In an afternoon marked by intense testimony, singer Dawn Richard took the stand in a federal courtroom in New York to recount episodes of violence involving Sean “Diddy” Combs and his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. The trial, now in its fifth day on May 16, 2025, brought to light serious allegations against the hip-hop mogul, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Richard, a former member of Danity Kane and Diddy-Dirty Money, described scenes of physical assaults she witnessed, captivating the courtroom with details of a troubled relationship.
The case, which began on May 12, has drawn global attention due to Combs’ prominence and the allegations of a sprawling criminal enterprise. Cassie Ventura, the prosecution’s key witness, also testified over four consecutive days, detailing physical and psychological abuse. The combined testimonies of Ventura and Richard bolster the prosecutors’ narrative that Diddy used violence and coercion to control women in his orbit.
The charges against Combs include:
- Racketeering conspiracy;
- Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion;
- Interstate transportation for prostitution;
- Use of violence, including physical assaults and threats;
- Blackmail with explicit videos to silence victims.
The trial, expected to last about two months, promises further revelations as additional witnesses are called to testify.
Dawn Richard’s testimony shocks courtroom
Dawn Richard, who met Diddy in 2004 on the reality show “Making the Band,” detailed an incident from 2009 at the rapper’s Los Angeles home. According to her, Combs, in a fit of rage, attempted to strike Cassie on the head with a frying pan. Ventura dodged the blow but ended up on the floor, curled up, as the musician punched and kicked her body and head. Richard recounted how Diddy grabbed Cassie by the neck and dragged her up a staircase, a scene that left her frozen in fear.
The witness explained she did not intervene or call the police out of fear of retaliation. “I had never seen anything like that before,” Richard said, visibly emotional. She also mentioned other instances where she saw Combs assault Ventura, including one where he yelled about the location of her phone before attacking her. These accounts support the allegations that the rapper used violence to exert control over his then-girlfriend.
Beyond testifying about Cassie, Richard shared her own experiences. In 2024, she filed a lawsuit against Combs, alleging physical and psychological abuse during their years working together. Her claims include non-consensual groping and threats, reinforcing the pattern of violent behavior described in court.
Cassie Ventura’s testimony strengthens allegations
Cassie Ventura, who dated Combs from 2007 to 2018, was the focal point of the trial’s early days. Over nearly 20 hours across four days, she described a relationship marked by violence, manipulation, and sexual coercion. Pregnant with her third child and visibly emotional, Ventura recounted how Diddy forced her into prolonged sexual encounters, dubbed “freak-offs,” involving prostitutes and drug use.
She claimed Combs blackmailed her with videos recorded during these sessions, threatening to release the footage if she disobeyed. One of the most striking moments of her testimony was the presentation of 2016 security footage showing Diddy chasing Ventura down a hotel corridor in Los Angeles, throwing her to the ground, and kicking her repeatedly. Ventura said the incident occurred after she tried to escape a “freak-off.”
The singer also revealed that Combs raped her in 2018, after their relationship ended, and that violence was frequent. A 2016 text shown to the jury read: “You’re sick for thinking it’s okay to do what you did to me.” Ventura said she accepted a $20 million settlement in 2023 to resolve a civil lawsuit against Combs but chose to testify in the criminal trial to “do what’s right.”
Details of the charges against Combs
Sean Combs faces five criminal charges, outlined in a federal indictment filed in September 2024. Prosecutors allege he ran a criminal organization that leveraged his influence in music and entertainment to exploit women. The so-called “freak-offs” are central to the case, described as orchestrated sexual events often involving drugs like MDMA and ketamine.
During a search of a Manhattan hotel where Combs was arrested on September 16, 2024, agents found material evidence. Homeland Security Investigations agent Yasin Binda testified about discovering bottles of baby oil, lubricants, and a bag containing substances that tested positive for ketamine and MDMA. These items, prosecutors argue, were used in the “freak-offs” to create a coercive environment.
The defense, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, contends that the encounters were consensual and that Combs embraced a “swinger” lifestyle. Agnifilo challenged Ventura’s credibility, suggesting she was a jealous partner whose memory might be impaired by drug use. The defense has presented text messages between Ventura and Combs, including some affectionate ones, to argue the relationship was voluntary.
Key moments in the trial
The courtroom has been a stage for emotionally and legally significant moments. Here are some highlights of the trial so far:
- Security footage showing Combs assaulting Ventura in 2016;
- Ventura’s testimony about blackmail with explicit videos;
- Richard’s account of Diddy attempting to hit Cassie with a frying pan;
- Material evidence, such as baby oil and drugs, found in the hotel;
- Ventura’s testimony about an alleged 2018 rape.
The presence of Combs’ family, including his mother, Janice Combs, and sons, Justin and Christian, has also drawn attention. They attended the trial in support of the rapper but left the courtroom during the more explicit testimonies. Combs’ former partner, Misa Hylton, was also seen leaving abruptly during Ventura’s testimony.
