Just 1 Minute Ago: A Series Of Stars Are Telling The Truth About Diddy's Tr!al... The Empire Collapsed In A Blink!
Much of Sean "Diddy" Combs' showbiz glory includes lavish White Parties in the Hamptons and star turns on the Met Gala red carpet. But in November 2023, the gilded walls of Combs' music kingdom came crashing down.
That month, Combs' ex-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine filed a lawsuit against him that opened the floodgates for various abuse allegations and kicked off a two-year legal saga for the former mogul.
Then, in September, he was arrested by federal authorities at a Manhattan hotel. He has pleaded not guilty to his five charges of s3x trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Diddy on Trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom with USA TODAY as Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces sex crimes and trafficking chargesEight months later, Ventura Fine is now the star witness in Combs' federal s3x-crimes trial. Combs — who once claimed to be a billionaire — now spends his days in a Brooklyn prison, not his bi-coastal mansions. Gone is the glitz and glamour.
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With Combs' trial underway, here is a look at all the Hollywood A-listers who have been name-dropped so farDiddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie is star witness
During her trial testimony, Ventura Fine brought forward new details about the abuse she allegedly faced in her decadelong relationship with Combs.
The "Me & U" singer testified for four days the week of May 12 and laid bare the raw details of their complicated dynamic, including her alleged participation in drug-fueled s3xual performances labeled "freak offs," physical and emotional abuse she said she faced early on in their relationship, and violence she reportedly witnessed while in Combs' orbit.
Cassie Ventura takes the stand: Biggest moments from her Diddy trial testimony
Her testimony also included an in-depth look at Combs' infamous assault of her at the now-closed InterContinental luxury hotel in Los Angeles, an alleged 2018 rape and her fear of leaving the Bad Boy Records founder due to potential retribution.
Cassie shared makeup artist with Rihanna
Ventura Fine's friend and former makeup artist, Mylah Morales, took the stand in Combs' trial on May 22 to reflect on Cassie's turbulent relationship with Combs. Morales previously worked for pop star Rihanna for 13 years and during that time had other celebrity clients such as Cassie, Jennifer Lopez and even Diddy himself.
During cross-examination, Morales was shown photographs from magazines and video shoots where she had done Ventura Fine's makeup, including stills of Cassie and Wiz Khalifa in the "Black and Yellow" music video, as well as a photo of Cassie, Rihanna and Ryan Leslie attending an awards show. Morales said Ventura Fine's look was "important to her.”
Kid Cudi testifies in Diddy trial after mogul allegedly blew up car
Kid Cudi took the stand in Combs' trial on May 22 to discuss his one-time fling with their shared ex-girlfriend Ventura Fine. Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, was previously mentioned in Cassie's November 2023 lawsuit against Combs.
Ventura Fine previously testified that Combs allegedly blew up Cudi's car during her short-lived relationship with the "Pursuit of Happiness" hitmaker after Combs found out about the pairing. The "Me & U" singer's testimony mirrored details from her 2023 suit, which first featured the bombshell accusation.
Ventura Fine said Combs' violence toward her extended to others, including Cudi, whom she briefly dated in 2011 during a break in her relationship with Combs after they had musically collaborated.
Cudi echoed Cassie's allegation about his damaged vehicle during court testimony and leveled additional claims that Combs broke into his home and locked his dog in a bathroom. The rapper also confirmed that Ventura Fine had told him about Combs' alleged physical abuse, "that he would hit her, sometimes kick her."
After finding out about the Cudi relationship during a "freak off" s3x session, Cassie testified that Combs attacked her. Later, she told the court that she and Cudi split because she wanted to protect the rapper.
Is Usher testifying at Diddy trial?
So far, neither prosecutors nor the defense have announced plans to call on R&B singer-songwriter Usher as a witness in Combs' trial.
However, Usher's name was brought up during Dawn Richard's cross-examination on May 19. Richard told the court about a dinner around 2009 where she allegedly saw Combs punch Ventura Fine. She said Usher was one of the music stars in attendance.
Usher and Combs have previously linked up in the studio. The two have collaborated on the songs "I Don't Know," "Better on the Other Side" and "Looking for Love."
What is music executive Jimmy Iovine's connection to Diddy?
Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of Interscope Records, has not appeared at Combs' trial, but the music executive has been referenced in court testimony.
During Diddy — Dirty Money alum Dawn Richard's cross-examination on May 19, Richard said Iovine was present at a dinner party around 2009, during which Combs allegedly punched Ventura Fine.
