In dramatic testimony at the ongoing sex-trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, an exotic dancer using the alias The Punisher revealed how he unwittingly discovered the identity of the powerful figure at the center of the case.

Sharay Hayes told a New York court that he had been hired to perform "sexy, erotic scenes" involving Combs’ then-girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, while a silent, veiled man observed from the shadows. Initially unaware of the observer’s identity, Hayes said the truth came to light when he noticed the name “Sean Combs” on the welcome screen of the hotel TV in a luxury suite where the encounter was to take place.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution. The courtroom was warned that some of the testimony could be disturbing.

Hayes described his first meeting with Cassie and the veiled man at a suite in Trump Tower on Central Park West. He said Ventura greeted him in a bathrobe, and the suite’s furniture was draped in sheets, with bowls and bottles of baby oil on the floor.

Over a period, Hayes claimed he participated in between eight to twelve encounters with Ventura while Combs watched silently or issued instructions, including lighting adjustments and directions for sexual acts. Hayes said Ventura sometimes reacted with discomfort or sought Combs’ approval before proceeding.

This testimony follows that of Daniel Phillip, another man who last week alleged he was paid to have sex with Ventura in similar settings while Combs observed.

Cassie’s Mother Alleges Abuse, Shows Photos of Injuries
The court also heard from Regina Ventura, Cassie’s mother, who provided damning testimony and photographic evidence of her daughter’s injuries. An email dated December 23, 2011, from Cassie to her mother was read aloud in court. In it, Cassie claimed Combs had threatened her with the release of explicit tapes and hinted he would have someone harm her while he was abroad.

Regina Ventura confirmed taking photos of Cassie’s bruised back and leg at their Connecticut home around that time. She testified that the injuries were caused by Combs, who, she claimed, also demanded $20,000 from her and her husband out of anger over money spent on their daughter. Fearing for Cassie’s safety, the couple borrowed money and wired it to an account controlled by Combs’ bookkeeper. Four days later, the funds mysteriously returned with no explanation.

“I was terrified for my daughter,” Ms. Ventura said. “We paid because he demanded it.”

Guns, Lingerie, and Baby Oil: Inside the Miami Mansion Raid
Later in the day, Homeland Security special agent Gerard Gannon took the stand to recount a March 2024 raid on Combs' Miami mansion. The 20,000-square-foot estate yielded semiautomatic AR-15 rifles, some with obliterated serial numbers, magazines partially filled with bullets, as well as lingerie, baby oil, and platform heels.

Gannon described the firearms as having tactical enhancements like red-dot optics—features uncommon in standard civilian weapons. One 30-round magazine was found with only 19 bullets remaining.

Kid Cudi Set to Testify as Trial Continues
The trial resumes Wednesday with further testimony from Agent Gannon. The court is also expected to hear from rapper Scott Mescudi, known as Kid Cudi, who dated Cassie in 2011. His name has surfaced multiple times during the trial, amid allegations that Combs once had Cudi’s car blown up out of jealousy.

If convicted, Combs could face a life sentence. The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks.