by prosecutor Madison Smyser about how those threats made her feel, Mia says she was "desperate to make it right, terrified and sad". When Khorram asked Mia how things were going, she said she was sore, had anxiety and suffered "night terrors" about Diddy. 14:36:11 'I was put in the middle': Mia on moment Cassie found out Diddy was 'cheating' on her Prosecutor Madison Smyser starts by asking Mia about the relationship between Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie Ventura. Mia explains that Combs told her to go to South Africa with Cassie in October 2015, and while they were there Cassie found out Combs was allegedly cheating on her. "She was devastated," Mia says, after Cassie found a video online showing Combs with another woman. Mia testifies that Cassie stopped answering his calls at one point, with Combs's chief of staff Kristina Khorram trying to reach out. "I was put in the middle," she adds. 14:16:37 'Mia' returns to the stand Sean "Diddy" Combs's former personal assistant, who is testifying under the pseudonym "Mia", has now returned to the stand and will continue giving evidence. Mia testified for most of the day yesterday and started by answering questions calmly, but became emotional as she described Diddy's relationship with Cassie Ventura and alleged sexual assaults. She cried as she recalled feeling "terrified and trapped", recounting Combs allegedly forcing himself on her. 14:11:26 Judge and attorneys discuss logistics as former personal assistant to resume evidence The judge and attorneys are continuing to discuss logistics after Diddy's attorney Marc Agnifilo highlighted communication issues with Sean Combs (see previous post). A reminder, we're expecting Combs's former personal assistant, who is testifying under the pseudonym "Mia", to return to the stand and continue giving evidence today. 13:48:05 Diddy case pushing boundaries of what court security is available to do, judge says Before we hear from Mia again, Judge Arun Subramanian is in conversation with one of Diddy's attorneys about his ability to speak to Sean Combs outside courtroom hours. Subramanian tells the court that the Diddy case is pushing the boundaries of what court security and the marshals are available to do. He suggests getting Combs to the court building at 7am (12pm UK time) would give his attorneys substantial time to confer with him. Marc Agnifilo, one of Diddy's attorneys, says thank you for the marshals service but says they don't allow documents to be shown. "We are restrained if we want to show him exhibits, we can't do it in the facility we have," he says. However, the judge tells Agnifilo that the access he and Combs have had is much greater than defendants in many cases, adding that this is a unique case. 13:34:12 Day 13 of trial under way Today's session is now under way. A reminder, Sean Combs's former personal assistant, who is testifying under the pseudonym "Mia", will continue giving evidence. Take a look back at a summary of the testimony she gave yesterday in our previous post. We'll bring you the latest updates from her evidence. 13:23:01 A recap of what happened in court yesterday It's day 13 of Sean "Diddy" Combs's trial and proceedings are about to start again in a few minutes. Before that, here is a look at what happened yesterday: Combs's former personal assistant, who testified under the pseudonym "Mia", said that the hip-hop mogul sexually assaulted her, threw her into a swimming pool, dumped a bucket of ice on her head and slammed her arm into a door during her eight-year tenure; She said Combs berated her for mistakes, even ones made by other employees, and loaded her up with so many tasks she did not sleep for days; Mia told the court she once woke to find Combs on top of her and that he forced her to have sex against her will. Another time, he forced her to perform oral sex, she alleged; She also said Combs's employees were always on edge because his mood could "change in a split second", causing everything to go from "happy to chaotic"; Mia said she saw Diddy being violent or threatening towards Cassie on several occasions, including at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012, during a party at Prince's house, and on a trip to a private island in Turks and Caicos; She claimed Combs once pressured her into taking ketamine, and described incidents when he allegedly slammed a door on her arm and threw spaghetti at her; The court heard she had never told anyone of the alleged attacks until the government's investigation in this case, and that it was a secret she had expected to take to the grave; Mia's testimony echoed that of prior prosecution witnesses, including several of Combs's other former employees, as well as his former partner Cassie. 13:11:01 A reminder of the charges While we wait for court to start again today, here's a reminder of the five felony charges faced by Sean "Diddy" Combs: Racketeering conspiracy; Two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; Two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper was initially charged with three offences - racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Two extra counts - one each of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution - were added earlier in April. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. What the charges mean Racketeering broadly means engaging in an illegal scheme or enterprise, and the charge falls under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act (RICO) in the US. According to the US justice department's definition of RICO statute, it is also illegal to "conspire to violate" the laws. The prosecution alleges that between 2008 and 2024, Combs "led a racketeering conspiracy that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, among other crimes". 13:00:01 We're back with our live coverage Welcome back to our coverage of the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. The rapper faces five felony charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. He denies all charges. Today will be day 13 of the trial. Yesterday, we heard from Diddy's former stylist Deonte Nash and "Mia", the rapper's second alleged victim after his former partner Cassie. Mia, who is giving evidence under a pseudonym, worked as an assistant to the rapper for several years. She told the court she witnessed Combs being violent towards Cassie. She also spoke about her experiences of allegedly being sexually assaulted by her former boss. The trial will resume at around 1.30pm today UK time with more evidence from Mia. In the meantime, you can catch up with what we heard in court yesterday below...
