The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continues in Manhattan federal court, where the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul is facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Richard and Morgan said they each witnessed Combs physically assault Ventura on multiple occasions.
Last week, Ventura spent four days on the witness stand, telling the court her decade-long relationship with Combs was marked by violence and physical abuse.
Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, described in detail the drug-fueled “freak offs” that would take days to recover from.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
In Manhattan federal court, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial is still ongoing. The hip-hop mogul, 55, is accused of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Federal prosecutors claim that Combs used his business empire, guns, kidnapping, and arson to hide his crimes for decades. Combs also abused, threatened, and forced women to engage in long-lasting sex sessions known as “freak offs.”.
Kerry Morgan, the former best friend of Cassie Ventura, and Dawn Richard, a vocal member of the girl group Danity Kane, both gave testimony on Monday. Both Richard and Morgan claimed to have seen Combs repeatedly physically abuse Ventura.
Morgan further stated in her testimony that Combs struck her with a wooden hanger and strangled her. “I suffered a concussion. My head felt lightheaded. “I had a few episodes of vomiting,” Morgan testified.
During her four days on the witness stand last week, Ventura told the judge that she and Combs had a violent and physically abusive ten-year relationship. The drug-induced “freak offs” that would take days to recover from were detailed by Ventura, who is eight months pregnant. A 2016 surveillance video of Combs kicking, hitting, and dragging Ventura through a hotel hallway in Los Angeles was also shown to the jurors.
Combs has entered a not guilty plea. He could be imprisoned for life if found guilty. A Brooklyn jail is holding him without bail. His fate will be decided by a jury consisting of six alternates and twelve New Yorkers. Eight weeks or more is the anticipated duration of the trial.
Our coverage of the trial’s first week is available here. Get the most recent trial updates by following the live blog below, which features content from a variety of reporters and news outlets present in the courtroom, such as the Washington Post, CNN, NBC News, and the Associated Press.
You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse. More resources can be found here.
