Casandra Ventura, the R&B singer and model who had a decade-long on-again, off-again relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs, concluded her fourth day of testimony in Diddy’s federal trial. Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, faced intense cross-examination from the defense, who attempted to paint her as a willing participant in Diddy’s alleged drug-fueled encounters. This strategy aimed to cast doubt on her accusations of assault and rape.
Ventura detailed text messages exchanged with Diddy following a 2016 hotel assault, captured on security footage. In these messages, she expressed her pain and frustration, writing, “You always want to show me that you have the power and you knock me around. I’m not a rag doll I’m someone’s child.” The defense attempted to link Diddy’s violent behavior to drug use and jealousy, citing an incident where he took her phone due to suspicions of her dating an NFL player. Ventura confirmed this was part of a recurring pattern of controlling behavior.
Defense attorney Anna Estevao referenced Diddy’s alleged bipolar disorder for the first time in the trial. Ventura testified that she believed his erratic behavior before an alleged 2018 rape incident was related to this condition. She also revealed that she had consensual sex with Diddy shortly after the alleged rape, while also dating her now-husband, Alex Fine, who was unaware of the encounter with Diddy. Upon learning about the alleged rape, Fine reportedly punched a wall.
Another significant witness, Dawn Richard, a former member of Diddy’s musical groups Danity Kane and Diddy—Dirty Money, testified that she witnessed Diddy physically assault Ventura in 2009, describing an attack involving a skillet, kicks, punches, and dragging Ventura up a flight of stairs. This testimony adds a layer of corroboration to Ventura’s claims of past abuse.
Inside the courtroom, Diddy remained highly engaged, actively reviewing transcripts, whispering with his lead attorney Marc Agnifilo, and passing notes to Estevao during Ventura’s cross-examination. Ventura, while occasionally emotional, maintained a calm demeanor throughout her testimony, briefly breaking down at the end of the prosecutor’s redirect examination. She concluded her testimony by expressing a complex mix of emotions towards Diddy, stating, “I don’t hate him. I have love for the past, and what it was.”
Judge Arun Subramanian expressed frustration with both the prosecution and defense teams regarding their approach to presenting evidence and objections. He praised the jurors for their diligence and encouraged them to enjoy their weekend. The defense’s cross-examination strategy seemed focused on portraying Ventura as motivated by financial gain and fame, leveraging her access to luxury events and celebrity circles during her relationship with Diddy. However, this strategy could potentially backfire if the jury perceives it as overly aggressive.
The trial continues Monday with Dawn Richard expected to return to the stand. NBC’s “Dateline” continues to provide daily updates on the trial via their “True Crime Weekly” podcast, offering listeners insightful analysis and behind-the-scenes perspectives from the courthouse.
