Sean "Diddy" Combs's high-profile trial on sex trafficking charges continues to unfold in Manhattan, with his defense team recently concluding cross-examination of his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. This marks the end of the trial's first week, which has featured explosive testimony.

Ventura, who testified for four days, broke down as her testimony concluded on May 16. Following her testimony, she and her husband Alex Fine released a statement through their attorney.

The prosecution has begun calling additional witnesses, including Dawn Richard of Danity Kane, who testified about seeing Cassie being "attacked" by a "screaming, belligerent" Combs. A special agent also took the stand, presenting evidence about items found in Combs's hotel room at the time of his arrest, including drugs and baby oil.

Prosecutors allege that behind Combs's public persona as a charismatic hip-hop mogul, he forced women into drug-fueled sexual encounters with male escorts, which he called "freak-offs," and then blackmailed them with recordings. Evidence presented includes a black fanny pack containing $9,000 in cash that was seized as potential evidence of criminal activity.

Combs faces charges of sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. The latest superseding indictment from April 2025 added additional charges, including allegations that he kidnapped a female victim and dangled another over an apartment balcony.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his defense team arguing that all sexual encounters were consensual. His attorney has stated that Combs "vehemently denies the accusations" and "looks forward to his day in court."

Before these legal troubles, Combs had built a billion-dollar empire spanning music, fashion, beverages, and media. Starting as an intern at Uptown Records in the early 1990s, he pioneered the model of artist-entrepreneurs, becoming one of hip-hop's first billionaires through ventures like Bad Boy Records, Sean John clothing, and a lucrative partnership with Diageo for Ciroc vodka and DeLeon tequila.

The trial continues next week as more witnesses are expected to testify.

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