Reactions in and out of the courtroom
The courtroom atmosphere has been tense, with Judge Arun Subramanian pushing to expedite testimonies due to Ventura’s advanced pregnancy in her final trimester. The judge ordered the defense to complete Ventura’s cross-examination before Friday’s lunch break, May 16, to avoid extending her testimony into the following week.
Outside the courtroom, the case has sparked significant discussion on social media. Posts on X highlight the severity of the allegations and the trial’s cultural impact, with many users expressing support for Ventura and Richard. Some comments, however, question the prosecution’s narrative, reflecting the polarization surrounding Combs, a decades-long icon in music and fashion.
International media has provided extensive coverage. Outlets like CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times have published daily updates, emphasizing the case’s significance for discussions about power abuse in entertainment. The trial’s visibility is heightened by the presence of public figures in the courtroom, including Alex Fine, Ventura’s husband, who left during discussions of the alleged 2018 rape.
History of allegations against Combs
The accusations against Diddy did not emerge in isolation. Since November 2023, over 70 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse have been filed against him, starting with Ventura’s case, which was quickly settled with a $20 million payment. Ventura’s lawsuit paved the way for a federal investigation, culminating in Combs’ arrest in September 2024.
Other women, including Dawn Richard, have also filed lawsuits. Richard claims that, in addition to abuses against her, she witnessed Combs assault other women, such as his ex-girlfriend Kim Porter. These allegations support the prosecution’s argument that Combs maintained a pattern of violent and controlling behavior.
The federal indictment mentions at least four victims, two of whom will testify under pseudonyms. Prosecutors plan to present videos of the “freak-offs,” but these will be shown only to the jury, without public access, to protect victims from revictimization.
Material evidence presented
The search of the hotel room where Combs was arrested uncovered items the prosecution deems critical. Agent Yasin Binda described finding:
- Five bottles of baby oil in the bathroom;
- A bag with lubricants on a nightstand;
- A bottle of clonazepam registered under the pseudonym Frank Black;
- Bags of pink powder testing positive for ketamine and MDMA;
- A device for creating “ambient lighting.”
These items, prosecutors say, were used to facilitate the “freak-offs.” Ventura confirmed that Combs used the pseudonym Frank Black and that oils and lubricants were common in the events. The defense argues that the presence of these items does not prove coercion or sex trafficking.
Cross-examination and defense strategies
Ventura’s cross-examination, conducted by attorney Anna Estevao, aimed to portray the relationship with Combs as consensual. The defense presented text messages from 2009 to 2016, in which Ventura expressed affection for Combs or appeared to plan “freak-offs.” In one message, she wrote: “Can’t wait for the next FO.” Estevao suggested Ventura participated willingly and that jealousy, including her relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, fueled conflicts.
Ventura explained that many messages were attempts at “damage control” to avoid Combs’ anger. She said the “freak-offs” became a “task” she dreaded, especially when recorded. The defense also questioned Ventura’s drug use, implying her memory might be compromised, but she stood by her account.
Connection with other witnesses
Dawn Richard was not the only one to corroborate Ventura’s allegations. Daniel Phillip, a former prostitute who testified on the first day, claimed he was paid by Combs to participate in “freak-offs” between 2012 and 2014. He described explicit sexual encounters under Combs’ direction, supporting the coercion narrative.
Israel Florez, a former security guard at the InterContinental hotel in Los Angeles, also testified, confirming details of the 2016 incident captured on video. The combination of these testimonies builds a strong case for the prosecution, which seeks to prove Combs operated a criminal network with interstate ramifications.
Impact on the entertainment industry
Combs’ trial has raised questions about power and responsibility among influential figures in entertainment. Bad Boy Records, founded by Combs, was a symbol of hip-hop success for decades, launching artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige. Now, the label’s reputation is under scrutiny, with former artists like Richard revealing stories of abuse.
Organizations supporting victims of domestic violence have used the case to highlight the importance of reporting abuse, particularly in relationships with power imbalances. Groups like the National Sexual Assault Hotline reported a spike in calls since the trial began, suggesting the case is encouraging victims to seek help.
Next steps in the trial
The court is set to hear new witnesses next week, including at least two women testifying under pseudonyms. Prosecutors plan to present additional digital evidence, such as messages and videos, to strengthen the claim that Combs used his empire to exploit women. The defense is expected to call witnesses like Alex Fine, Ventura’s husband, to challenge specific allegations, such as the alleged 2018 rape.
Judge Subramanian has maintained a brisk pace, with daily sessions starting at 9:15 a.m. The trial is expected to continue until July, with the jury deliberating on a verdict that could result in life imprisonment for Combs if convicted on all charges.
