In emotional testimony on Tuesday, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura described years of alleged abuse at the hands of her former partner, hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. Taking the stand as the prosecution’s star witness in Combs’ high-profile sex-trafficking trial, Ventura detailed physical violence, psychological control, and forced participation in what she called "freak-offs"—sexual encounters with male escorts orchestrated by Combs.

A Relationship That Turned Controlling and Violent

Ventura, now 38 and pregnant with her third child, met Combs at age 19 when she was an aspiring singer. He was 37 and soon signed her to his label. What began as a romantic relationship quickly shifted, Ventura testified, as Combs began exerting control over her personal and professional life.

“He controlled everything—my appearance, my work, even my technology,” she told the court, noting that he would revoke access to phones or vehicles as punishment. The relationship, she said, soon became abusive. Through tears, she described repeated incidents in which Combs allegedly punched, kicked, and dragged her, leaving her with bruises, swollen lips, and black eyes.

'Freak-Offs': Alleged Coerced Sex Acts

A significant part of Ventura’s testimony focused on what prosecutors referred to as "freak-offs"—multi-day sexual encounters with male escorts that Combs watched and directed.

Ventura said the practice began early in their relationship. At first, she agreed to participate to please him. But over time, the encounters left her feeling “humiliated” and “worthless,” she said, wiping away tears. “I never wanted to be with anyone but him,” she said.

To cope, Ventura said she turned to drugs—ecstasy, marijuana, and ketamine—to numb herself during the encounters. “It was a way to disassociate,” she said. “To not feel what was really happening.”

Sex Trafficking Allegations

Ventura told jurors that Combs personally selected the men and paid them thousands of dollars—between $1,500 and $6,000—based on their performance. Some were found through websites like Craigslist or through stripper agencies. Encounters occurred in cities across the globe, including New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Ibiza. In some cases, she said, male escorts were flown in under the guise of being "new employees" during vacations.

Prosecutors are using Ventura’s testimony to support charges that Combs engaged in sex trafficking and the transportation of individuals for prostitution.

A Choreographed Encounter

According to Ventura, each "freak-off" followed a precise pattern. Combs dictated every detail—her clothing, the high heels she wore for hours, the lighting, and the sexual acts involved. “He was directing everything,” she said. “I couldn’t say no.”

Though she sometimes helped arrange the encounters, Ventura emphasized that it was always at Combs’ instruction. Attempts to express her discomfort were brushed aside, she said, and she feared retaliation if she resisted.

Ongoing Testimony

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. His legal team has not yet cross-examined Ventura.

Dozens of Combs’ supporters, including family and friends, filled the courtroom during Ventura’s testimony. She is expected to return to the stand on Wednesday for further questioning and potential cross-examination.

Warning: This story contains accounts of sexual abuse and may be distressing to some readers.