Day 7 in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal intercourse trafficking and racketeering trial delivered one other disturbing glimpse into the alleged underworld of one in every of hip-hop’s strongest figures.
As prosecutors proceed constructing their case round Combs’ alleged coercion and abuse, centered round drug-fueled, orchestrated intercourse events dubbed “freak-offs”, Tuesday’s testimonies from former employees, a male escort, and Cassie Ventura’s personal mom painted a chilling narrative of manipulation, management, and violence.
The Male Escort: Behind the Curtain of the “Freak-Offs”
One of many day’s most jaw-dropping testimonies got here from Sharay Hayes, a longtime unique dancer and escort who testified underneath oath that he participated in as many as a dozen sexual encounters with Cassie Ventura—on the path of Sean Combs. Hayes testified that every encounter happened in dimly lit rooms adorned with candles, music, and coated furnishings, the place the objective was to “create an attractive scene,” however as he described it, these weren’t easy fantasies—they had been closely orchestrated performances executed underneath Combs’ watchful eye.
In response to Hayes, Combs not often engaged bodily however directed Cassie all through the acts, providing cues on lighting, physique angles, and even particular directions about climaxing. Hayes alleged he was compensated between $1,200 and $2,000 per session, a lot of which required him to make use of Cialis, Viagra, or “something that might assist me carry out. It was a whole lot of stress.”
At one level, he testified, Combs tossed condoms at him and demanded, “I’m able to see you f— her.” That exact encounter, Hayes stated, was his final. “A sexual state of affairs with a lady’s accomplice current giving instructions was not the norm for me,” he advised the courtroom.
Protection attorneys tried to painting the scenes as consensual. Hayes stated Ventura by no means gave seen indicators of discomfort through the classes, however underneath redirect, he admitted he noticed her “wince” and “sigh” at occasions—particularly when Combs was giving her directions. “There was a constant consciousness to Mr. Combs’ path and his notion and needs through the second,” he testified.
Cassie’s Mom Breaks Down Over Daughter’s 2011 Electronic mail
Including emotional weight to the day was testimony from Regina Ventura, mom of Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, who advised the jury she grew to become “bodily sick” after receiving a 2011 electronic mail from her daughter detailing a violent incident involving Combs. The e-mail, which prosecutors haven’t but launched publicly, reportedly contained graphic descriptions that prompted Mrs. Ventura to induce her daughter to go away the connection instantly.
Her testimony added credibility and context to Cassie’s personal harrowing four-day testimony from the earlier week, the place she described years of coercion, assault, and sexual abuse by Combs.
The Former Assistant Returns
David James, Combs’ former private assistant, resumed testimony, confirming a lot of what different witnesses have echoed—that Combs managed almost each side of Cassie’s life. James testified that he was usually tasked with making ready resort rooms for the “freak-offs,” together with procuring medication and numerous gadgets for the intercourse events.
James additionally reiterated a troubling assertion Cassie as soon as made to him: “I can’t get out. He oversees a lot of my life.” His testimony additional bolstered the federal government’s narrative of a person who used energy and worry to take care of management over girls.
Weapons, Platforms, and Lingerie: The Star Island Raid
Capping off the day was Homeland Safety Particular Agent Gerard Gannon, who led the high-profile March 2024 raid on Combs’ Miami mansion at 2 Star Island. The agent described how an 80-to-90-person federal process drive needed to breach the closely guarded property. Inside Combs’ bed room, brokers recovered two AR-15 higher receivers, a 30-round journal, and a number of gun components with defaced serial numbers—illegally altered to stop legislation enforcement monitoring.
Notably, the weapons had been discovered on the identical shelving unit as lingerie and a pair of seven-inch platform heels. Gannon testified that the juxtaposition of weapons and sexually suggestive gadgets hinted on the duality of Combs’ alleged way of life—opulence laced with management and hazard.
The courtroom was proven images of the raid, together with a destroyed entrance gate and the property’s waterfront view. Gannon will proceed presenting proof when courtroom resumes on Wednesday.
Conspicuously Absent: The Combs Household
Observers famous the absence of Combs’ mom, Janice, and his sons Justin, Christian, and Quincy, all of whom had been current all through the primary week of trial. Whereas his sons had beforehand attended even probably the most graphic testimony, they didn’t return Tuesday.
Wanting Forward: Child Cudi and Key Witnesses to Testify
Prosecutors indicated that Wednesday’s proceedings might embody pivotal testimony from rapper Scott “Child Cudi” Mescudi, whom Cassie dated briefly throughout her relationship with Combs. In response to Cassie’s earlier testimony, Combs as soon as threatened to explode Cudi’s automobile—and days later, the automobile mysteriously exploded.
Additionally scheduled to take the stand are Daybreak Hughes, a psychologist specializing in trauma, and George Kaplan, one other former Combs assistant. Their testimonies are anticipated to additional corroborate patterns of abuse, management, and worry inside Combs’ internal circle.
Because the trial unfolds, every day continues to strip away the public-facing persona of one in every of hip-hop’s most iconic figures, revealing a darker narrative that, if confirmed true, may perpetually change the legacy of Sean “Diddy” Combs.
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