In the high-profile criminal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, the defense team has accused Cassie Ventura, a key witness and former partner, of lying about being raped in 2018. The case is now with the jury.
Ventura previously testified that Combs raped her in her living room after a dinner in Malibu, describing the incident as sudden, violent, and non-consensual. She said she clearly said “no,” but Combs ignored her protests.
During closing arguments, Combs’ attorney argued the encounter was consensual, suggesting that Ventura fabricated the story to hide an affair with her now-husband. The defense labeled her claim part of a larger attempt to damage Combs’ reputation.
The prosecution strongly disputed that narrative, highlighting Ventura’s emotional testimony and detailing her trauma, PTSD, and years of alleged abuse. They reminded jurors of hotel surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura, a video Combs has since apologized for.
Ventura accepted a $20 million civil settlement from Combs, which he settled without admitting guilt.
Combs currently faces multiple federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and assault. He has denied the rape allegation but admitted wrongdoing in the 2016 incident, claiming he’s since sought therapy and personal reform.
The jury is now deliberating, tasked with weighing sharply conflicting accounts in a trial that could shape the legacy of one of hip-hop’s biggest names.