The South African
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Cassie welcomes third baby with husband Alex Fine
Cassie Ventura, the American singer and actress, has joyfully welcomed her third child with husband Alex Fine. The couple's new arrival comes just weeks after Cassie bravely testified in the high-profile federal criminal trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Cassie, 38, gave birth to a baby boy in a New York City hospital, a source confirmed to PEOPLE magazine. The singer and model is already a mother to two daughters, Sunny, 3, and Frankie, 5. The family's joy is palpable, especially after the emotional rollercoaster Cassie endured during the trial. Alex Fine, 31, a personal trainer and Cassie's husband since 2019, shared the news on Instagram. He posted a touching photo of Cassie cradling her baby bump, captioning it, 'Best gift I could ask for.' The image, captured by photographer Jorden Keith, shows the couple's love and excitement. Alex also commented with heart emojis, expressing his happiness. This new arrival follows Cassie's courageous testimony in the trial against Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The rapper faces serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. The singer/model was a key witness for the prosecution, accused Combs of rape and abuse during their 11-year relationship. Her testimony, delivered while she was eight and a half months pregnant, revealed harrowing details about coercion and control. Cassie described how she was forced to participate in 'Freak Offs' with male sex workers, a claim central to the prosecution's case. The defence argued these encounters were consensual, but her bravery in speaking out has inspired many. Cassie's story is a powerful reminder of resilience, in a country where many women face challenges related to abuse and injustice, her courage shines as a beacon of hope. As she embraces motherhood once again, the singer shows that strength and vulnerability can coexist. Cassie announced her pregnancy on Instagram in February, sharing beautiful black-and-white photos with her family. She captioned one post simply, '🤰🏽💙 #3,' alongside images of her daughters kissing her baby bump. Alex jokingly posted a GIF of rapper Cardi B, saying, 'Bro, I'm five months pregnant! I can't even breathe,' highlighting the couple's excitement. As Cassie and Alex welcome their new son, fans around the world celebrate with them. The couple's journey reminds us all to cherish family and stand strong in the face of adversity. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Metro
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
TV legend renews Coronation Street contract to stay on into next year
Coronation Street troublemaker Cassie Plummer is set to be on our screens for a while longer, as actress Claire Sweeney has renewed her contract with the ITV soap. The former Brookside star first arrived on the cobbles in 2023 as Evelyn Plummer's (Maureen Lipman) estranged daughter. In recent months, Cassie caused quite a stir when she was caught drugging Ken Barlow (William Roache) with antihistamines. She had been hired as his carer when his health deteriorated, and in order to assure that he still needed her so she could keep her job, she took desperate measures to ensure he still felt unwell. Eventually, Ken caught on to what she was doing and fired her, with the rest of the Coronation Street residents shunning her in solidarity with the pensioner. However, it appears she won't be letting her neighbours drive her out completely, with Cassie set to appear on Coronation Street until at least 2026. Metro understands that Claire Sweeney has signed a new contract with the show. 'Claire loves being on Corrie – it's a dream job, so she was delighted to sign a new deal,' a source told The Sun. More Trending 'With the big Emmerdale crossover coming in 2026, there's also a hope that she'll be in that too. It's a great opportunity to be part of soap history so who wouldn't want to be involved?' It was recently announced that Coronation Street and Emmerdale will be teaming up in the new year for a special crossover episode, as changes to their schedules come into affect. Characters from the Dales and Weatherfield will interact on screen for the first time ever in the exciting episode, which will affect subsequent storylines. View More » Will Cassie be involved in this soap first episode? MORE: EastEnders star Kara Tointon, 41, undergoes double mastectomy MORE: Hollyoaks star Paul Danan's death at 46 ruled misadventure MORE: Coronation Street fans convinced major star is returning
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Diddy's ex Cassie Ventura gives birth to third baby weeks after testifying in his abuse trial
Cassie Ventura just pulled off the most dramatic life double-feature: courtroom to crib. The 38-year-old singer and model, best known for her hit Me & U, has welcomed her third child, a baby boy, with husband Alex Fine. The news comes only weeks after Cassie gave a powerful and emotionally charged testimony against her ex-boyfriend, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, in his ongoing federal sex trafficking trial. Diddy's ex Cassie Ventura welcomes baby number 3 after after testifying in his abuse trial Yes, you read that right. One minute Cassie was taking the stand, eight and a half months pregnant, dropping bombshells about abuse and coercion during her 11-year relationship with Diddy. Next, she is cradling a brand-new bundle of joy. Sources confirmed to PEOPLE that Cassie gave birth after being admitted to a New York City hospital's labour and delivery unit. Though neither Cassie nor Fine has posted publicly about the baby's arrival (yet), fans are already flooding timelines with love and support. TMZ was the first to break the baby news. This new chapter comes after Cassie's harrowing four-day testimony in May, where she accused Diddy of rape and manipulation, including being forced into 'Freak Offs' with male sex workers, allegations prosecutors used to support the sex trafficking charges against him. Diddy, who has pleaded not guilty, has been trying to paint their past as consensual. Cassie, on the other hand, stood firm, telling the courtroom how her life and autonomy were controlled until she finally broke free. Cassie Ventura's pregnancy announcement In February, Cassie revealed her pregnancy with a beautiful black-and-white Instagram shoot featuring Fine and their daughters Frankie, 5, and Sunny, 3. The vibe was soft, serene, and soaked in family joy. One standout pic showed the two girls planting kisses on their mum's belly. Meanwhile, Alex Fine, 31, shared the same photos, calling their soon-to-be third child the 'best gift' he could ask for. Fine, always the supportive partner, dropped a Cardi B gif joking about how Cassie must have been feeling: 'Bro, I'm five months pregnant! I cannot even breathe.' From courtrooms to car seats, Cassie is walking through fire and still managing to glow. Baby boy Fine has entered a world already buzzing with headlines, but for now, it is cuddles over chaos.
