Latest news with #exoticdancer
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Naked Diddy hid in a burka as he directed my sex with Cassie. I had no idea who he was... the truth emerged in an extraordinary way
As an exotic dancer, Sharay Hayes was used to performing at bachelorette parties all over New York City. But Hayes wasn't prepared when a woman named 'Jackie' handed him $800 to have sex with her at a hotel room in 2012 while her 'husband' watched.
CNN
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Male escort at the center of Diddy 'freak-offs' speaks out after his testimony
Laura speaks with Sharay "The Punisher" Hayes, an exotic dancer who testified during the criminal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs.
CNN
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Male escort from ‘Diddy' sex parties offers apology to Cassie
CNN's Laura Coates speaks with Sharay "The Punisher" Hayes, an exotic dancer who testified during the criminal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Diddy ‘wore disguise as he directed sick freak-offs featuring Cassie & male dancer the Punisher' who wrote BOOK about it
AN EXOTIC dancer who calls himself The Punisher testified that Sean "Diddy" Combs wore creepy disguises while he directed the depraved drug-fueled sex sessions he called "freak-offs." The Punisher, real name Sharay Hayes, said his dozen encounters with Combs and his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura inspired a chapter in his book where he described them as a "married, wealthy couple." 3 3 3 Hayes, 51, is a male exotic dancer who was paid at least $1,200 per session to have sex with Combs' ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, while Combs watched on eight to 12 occasions from 2012 to 2016. He took the stand in Combs' federal sex trafficking trial on Tuesday to recount his experiences with Cassie, who defense attorneys are trying to paint as a willing participant in Combs' "freak-offs." Hayes said he was first called to the "freak-off" under the guise that he was performing for a group of friends - but was taken aback when he found only Cassie and Combs in the New York City hotel room. The Punisher, who said he was given his stage name as a teen on the basketball court, said he didn't recognize Combs during the first "sexy scene" because he was naked and wearing a face covering. Hayes testified only Combs' eyes were showing out of his disguise, but that Cassie told him not to acknowledge Combs as he watched them cover themselves in baby oil and have sex. As the sessions continued until 2016, Hayes told jurors he eventually saw Combs' face once he switched his disguise to a baseball cap, leading him to recognize him as the hip hop mogul. Hayes testified that he didn't have any feelings for Cassie and that he never suspected she was being forced into the "freak-offs." 'I did not get any cues that there was a discomfort with what was going on,' Hayes testified. The Punisher said on the stand that he recently wrote and published a self-help book, which includes six pages about the "freak-offs." "I sensationalize it. I wanted it to be enjoyable," he testified. It comes as… Sean Combs' former personal assistant David James testified Combs took drugs "every day" from his "med bag" which sometimes contained Obama-shaped ecstasy pills and Viagra Cassie Ventura's mom Regina testified that Combs demanded she pay him $20k in exchange for a sex tape of her daughter Kid Cudi is set to take the stand later this week Cassie spent four days on the stand last week testifying about drug-fueled sex marathons called "freak-offs" that Combs is accused of forcing her to participate in Cassie sobbed as she testified that Combs beat her and forced male escorts to urinate on her during the sick sessions Her husband, Alex Fine, broke his silence with an emotional statement after Cassie left the stand Dawn Richard testified on Monday that Combs threatened her life to keep her quiet after she saw him beat Cassie in 2009 Combs' attorneys have insisted that while Combs might be guilty of domestic violence against Cassie, he's not guilty of any of the charges against him, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to all charges as prosecutors continue to paint him as the ringleader of a criminal enterprise. He has denied all allegations against him and insists he's only engaged in consensual sex. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) at 800-656-HOPE (4673). 9 minutes ago By Carsen Holaday Witnesses so far Ten witnesses have been called so far. In order, they include: Israel Florez Daniel Phillip Cassie Ventura Yasin Binda Dawn Richard Kerry Morgan David James Regina Ventura Sharay Hayes Gerard Gannon 39 minutes ago By Carsen Holaday Next witnesses revealed After Special Agent Gerard Gannon continues his testimony tomorrow, the next witness is Dr. Dawn Hughes. Hughes is a forensic psychologist with expertise in domestic violence cases. After Hughes, George Kaplan will take the stand. Last week, Cassie Ventura testified that Kaplan was an employee who quit after he saw Sean Combs allegedly abuse Cassie. Rapper Kid Cudi will take the stand after Kaplan. 