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The Diddy Trial & Cassie’s Testimony — A Survivor’s Perspective
Hello, beautiful souls.
Welcome back to this space where we walk the path from surviving to thriving after narcissistic abuse and domestic violence.
Today, I want to speak to something heavy, timely, and deeply personal for many in our community — the federal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, and the powerful, heartbreaking testimony of Cassie Ventura.
Whether you’re still in the thick of survival or miles into your healing, I believe this will resonate with you.
The Trial at a Glance
Let’s start with the facts.
Sean Combs is currently facing multiple federal charges:
* Racketeering Conspiracy
* Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion
* Transportation for Prostitution
The trial began on May 5th, 2025, in New York. He has pleaded not guilty, and the proceedings are expected to last several weeks. But beyond the legal jargon, what’s striking the deepest chord is not just the charges — it’s the testimonies. Especially Cassie’s.
Cassie’s Story
Cassie Ventura, a singer and model who was in a relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018, has shared deeply disturbing allegations of abuse:
* A 2016 hotel surveillance video capturing a violent incident.
* “Freak-offs” — drug-fueled, coerced sex acts, often involving male escorts.
* Psychological, emotional, and financial control that left her isolated and dependent.
Her mother, Regina, and best friend also testified, describing times Cassie returned home bruised and broken. At one point, Regina was so desperate she took out a $20,000 loan just to appease Combs’ rage.
These are not isolated events. They reveal a pattern of prolonged coercive control — one far too many survivors will recognize.
Understanding Coercive Control
Here, we call it what it is: coercive control.
This is abuse that isn’t always physical. It can look like:
* Monitoring your every move
* Financial manipulation
* Isolation from support systems
* Threats, shame, and emotional degradation
It’s slow. It’s insidious. And often invisible to outsiders.
Yet tragically, U.S. federal law still doesn’t recognize coercive control as a standalone crime. While states like California and Hawaii are beginning to change this, many survivors are left telling their stories without the language or legal recognition they deserve.
Expert Insight: Reframing the Narrative
Forensic psychologist Dr. Dawn Hughes, a familiar name in intimate partner violence cases, took the stand to offer expert insight.
She explained:
* Why survivors don’t “just leave”
* How trauma bonds form and deepen
* The impact of fear, shame, and financial dependence
Her testimony reminded everyone: staying is not weakness — it’s survival.
Believe Survivors
I want to say this from my heart: We must believe survivors.
The defense is working overtime to frame Cassie as complicit — that she stayed for fame or participated willingly.
But ask yourself:Who chooses to live in fear? To be drugged, degraded, and controlled?
Survivors don’t “benefit” from speaking out — they’re often blamed, shamed, and retraumatized, especially in high-profile cases like this.
Cassie is not complicit. She is courageous.
Celebrating Her Courage
Cassie, what you are doing is bigger than you.
You are:
* Shining a light on power-based abuse
* Giving survivors a voice
* Naming the pattern so many recognize but couldn’t explain
To any woman (or man) reading this and seeing themselves in Cassie’s story:
👉 You are not alone.👉 You are not crazy.👉 You are not to blame.
You Deserve Support
If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, please know there is help:
* National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE | thehotline.org
* StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483 | strongheartshelpline.org
* RAINN (Sexual Assault): 1-800-656-HOPE | rainn.org
* MyPlan App: myplanapp.org
You deserve safety, peace, and the chance to thrive — not just survive.
💖 Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Let’s continue standing together, speaking truth, and holding space for one another.
And Cassie — in the rare chance these words find their way to you:Thank you.Your bravery is helping thousands of survivors feel seen and validated.
Until next time, take care of your heart — and never stop rising and thriving.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit swendel.substack.com
View all episodes
By Susie Miller WendelHello, beautiful souls.
Welcome back to this space where we walk the path from surviving to thriving after narcissistic abuse and domestic violence.
Today, I want to speak to something heavy, timely, and deeply personal for many in our community — the federal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, and the powerful, heartbreaking testimony of Cassie Ventura.
Whether you’re still in the thick of survival or miles into your healing, I believe this will resonate with you.
The Trial at a Glance
Let’s start with the facts.
Sean Combs is currently facing multiple federal charges:
* Racketeering Conspiracy
* Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion
* Transportation for Prostitution
The trial began on May 5th, 2025, in New York. He has pleaded not guilty, and the proceedings are expected to last several weeks. But beyond the legal jargon, what’s striking the deepest chord is not just the charges — it’s the testimonies. Especially Cassie’s.
Cassie’s Story
Cassie Ventura, a singer and model who was in a relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018, has shared deeply disturbing allegations of abuse:
* A 2016 hotel surveillance video capturing a violent incident.
* “Freak-offs” — drug-fueled, coerced sex acts, often involving male escorts.
* Psychological, emotional, and financial control that left her isolated and dependent.
Her mother, Regina, and best friend also testified, describing times Cassie returned home bruised and broken. At one point, Regina was so desperate she took out a $20,000 loan just to appease Combs’ rage.
These are not isolated events. They reveal a pattern of prolonged coercive control — one far too many survivors will recognize.
Understanding Coercive Control
Here, we call it what it is: coercive control.
This is abuse that isn’t always physical. It can look like:
* Monitoring your every move
* Financial manipulation
* Isolation from support systems
* Threats, shame, and emotional degradation
It’s slow. It’s insidious. And often invisible to outsiders.
Yet tragically, U.S. federal law still doesn’t recognize coercive control as a standalone crime. While states like California and Hawaii are beginning to change this, many survivors are left telling their stories without the language or legal recognition they deserve.
Expert Insight: Reframing the Narrative
Forensic psychologist Dr. Dawn Hughes, a familiar name in intimate partner violence cases, took the stand to offer expert insight.
She explained:
* Why survivors don’t “just leave”
* How trauma bonds form and deepen
* The impact of fear, shame, and financial dependence
Her testimony reminded everyone: staying is not weakness — it’s survival.
Believe Survivors
I want to say this from my heart: We must believe survivors.
The defense is working overtime to frame Cassie as complicit — that she stayed for fame or participated willingly.
But ask yourself:Who chooses to live in fear? To be drugged, degraded, and controlled?
Survivors don’t “benefit” from speaking out — they’re often blamed, shamed, and retraumatized, especially in high-profile cases like this.
Cassie is not complicit. She is courageous.
Celebrating Her Courage
Cassie, what you are doing is bigger than you.
You are:
* Shining a light on power-based abuse
* Giving survivors a voice
* Naming the pattern so many recognize but couldn’t explain
To any woman (or man) reading this and seeing themselves in Cassie’s story:
👉 You are not alone.👉 You are not crazy.👉 You are not to blame.
You Deserve Support
If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, please know there is help:
* National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE | thehotline.org
* StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483 | strongheartshelpline.org
* RAINN (Sexual Assault): 1-800-656-HOPE | rainn.org
* MyPlan App: myplanapp.org
You deserve safety, peace, and the chance to thrive — not just survive.
💖 Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Let’s continue standing together, speaking truth, and holding space for one another.
And Cassie — in the rare chance these words find their way to you:Thank you.Your bravery is helping thousands of survivors feel seen and validated.
Until next time, take care of your heart — and never stop rising and thriving.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit swendel.substack.com