Sean Combs sex trafficking trial updates: Cassie's testimony ends after days of describing abuse

The hip-hop mogul is charged with sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

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Last updated: Friday, May 16, 2025 11:26PM GMT
DIDDY ON TRIAL: First week of witness testimony recap
Eyewitness News breaks down the first full week of witness testimony in the Sean Combs trial including star witness Cassie Ventura.

NEW YORK -- After four days on the witness stand, Cassie Ventura concluded her testimony Friday at the trial of her ex-boyfriend, Sean "Diddy" Combs.

It came shortly after the defense concluded nearly two days of cross-examination.

Prosecutors allege Combs, 55, used his fame and fortune to orchestrate an empire of exploitation, coercing women into abusive sex parties.

If Combs is convicted on all charges, which include racketeering, kidnapping, arson, bribery and sex trafficking, he would face a mandatory 15 years in prison and could remain behind bars for life.

This story may contain accounts and descriptions of actual or alleged events that some readers may find disturbing.

"Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy," a new podcast from "20/20" and ABC Audio, traces how the whispers of abuse came to light and led to the downfall of Sean "Diddy" Combs, who was once among the most influential entertainers and entrepreneurs in hip hop. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more.

Kemberly Richardson reports from Lower Manhattan.

(ABC News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

ByAaron Katersky ABCNews logo
May 09, 2025, 3:11 PM GMT

Combs defense attorneys to argue domestic violence, not coercion

Sean Combs may have committed domestic violence in his relationships with women but his conduct "did not tip into coercion," defense attorneys said they are prepared to argue when opening statements and witness testimony begin Monday in Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial.

Defense lawyers previewed the argument on Friday as they discussed their cross-examination of Cassie Ventura, one of the women federal prosecutors said Combs coerced into "sex marathons" known as "freak offs."

"We are going to take the position that there was mutual violence in their relationship," defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said. "We're probably going to call it domestic violence."

Agnifilo said it would cause Combs to think that while violence was part of the relationship but "it's not coercing her to do anything."

Judge Arun Subramanian did not immediately decide the scope of cross-examination but seemed skeptical about the defense argument.

"That is a stretch," Subramanian said. "Strong people can be coerced just like a weak person."

Prosecutors said the defense should be precluded from questioning Ventura about "about unrelated acts of domestic violence and/or physical abuse."

Three witnesses are expected to testify next week. One of the first two is an "escort," prosecutors said.

The third witness is expected to be Ventura. She is pregnant and prosecutors said their third witness would need frequent breaks during her testimony, approximately every 90 minutes.

Court will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday with lawyers making their peremptory strikes. Once 12 jurors and 6 alternates are selected they will be instructed and sworn before opening statements.

May 11, 2025, 8:11 PM GMT

Recap of week 1 of Sean Combs trial

The final stage of jury selection for the racketeering and sex trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is set for Monday, right before opening arguments begin, a federal judge decided on Friday.

Click here for a full recap of what you missed during week 1 of Sean Combs' trial.