Cassie Ventura tells court she doesn't hate Sean Combs — despite alleging a decade of abuse
Cassie Ventura, the former longtime girlfriend of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, ended an intense and emotional week of testimony Friday in a lower Manhattan federal courtroom, detailing years of alleged abuse, coercion, blackmail, and sexual manipulation during her relationship with the Bad Boy Records founder.
Cassie with Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2017.
Joe Maher/Getty
In a courtroom moment that encapsulated the complexity of the week’s proceedings, Ventura—eight months pregnant and visibly drained—told Combs’ defense attorney that despite the trauma she recounted, she does not harbor hatred for her ex. “I don’t hate him,” she said softly. When asked if she still felt love for Combs, she replied, “I have love for the past, and what it was.”
Ventura’s testimony painted a disturbing portrait of life behind the glittering facade of celebrity, describing Combs’ alleged use of drugs, manipulation, and violence to orchestrate so-called “freak-offs”—days-long drug-fueled sexual marathons involving male prostitutes that Ventura claimed she was coerced into participating in while Combs watched.
The defense, led by attorney Anna Estevao, worked to reframe Ventura’s narrative, suggesting she had agency and reaped career benefits from her relationship with the rap and fashion tycoon. “By being with him, you could meet other people in the entertainment industry and go to fascinating places,” Estevao said, referencing Ventura’s access to events like the Met Gala and studio sessions with top artists.
However, the prosecution pushed back with hard evidence, including the 2016 hotel surveillance footage showing Ventura being assaulted by Combs and subsequent photographs revealing visible bruising. Ventura recounted how a security guard was allegedly bribed to remain silent after the beating.
Ventura also testified that Combs raped her in 2018 shortly before their final breakup, though she admitted during cross-examination that she had consensual sex with him weeks later. The defense highlighted this inconsistency to argue that her claims are financially motivated, referencing her $20 million civil settlement and pending lawsuit against the hotel where one alleged attack took place.
The jury also heard from federal agent Yasin Binda, who testified about the seizure of $9,000 in cash and two bags of ketamine and “pink cocaine” found in Combs’ hotel room during his 2024 arrest. Former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard followed, claiming she personally witnessed Combs physically assault Ventura in 2009.
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated a long-running criminal enterprise, recruiting women under the pretense of romance, only to force them into sex acts through manipulation, drugs, and fear. Two more witnesses are expected next week as the trial continues.
Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned proceedings at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, thanking Ventura for her testimony and wishing her a good weekend. The trial resumes Monday at 8:30 a.m.
