Sean "Diddy" Combs is accused of a prolonged pattern of physical and sexual abuse against Cassie Ventura, his former girlfriend, over about 11 years. Cassie testified in federal court that Combs subjected her to repeated beatings, sexual blackmail, and rape. She described feeling trapped in a cycle of abuse, including being forced into drug-fueled sexual encounters called "freak offs," sometimes involving male escorts, which she was coerced to participate in under threat of violence and exposure of humiliating videos. Cassie recounted a specific violent incident in March 2016 at an L.A. hotel where Combs punched, kicked, dragged her, and threw a vase at her, leaving visible bruises. Despite the assault, Combs sent her a sexually explicit text days later. She also testified about an alleged rape by Combs in 2018. Cassie settled a 2023 lawsuit against Combs for $20 million related to these abuses. Combs denies all allegations and claims the sexual activities were consensual, though he acknowledges potential for violence. The testimony is part of a federal trial where Combs faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and coercion
