- Friday, July 18, 2025
Cassie Ventura returns to the witness stand as Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers challenge her claims in a gripping New York trial that includes allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and coercion.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
The high-profile sex-trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs took a tense turn as R&B singer Cassie Ventura, the prosecution’s star witness, was intensely questioned by the defense in a Manhattan courtroom. Ventura, who is about eight months pregnant, returned to the witness stand where she has previously provided graphic testimony alleging years of sexual and physical abuse at the hands of the music mogul.
Defense attorney Anna Estevao, of the Harris Trzaskoma firm, led the cross-examination. Estevao, a seasoned former federal public defender, focused on portraying Ventura as a willing participant in the controversial sexual encounters referred to as “freak-offs,” in which Ventura allegedly had sex with male escorts while Diddy watched or recorded. Estevao repeatedly cited Ventura’s text messages, including one where she described a deleted video as “dope,” suggesting a consensual dynamic.
However, Ventura strongly refuted that narrative, maintaining that she never wanted the encounters recorded. She insisted that her participation stemmed from fear and a desire to please Combs, whom she had loved for over a decade. “I did it because I was scared and felt like I had no choice,” she reportedly stated during earlier testimony.
Combs, 55, faces serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison. He has denied all allegations.
The courtroom was tense, with frequent objections from prosecutors who challenged the defense’s evidence submissions—mostly text exchanges between Cassie and Diddy. At times, Estevao was forced to pause and rephrase her questions mid-sentence. Despite this, she pushed forward with attempts to paint a more consensual picture of their relationship, citing Cassie’s past expressions of love and jealousy.
“She loved him for 11 years,” Estevao said, suggesting that Cassie returned to Combs voluntarily on numerous occasions. Ventura countered these claims, clarifying that love didn’t equate to consent or safety, and her loyalty was entangled with emotional manipulation and fear of blackmail.
In the courtroom, family members of both Combs and Ventura were present. Diddy’s mother, Janice Combs, and his sons Christian, Quincy, and Justin Dior Combs have been regular attendees throughout the trial. Cassie’s husband, fitness trainer Alex Fine, has also shown unwavering support, attending each session.
Combs’ legal team is led by Marc Agnifilo, who is also defending Luigi Mangione in a separate high-profile murder case. Other prominent figures on his team include Teny Geragos—daughter of celebrity attorney Mark Geragos—and Brian Steel, who recently represented rapper Young Thug.
As proceedings continue, the prosecution will have the task of redirecting and reaffirming Ventura’s claims in front of the jury, aiming to dispel any implication that she had autonomy in these disturbing events. The case, which has gripped public attention, resumes after a short court recess.
