Key witnesses who influenced Sean Diddy Combs trial verdict

Cassie Ventura and other witnesses detailed abuse, coercion, and intimidation, shaping the jury's decision.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ seven-week federal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy concluded with a partial conviction, shaped significantly by the testimony of five central witnesses.

The 55-year-old music mogul was found guilty of two prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, which could have resulted in a life sentence. He was arrested in September 2024 and had pleaded not guilty to all five charges.

The case relied heavily on emotional and graphic testimony from those who claimed to have experienced or witnessed Combs’ alleged abuse and coercion.

Cassie Ventura (Former Girlfriend)

Singer Cassie Ventura, who dated Combs from 2007 to 2018, was considered the prosecution’s key witness. She testified that Combs physically abused and manipulated her into participating in “freak-offs” drug-fueled sex marathons involving escorts, which he allegedly orchestrated, directed, and sometimes recorded.

Ventura also described being blackmailed with video threats, financially controlled, and raped following their breakup. The defense argued she was a consenting partner, citing affectionate messages and a $20 million civil settlement.

“Jane” (Anonymous Ex-Girlfriend)

Identified only as “Jane,” this former partner testified that she participated in similar “hotel nights” during her relationship with Combs from 2021 until his 2024 arrest. She said she felt compelled due to Combs paying her rent and threatening to expose explicit videos.

Although the defense highlighted messages suggesting consent and continued affection, Jane said she feared losing her home and was acting under pressure.

“Mia” (Former Assistant)

Mia, a former assistant, testified that Combs sexually assaulted her multiple times during her employment. She said she felt powerless to say no, fearing retaliation.

Combs’ attorneys pointed to past praise she had posted on social media, referring to him as a “mentor” and “inspiration.”

Kid Cudi (Rapper)

Rapper Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi testified that Combs broke into his home in 2011 after learning of Cudi’s brief relationship with Ventura. He claimed Combs was behind a later firebombing of his car — an accusation the defense denied.

Capricorn Clark (Former Employee)

Clark testified that Combs showed up at her home holding a gun and forced her to accompany him to Kid Cudi’s residence, saying, “We’re going to go kill him.” She claimed she was kidnapped and threatened, and also recounted being subjected to polygraphs and physical intimidation during her employment.

The defense challenged the kidnapping claim and pointed out that Clark returned to work for Combs multiple times.

These witnesses collectively painted a portrait of coercion and abuse, forming the backbone of the government’s case. Their testimony played a key role in the jury’s final decision.