Cassie Ventura to testify in Sean Diddy Combs federal trial over sex trafficking and abuse allegations

Cassie Ventura will testify under her real name in the federal trial against her ex-boyfriend, Sean “Diddy” Combs, according to a court motion filed by Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky. The motion confirms Ventura—identified as Victim-1 in the indictment—has agreed to appear publicly when the trial begins on May 5.

Rolling Stone had previously identified Ventura as Victim-1 and stated she is the central figure in the case. Prosecutors allege that Combs led a “criminal enterprise” that used violence, threats, and manipulation to fulfill his sexual gratification, with Ventura being its primary target.

Other alleged victims—identified as Victim-2, Victim-3, and Victim-4—will testify anonymously, unlike Ventura. Prosecutors have requested that exhibits revealing their identities be sealed to protect them from media attention and avoid undue embarrassment.

Combs was arrested in September 2024 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and the transportation of individuals for prostitution. Two superseding indictments have since added further charges. He is currently incarcerated in New York City as he awaits trial.

Ventura initially filed a lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, accusing him of rape and long-term abuse. Although the case was settled within a day, it sparked a wave of legal complaints—over 60 lawsuits have been filed since. While Ventura has remained largely silent publicly, a 2016 surveillance video released by CNN appeared to show Combs assaulting her in a hotel hallway.