Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently on trial in federal court on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. A high-profile case that has attracted intense media scrutiny, it is the state’s case of serious, felony accusations against the famous musician and entrepreneur. As the highly publicized, historic trial goes on, federal prosecutors and defense attorneys are preparing to try their cases. At this point, over 16 different witnesses have provided their testimonies.
The hearings have featured testimonies from a number of high-profile actors. One of them is musician Dawn Richard, who opened up about her past experiences with Combs. Three of Combs’s former assistants have testified, providing further insights into the inner workings of his operations. Cassie Ventura, who is an important figure in Combs’s life, took the stand. Her romantic partnership with Combs lasted from 2007 until 2018. For most of those years, she stated she had gone through physical abuse and emotional abuse.
Throughout the trial, one of the plaintiffs— a woman referred to as “Jane”— provided compelling testimony. In talking about her experience with Combs that began in 2020, the woman alleged that Combs forced her to participate in “freak-offs.” These gatherings, she asserted, included drugs and male escorts, with Combs reportedly facilitating and directing it all. Her testimony included accounts of violence and blackmail that indicated Combs had significant control of her activities.
In particular, Bryana Bongolan gave emotional testimony regarding her close friendship with Cassie Ventura. She described a disturbing attack from 2016. Combs is accused of hanging her over the ledge of Ventura’s L.A. 17th-story flat for 10-15 seconds. Bongolan, following this scary incident, placed her on the balcony furniture.
“I will never forget him holding me on that balcony.” – Bryana Bongolan
Day the rapper Scott Mescudi, aka Kid Cudi, speaks during trial. His testimony carried great weight in the already historic proceedings. This testimony and line of questioning only served to further complicate the prosecution’s case against Combs. From the start of this testimony period, Judge Arun Subramanian has been strict in keeping courtroom decorum. He recently threatened to kick Combs off the court. He became concerned after seeing Combs grimace and make facial expressions and nod toward the jury while witnesses were testifying.
“There should be no efforts whatsoever to have an interaction with this jury.” – Judge Arun Subramanian
With the trial expected to wrap up soon, prosecutors have signaled that they will likely rest their case next week. Moving on from here the defense will likely start calling its own witnesses to rebut the case that has been alleged against Combs. Whatever the result of this trial, the stakes are enormous for Combs’s personal and professional fortunes.