57 minutes ago By Carsen Holaday Today's courtroom sketches Sketches from the courthouse today show witnesses David James, Regina Ventura, and Sharay Hayes on the stand. Today, 20:53 By Carsen Holaday Former assistant recalled 'Diddy-bopping' David James said he was asked to fill Sean Combs' hotel rooms with applesauce, Jello, Fiji water, and Ciroc vodka. He admitted he sometimes joined in on the partying by drinking Ciroc vodka and taking ecstasy, which he called "Diddy-bopping." He testified that Combs once kept an "embarrassing" video of him dancing at a party "in case he ever needs it." Today, 20:53 By Carsen Holaday About the Obama-shaped ecstasy pills Sean Combs' former personal assistant David James, testified today that Combs took drugs daily, including Obama-shaped ecstasy pills and Viagra. Combs carried a designer bag of 30 pill bottles around with him, some of which were allegedly prescribed to his alter ego name Frank Black, according to witness David James. James, who worked for Combs from 2007 to 2009, took the stand for the second day on Tuesday to testify against his former boss. He told jurors part of his job was to book hotel rooms for Combs under the alias "Frank Black," which he stocked with food, drinks, and toiletries. James testified that Combs kept various pill bottles in his toiletry bag, a Louis Vuitton pouch that previous witnesses Cassie Ventura and Dawn Richard both testified that Combs called his "med bag." Combs kept pills including Viagra, weight loss pills, Percocet, ecstasy, water pills, and "sperm booster" pills in the bag, which James testified he kept by his side at all times. 'There were various pills but one was in the form of a former president's face,' James told jurors, then clarified that the ecstasy pills were shaped like former President Barack Obama, whom Combs met on multiple occasions. James testified that Combs took drugs "every day." Today, 20:19 By Carsen Holaday Kid Cudi to take the stand Rapper Kid Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi, is set to take the stand testify against Sean Combs this week. Kid Cudi has already been mentioned several times on the stand because he dated Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2011. He is expected to take the stand on Wednesday or Thursday. Today, 20:17 By Carsen Holaday Jury dismissed for the day Special Agent Gerard Gannon ended the day on the stand by showing the court pictures of items he found in Sean Combs' Miami Beach home, including lingerie and high heels. The jury has been dismissed for the day. Court will resume tomorrow morning. Today, 20:02 By Carsen Holaday Jury shown AR-15 pieces Special Agent Gerard Gannon testified that agents found pieces of AR-15 rifles in the closet of Sean Combs' Miami Beach home. Jurors were shown the upper receivers of the guns in evidence bags. Gannon told the jury that aside from the rifles, agents found sex toys, platform high heels, baby oil, lubricant, and lingerie in Combs' closet during the raid in 2024. Today, 19:59 By Carsen Holaday 'The Punisher' at the courthouse Sharay Hayes, known by his stage name "The Punisher," was pictured arriving at the courthouse to testify against Sean "Diddy" Combs on Tuesday. Hayes said he engaged in about a dozen "freak-offs" with Combs and Cassie Ventura from 2012 to 2016. Today, 19:33 By Carsen Holaday Special agent recalls raiding Combs' Miami home Special Agent Gerard Gannon testified he was in charge of raiding Sean "Diddy" Combs' Miami home on Star Island in March 2024. He said about 80 to 90 law enforcement agents raided the 20,000-square-foot property, which includes a main home and a guest house. He said the search started after 3 pm that day, which is late for a search warrant, but they waited for Combs to leave because he was going on vacation with his family. Gannon testified that agents used a car to break down Combs' gate. The house was raided on the same day as Combs' home in Los Angeles. Today, 19:31 By Carsen Holaday Diddy shivers in court Sean Combs is apparently cold in court as he was seen trying to warm himself up at the defense table today. Combs, wearing a blue sweater, wrapped his arms around himself during a break in his sex trafficking trial. Today, 19:26 By 'The Punisher' describes last 'freak-off' Sharay Hayes testified the "freak-offs" were "a lot of pressure" and tha the took medication to help his performance. He said his last session was in 2016, when he failed to perform and was never invited back. Before he left, Hayes testified that Cassie Ventura thanked him "for being private and respecting their privacy in terms of our interactions." Today, 19:20 By Carsen Holaday Next witness is called Sharay Hayes has finished his testimony. Special Agent Gerard Gannon is now taking the stand. Gannon is the tenth witness called. Today, 19:14 By Carsen Holaday Hayes never saw violence Sharay Hayes said he never saw any violence between Sean Combs and Cassie Ventura during "freak-offs." He testified that he never saw Cassie acting uncomfortable with the sex sessions. "It seemed like it was consensual as far as I was concerned," Hayes told the court. 