New York, United States, (EFE).- Lawyers for American rapper and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs sought to cast doubt Thursday on the testimony of his former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, by presenting messages suggesting she “enjoyed” or helped organize sexual encounters with male sex workers.
These encounters, referred to as “freak offs,” are central to the sex trafficking case against Combs, who could face life in prison if convicted.
Cassie, eight and a half months pregnant, has testified for four days about her 11-year-on-and-off relationship with Combs, detailing alleged abuse and forced participation in drug-fueled sex acts.
The defense began cross-examining her on Thursday in a Manhattan federal courtroom.
“He was abusive early on,” Cassie told jurors earlier this week. “I agreed to participate in the beginning because I was in love, and I wanted to make him happy. But I never wanted to do any of it.”
Chats presented as evidence of consent
Attorney Anna Estevao, leading Combs’ defense, presented emails from 2009 in which Cassie appeared to initiate or welcome the sex acts.
In one message, Cassie allegedly wrote: “I’m always ready for a freak off.” In another message, she suggested scheduling the encounter on a Friday so they could “recover by Monday.”
Pressed about the messages, Cassie testified she did not recall writing them.
She reiterated that she feared violent retaliation if she ever said no to Combs, describing him as “controlling” and “intimidating.”
Prosecutors countered by showing other messages in which Cassie expressed distress over the encounter. “They don’t make me feel good,” she wrote in one, and in another, she asked to stop participating altogether.
Combs, wearing a white sweater and seated beside his attorneys, watched Cassie’s testimony closely and occasionally whispered with his legal team.
Cassie describes Combs’ addictions and abuse
The courtroom also heard testimony about Combs’ alleged drug use and violent behavior.
When asked by Estevao if Combs had any addictions, Cassie replied: “He was addicted to success.” She then added, “He also had an opioid addiction, he told me and, I saw him take them.”
Cassie said that both she and Combs used MDMA, cocaine, and opioids during many of the so-called “freak offs.” She linked Combs’ violent outbursts to his drug use.
In earlier proceedings, prosecutors showed a video of Combs allegedly assaulting her and images of her injuries.
Estevao attempted to highlight early affectionate messages exchanged between the two, suggesting a consensual dynamic. But Cassie responded that despite his cheating and abusive behavior, “I kept going back.”
Global attention on Trial against cultural icon
The trial has drawn international media attention due to Combs’ status as a music and fashion icon. Known globally for his work in hip hop and R&B, Combs has won three Grammy Awards and built a media empire spanning music, fashion, and spirits.
Combs faces charges of sex trafficking, transportation for the purpose of prostitution, and conspiracy to commit extortion. Prosecutors allege he orchestrated a pattern of abuse using fame, power, and money to control and exploit women.
In opening statements, his defense acknowledged the artist’s “complicated” personality and history of domestic violence but insisted all sexual activities were consensual.
If convicted, Combs could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. EFE
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