Diddy's lawyers plan to accuse Cassie of abuse in sex trafficking trial

Lawyers for Sean "Diddy" Combs on Friday said they plan to accuse the hip-hop mogul's ex-girlfriend of domestic violence when she takes the stand in his sex trafficking trial.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation for prostitution - all felonies. He could face decades or even life in prison if convicted at the trial in Manhattan federal court.

Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian during a hearing Friday that he plans to show there was mutual violence between Combs and his ex-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, who is expected to testify as a star witness for the prosecution.

"I think we’re probably going to refer to that as domestic violence," Agnifilo said, arguing Ventura's alleged history of violence would undercut prosecutors' argument that she was a victim.

Ventura's lawyers declined to comment on Agnifilo's remarks. 

Subramanian appeared disinclined to allow the defense to introduce evidence of any alleged violence by Ventura but said he would rule on the issue on Monday, when a jury of 12 New Yorkers is set to be finalized ahead of opening statements by defense lawyers and prosecutors.

Combs, 55, was present in the courtroom Friday sported graying hair and a sweater over a white shirt. He has been held in a federal lockup in Brooklyn since his arrest last September.

Combs, a Harlem native who founded the pioneering record label Bad Boy Records and discovered iconic rappers including the Notorious B.I.G., was arrested last September and has been held in a Brooklyn federal lockup since then.

Prosecutors with the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's office say that for two decades Combs used his business empire to lure women into his orbit with promises of romantic relationships or financial support, then violently coerced them to take part in days-long, drug-fueled sexual performances known as "Freak Offs."

Combs' lawyers have said prosecutors are improperly seeking to criminalize Combs’ “swinger lifestyle.” They have signaled they plan to attack the credibility of the alleged victims who will testify by seeking to show they had financial incentives to accuse Combs. They have said the women gave inconsistent accounts of the alleged assaults to investigators.

Subramanian has said the trial will last around eight weeks, with the alternate jurors serving as backups in case jurors are unable to finish. Any verdict must be unanimous.

Who is Cassie?

RnB singer Casandra Ventura, a one-time rising star in the New York hip-hop scene, is expected to testify that ex-boyfriend Sean "Diddy" Combs abused her and derailed her career when she takes the stand at the rapper's trial.

Ventura, who settled a civil lawsuit against Combs in 2023, has accused him of rape over the course of their decade-long relationship. CNN last year broadcast a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs striking and dragging Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel.

Combs apologised following the broadcast.

Ventura, known as Cassie, is an American singer, dancer, actress, and model who began her singing career in 2004.

Born in Connecticut in 1986, Ventura spent her early teen years modeling as well as taking dance and singing lessons.

In 2004, she moved to New York City and two years later released her first single "Me & U," which became her breakout hit. Combs' Bad Boy Records released her 2006 album, "Cassie," through a partnership with the NextSelection record label.

Known for helping turn rappers and R&B singers such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars in the 1990s and 2000s, Combs was a highly coveted producer for rising artists to work with.

Ventura's music included a blend of R&B, hip-hop and pop that also paid homage to her Filipino culture.

She made her acting debut in the 2008 dance film "Step Up 2: The Streets," and sang the lead single "Is It You" for the "Step Up" soundtrack.

In 2007, Ventura began working predominantly with Bad Boy Records, leading to music collaborations with Akon, Danja, Eric Hudson, The Surf Club and The Neptunes.

That same year, Combs and Ventura began secretly dating, not going public with their relationship until 2012, according to media reports.

In her lawsuit against the "Mandem" rapper, Ventura alleged that Combs controlled everything she did, including how she dressed and where she went.

Their relationship ended in 2018, and in 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of abuse that spanned more than a decade.

The release of the 2016 surveillance video of Combs assaulting her spawned support for the now 38-year-old and others to come forward with new abuse claims against Combs.

Last year, Ventura publicly thanked those who supported her after watching the surveillance video.

“Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet,” the singer wrote on Instagram.

Dubbed "Freak Offs," Combs was known for hosting parties that would often include sexual acts that were performed, recorded or watched by party guests.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.

The 55-year-old rapper, currently in jail in Brooklyn, New York, also faces dozens of civil lawsuits by women and men who accused him of sexual abuse.

Ventura married personal trainer Alex Fine in September 2019 and they have two daughters. She is pregnant with a third child.