Cassie Ventura detailed her relationship with rapper Kid Cudi and infidelity during her relationship with Sean “Diddy Combs” while testifying on Thursday.
Ventura said she had a burner phone while dating Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, while the two were dating in 2011. She said she did not tell Combs about the relationship and she “did not want him to find out.”
Why It Matters
Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He is accused of organizing drug-fueled parties called “freak offs,” where individuals were allegedly coerced into performing sexual acts.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies any wrongdoing.
Ventura dated Combs from 2007 to 2018. She is a key witness for prosecutors as they attempt to prove the charges against Combs.
Thursday marked her third day of testimony, and her first day being cross-examined by the defense.
What To Know
Ventura said Combs introduced her to Mescudi in 2011. Ventura and Mescudi began recording music together, then started dating.
She said she continued to participate in freak-offs with Combs as she was dating Mescudi because it was “a job” to her.
During a freak-off, Combs found Ventura’s burner phone. She said he put a wine opener in his hands and lunged at her, but he did not strike her.
Ventura said Combs brought up her cheating “quite a bit.” She said Combs suspected her of being in a relationship with actor Michael B. Jordan while they were together. She said Combs “did try to make contact” with her about it.
Ventura’s relationship with Mescudi was also mentioned during her testimony on Wednesday. Ventura said they broke up after Combs threatened both Ventura and Mescudi.
“Sean said he was going to hurt the both of us,” Ventura said.
She said that when she was out of the country with Combs, he said “Scott’s car would be blown up.”
What People Are Saying
Ventura, during testimony on Wednesday: “I had broken off the relationship with Scott Mescudi, [there was] too much uncertainty if we continued to see each other.”
Defense attorney Teny Geragos, during opening statements: “Sean Combs is a complicated man, but this is not a complicated case. This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity and money.”
What Happens Next
Cross-examination of Ventura will continue Friday. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian is urging the defense to finish its questioning of Ventura, who is eight and a half months pregnant, before the end of the week.
“In what universe did you not understand that this was important?” Subramanian said, referring to the sensitive timing.
The trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks.
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