'I did not get any cues that there was a discomfort with what was going on." He said he only saw the couple use marijuana during the occasions, and that Cassie never appeared to be high when he saw her. Today, 19:09 By Carsen Holaday Cassie's parents leaving the trial Cassie's parents, Regina and Rodrick Ventura, walked out of the courthouse holding hands this afternoon. Regina testified that Sean Combs demanded Cassie's parents pay him $20,000 after he found out his ex-girlfriend was dating Kid Cudi. Today, 19:02 By Carsen Holaday Hayes said he didn't have feelings for Cassie Sharay Hayes testified that at the time, he thought he was the only person that Cassie Ventura was having "freak-offs" with and that it felt special. However, he denied having romantic feelings for Cassie, despite what he told prosecutors during interviews. 'That may have been taken out of context, because that's not the case,' Hayes said. He told the court he never personally spoke to Cassie outside of brief bantering before a "freak-off." Hayes' testimony is in direct contrast to Daniel Phillip's time on the stand last Monday. Phillip, another male escort who engaged in the alleged "freak-offs," said he would have liked to be Cassie's boyfriend and that the two texted outside of the sick sessions. Today, 18:35 By Carsen Holaday 'The Punisher' said he 'struggled' After the lunch break, Sharay Hayes testified it was sometimes difficult for him to perform during the "freak-offs" because Sean Combs was there. "One time Mr. Combs threw condoms on the couch next to us," he recalled. "I struggled. It was a failure." He said he wasn't sure if his performance affected his pay. Today, 17:32 By Carsen Holaday Court takes a lunch break The jury is now taking a 30-minute lunch break. Sharay Hayes will continue his testimony after the recess. Today, 17:32 By Carsen Holaday Hayes recognized Cassie "The Punisher" said he participated in "freak-offs" about eight or 12 times. Sharay Hayes testified that he ended up recognizing Cassie Ventura because he followed Sean Combs on Instagram. Today, 17:30 By Carsen Holaday Combs was 'naked and wearing face covering' Sharay Hayes testified that during his first "freak-off," Sean Combs was naked, wearing a face covering that only showed his eyes, and holding a bottle of lubricant. He said the session ended with Cassie Ventura going into another room with Combs. She then came back and gave Hayes $1,200 more before he left. Today, 17:24 By Carsen Holaday 'The Punisher' told not to look at Combs Sharay Hayes testified that Cassie Ventura handed him $800 after she asked him to have sex with her in front of Sean Combs. "She told me not to acknowledge her husband, not to look at him when he came out," Hayes testified. Hayes said the room was "dimly lit" with candles and that the furtniture was covered in sheets. He also said there were bottles of baby oil in bowls of water, and that Combs expected him and Cassie to be "glistening." Today, 17:22 By Carsen Holaday Hayes says Cassie was wearing a wig Sharay Hayes testified that after he was called to perform for a group of friends in 2012, he was surprised to find only two people in the hotel room. Hayes said Cassie was wearing a wig and a bathrobe with nothing underneath. "I was expecting a crowd but there was no one else," he told the jury. "She told me she and her husband wanted to create a sexual scene with baby oil." Today, 17:19 By Carsen Holaday Hayes recalls first encounter "The Punisher" told the court he was first hired to create a "sexy erotic scene" in New York City in 2012. Sharay Hayes said he was told to arrive at Trump International Hotel at midnight to perform a "striptease for a small group of friends." He said when Cassie Ventura called him to set up the occasion, she told him her name was Janet and it was her birthday. Today, 17:16 By Carsen Holaday 'The Punisher' takes the stand Sharay Hayes, a former male exotic dancer with the stage name "The Punisher," is now taking the stand. Last week, Cassie Ventura testified that Hayes was one of the male escorts that Sean Combs forced her to have sex with during a "freak-off." Hayes, 51, worked as a dancer from 2012 to 2016. He said he got the nickname "The Punisher" when he was a teenager playing basketball on West 4th Street. Today, 17:11 By Carsen Holaday Defense bows out Sean Combs' defense team said they had no questions to ask Regina Ventura on cross-examination. Regina testified about wiring $20,000 to Combs, as well as taking pictures of Cassie Ventura's injuries after Combs allegedly beat her. 'She was bruised, and I wanted to make sure that we memorialized it,' Regina said.
