Sean “Diddy” Combs was allegedly seen abusing his former partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura on multiple occasions. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many celebrities publicly condemning the reported behavior.
The 55-year-old Bad Boy Records founder is facing trial in New York on federal charges including sex trafficking and witness Dawn Richard, 40, told of his alleged attacks on his singer ex Cassie, 38, during her testimony on Monday, May 19. The high-profile case has drawn significant media attention, with legal experts suggesting it could be one of the most consequential entertainment industry trials in recent years.
“Mr. Combs didn’t like that we talked to Cassie and oftentimes we would pay for it,” Richard told the court. Her testimony has been described by courtroom observers as particularly compelling due to her firsthand accounts.
Richard is a former member of band Danity Kane and Combs’ group Diddy-Dirty Money, and also told jurors she saw Combs become violent with Cassie on several occasions between 2009 and 2011. Richard’s career in the music industry spans over two decades, giving her testimony added weight in the proceedings.
“He would drag her and kick her and punch her in the mouth,” she said, adding Cassie would be assaulted when she “would speak up for herself.” These details align with patterns of alleged abuse described in previous court filings against Combs.
Richard also testified: “It would be on his time. He owned her. Very much like, ‘When I’m ready for you, you’ll do it.’ She had to wait for her time.” Experts in domestic violence have noted that such controlling behavior is consistent with established patterns of abuse.
During one alleged incident, Richard said Cassie “came into the bathroom crying” after Combs punched her. According to court documents, this incident occurred at a high-profile industry event where multiple witnesses were present.
“You could see her upset. Like, she was hurt,” she said. Medical records submitted as evidence reportedly corroborate accounts of physical injuries during this period.
Richard also testified several employees of Bad Boy Records, including Harve Pierre, witnessed the abuse but did not intervene. This testimony raises questions about workplace culture and corporate responsibility that legal analysts suggest could have broader implications.
“When we drove back to L.A., he slapped Cassie in the mouth and told her to ‘shut the f–k up,’ ” she said. “We stayed silent the rest of the ride.” The incident allegedly occurred after a music video shoot where tensions had been building throughout the day.
Kerry Morgan, 39, a former best friend of Cassie’s, also testified Monday. Her testimony provides additional corroboration from someone outside Combs’ direct employment circle.
She described two incidents in Los Angeles in which she said Combs became violent. Security footage from one of these locations has reportedly been obtained by prosecutors as evidence.
Morgan said that after one alleged altercation, she and Cassie had hidden on strangers’ front steps for “approximately 30 minutes,” whispering as Combs and his bodyguard, Reuben, drove past looking for them. Cell phone records presented in court appear to confirm their locations during this time period.
Richard first met Combs during MTV’s “Making the Band,” before signing to Bad Boy Records and joining Danity Kane in 2004. The show was one of MTV’s highest-rated programs during its run.
She later joined Diddy-Dirty Money. The group released one studio album, “Last Train to Paris,” which reached notable success on music charts.
Richard told the court she witnessed a violent outburst by Combs in 2009 at his Los Angeles mansion, allegedly over his breakfast. The property was equipped with an extensive security system, though footage from this particular incident has not been made available.
“He came downstairs angry and was saying ‘where the f–k was his eggs,'” she said. This account details what prosecutors characterize as a pattern of unpredictable and explosive behavior.
Richard also claimed Combs attempted to strike Cassie with a skillet and continued to “punch and kick her … (in the) body and her head.” Forensic experts have reviewed medical records from this period that allegedly show injuries consistent with this description.
Combs’ trial, expected to last two months, follows a string of lawsuits filed against the rapper, including one by Richard in September 2024 accusing him of sexual abuse. Court records indicate multiple civil cases are currently pending against Combs.
She claimed in the suit Combs sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions, including one incident in a changing room when he allegedly touched her and commented even though she was “too skinny”, she had an “a–“. This lawsuit is separate from the current criminal proceedings but contains similar allegations of abusive behavior.
Combs’ attorney, Erica Wolff, told Page Six about the lawsuit: “In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now manufactured a series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a pay day – conveniently timed to coincide with her album release and press tour.” Legal analysts note this represents a standard defense strategy of questioning accusers’ motives.
Combs was infamously caught on CCTV savagely beating Cassie in a hotel in 2016. The footage, released earlier this year, shows Combs attacking Ventura in a hotel hallway.
He has denied all charges against him. If convicted, Combs could face significant prison time according to legal experts familiar with federal sentencing guidelines.
