The courtroom drama around Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial took a revealing turn this week as his former personal assistant painted a stark picture of the music mogul’s longtime relationship with ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.
During week two of the trial on May 19, David James, who worked closely with Combs for years, shared intimate details about how Diddy viewed Cassie—his girlfriend for 11 years and former protégé.
James testified that Combs once told him he had Cassie “right where I wanted her” because she was “young” and “moldable,” exposing the power dynamics in their relationship.
According to James, during a drive in Manhattan, Combs spoke fondly of Kim Porter, the mother of four of his children, calling her “my queen,” but described Cassie very differently.
The assistant’s testimony laid bare the control Combs allegedly exerted over Cassie’s life, from her music career to her finances. James said Combs paid for Cassie’s apartment and gave her an allowance, effectively overseeing much of her daily existence.
The trial has also heard harrowing accounts from others, including former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, who described witnessing Combs physically assault Cassie. Richard testified about an incident where Combs allegedly hit Cassie with a skillet full of eggs, intensifying the graphic nature of the allegations.
Cassie herself testified for four days last week, detailing claims of physical abuse and coercion to perform sexual acts with male escorts. Diddy, who pleaded not guilty, denies all accusations.
The trial continues to expose the darker side of celebrity life and the high stakes of power and control in the entertainment world. With Combs facing serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking, the case is one of the most closely watched celebrity legal battles in recent memory.
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