Sky News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News
Diddy trial live: Diddy 'threatened' to release 'explicit' sex tapes of Cassie; exotic dancer known as 'Punisher' giving evidence
17:25:57 'The Punisher' takes the stand Male escort Sharay Hayes now steps onto the stand. The 51-year-old from Harlem, New York City, is wearing a suit. He explains that he is a male exotic dancer, whose stage name is "The Punisher", and says he performs stripteases in New York City for bachelorette parties. He explains he first got his nickname in his teens from playing basketball, rather than stripping. 17:16:50 'I was trying to hit him but I wasn't successful' Cassie's mum is now shown photos she took of her daughter in December 2011, showing her with visible injuries. Regina Ventura says she took them because "[Cassie] was bruised, and I wanted to make sure we memorialized it". She says Cassie shaved her head in 2009 and kept it like that for four to five years. Ms Ventura goes on to describe arguing "bitterly" with Diddy outside Cassie's apartment in early 2012 after the holidays, when she says he took Cassie's phone. She says she tried to hit him, "but wasn't successful". She says Diddy then drove off in Cassie's Jaguar. Ms Ventura has now finished giving evidence, and there are no defence questions for her. She leaves the stand. 17:09:00 Diddy 'threatened to release two explicit sex tapes' of Cassie Regina Ventura has just been shown an exhibit of an email sent by Cassie on 23 December 2011, telling her mother that Diddy was going to "release two explicit sex tapes" of her. Cassie said Diddy planned to release one on Christmas Day and a second shortly after. The message also said Diddy had told Cassie he would "have someone hurt her and Scott Mescudi [the real name of rapper Kid Cudi] physically". Cassie wrote: "He made a point that it wouldn't be by his hands... He actually said he would be out of the country when it happened". When asked what she thought when she saw the email, Ms Ventura says: "I was physically sick. I did not understand it. The sex tape threw me, he was trying to hurt my daughter." The prosecution asks if Diddy demanded $20,000 (£15,000) because Cassie was having a relationship with Mescudi. Ms Ventura says: "We took a home equity loan and that was the only way we could get the money." She says Diddy was angry that Cassie was dating someone else after he had spent money on her. She says her bank account shows they sent the money to the Bad Boy Records account, and says they took out the loan to pay it "because [Diddy] demanded it". 16:59:15 Cassie's mother recalls meeting Combs for first time Regina Ventura is being questioned by Emily Johnston for the prosecution. She says she is retired, with two children - Robert and Cassandra - and lives in Connecticut. She is shown a photo, and confirms it is Sean "Diddy" Combs, saying "he dated my daughter". She says she met him for the first time in 2006, when Diddy signed Cassie to his record label. She says they subsequently started dating, living first in New York, and later moving to LA. Regina confirms she saw Cassie around two to four times a year, with her daughter "always" coming home for the holidays. 16:44:42 Court is now back in session And we're back. David James's testimony is now over, and Cassie Ventura's mother, Regina Ventura, is taking the stand. 16:32:44 The court is now taking a brief break Court will resume in just a few minutes 16:32:21 'I did not want to make a false report' James is now being re-questioned by the prosecution. He is asked by Christie Slavik if he ever witnessed violence between Combs and his personal chef Jourdan Atkinson. James says he did, in Alpine, New Jersey. He says chef Jourdan was not there, and they were trying to find a replacement for the day. He says Combs told him to "make a police report that Chef Jourdan hit him first". He says he did not file it "because I did not want to make a false report". James says: "I went out and came back and told him I made the report". 16:24:19 'Write her a note and buy her a gift' James describes the "camaraderie" among Combs's staff, saying: "We were employees, we worked for Bad Boy Entertainment... We were all there to support Mr Combs, to make sure he was happy and prepared for the day". He recalls Combs's mother, Janice, who he refers to as "Mama Combs", once calling him "her son". She has been supporting Diddy in court, but is not present today. James is asked who in Diddy's staff he was closest to, and he says he was closest to the chef. He is asked if he ever "choked" the chef, and answers: "No". James says an incident occurred between him and the chef in a kitchen on Star Island in Miami. He says: "She was telling me how to do my job. I grabbed her wrists and told her to stay in her lane." He says it was reported to corporate headquarters and Combs heard about it and called him to his room. James says Combs told him to "write her a note and buy her a gift" and warned him that he would be fired if it happened again. 16:09:29 One key item on Diddy's rider Briefly discussing riders (the specific list of requirements given by an artist ahead of their appearance at a venue), James says Diddy had "different riders for different situations". He says Heinz 57 was one of Diddy's key rider items, explaining: "In the UK they didn't have Heinz and ketchup was a big part of his diet." James appears to be referring to a tangy, spicy blend of the well-known ketchup, more widely available in the US than the UK. 16:01:30 'You get tired, you get fired' Earlier in his testimony, we heard from James that he frequently worked 20-hour days and six-day weeks, for weeks on end. Agnifilo, who is leading Diddy's defence, asks: "You're a hard worker, and you enjoyed it?" James says: "I did at times. The security detail would always say, 'If you get tired, you get fired'." He recalls one time he ran a red light and Combs asked him what he was doing. James says: "I turned around and said 'I'm f***ing tired'." Agnifilo says: "You didn't get fired?"
