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    HomeEntertainmentCassie Ventura testimony to continue today in Sean "Diddy" Combs trial

    Cassie Ventura testimony to continue today in Sean “Diddy” Combs trial

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    When was Sean “Diddy” Combs arrested?

    Combs was arrested on Sept. 16, 2024 in New York City. The next day, he pleaded not guilty to federal sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution charges. 

    In the indictment, prosecutors alleged Combs was part of a criminal organization that engaged in or attempted to engage in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, obstruction of justice and other offenses since 2008. 

    Diddy performs at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in a special one night only event at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on November 07, 2023 in London, England.

    Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Sean Diddy Combs


    Combs’ legal team asked the judge to release him on bond, but the request was denied. Prosecutors argued at the time he “poses an ongoing and significant danger to the community, has repeatedly engaged in obstructive conduct, and presents a serious risk of flight.”

    He was later hit with additional charges in a superseding indictment. The 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty

    About three months before his arrest, Combs returned his key to New York City, honoring a request by Mayor Eric Adams after multiple people accused Combs of sexual abuse.


    By Mark Prussin

     

    Who else is in the courtroom?

    Combs’ family, including his mother and children, have been present with him in the courtroom so far in the trial. On the first day, his daughters briefly left the courtroom during graphic testimony involving sex acts.

    Sexual Misconduct Diddy

    Janice Combs, mother of Sean Diddy Combs, left center, arrives at Manhattan federal court, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in New York.

    Seth Wenig / AP


    Ventura’s husband and brother were on hand for her first day of testimony. 


    By Jesse Zanger

     

    Key moments from Ventura’s first day of testimony

    Ventura is a critical witness in the prosecution’s case against Combs, who has been accused of sexually assaulting, trafficking and exploiting women for decades until his arrest on multiple charges last September. The music mogul could receive a lifetime prison sentence if convicted on all of charges.

    Ventura is expected back on the stand Wednesday, and her testimony could last the entire week.

    Here are some key moments from her first day of testimony


    By Emily Mae Czachor

     

    Why is the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial not televised?

    Because Combs is being tried in federal court, no photos or videos from inside the courtroom are allowed. 

    The trial is not being live streamed or broadcast. 

    Sketch artists are allowed in the courtroom. 

    Sean

    Sean “Diddy” Combs watches as his former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura is sworn in as a prosecution witness before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian at Combs’ sex trafficking trial in New York, May 13, 2025 in this courtroom sketch.

    Jane Rosenberg / REUTERS


    CBS News New York’s Alice Gainer is providing real-time updates from court all day long in this blog. 


    By Jesse Zanger

     

    Who has testified in the trial so far?

    So far, jurors have heard from three witnesses. 

    diddy-sketches-0512-credit-jane-rosenberg-23.jpg

    Israel Florez testifies in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on May 12, 2025. 

    Jane Rosenberg


    Israel Florez was the very first witness to testify. He worked as a security manager at the hotel where Combs was caught on video beating Ventura and responded to the incident. He testified that, after the incident, Combs threw a stack of cash at him and told him not to tell anyone about it. 

    diddy-sketches-0512-credit-jane-rosenberg-28.jpg

    Daniel Phillip testifies in the sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs. 

    Jane Rosenberg


    Daniel Phillip was the second witness. He told jurors he was paid to have sex with Ventura and did so while Combs watched. He also testified that he witnessed Combs throw a bottle at Ventura and drag her by her hair into another room. 

    diddy-sketches-0513-credit-jane-rosenberg-14.jpg

    Cassie Ventura cries on the stand in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on May 13, 2025. 

    Jane Rosenberg


    On Tuesday, Ventura became the third witness to testify. She testified about how her relationship with Combs got started, how he suggested she start having sex with other men, that he could become violent, and that he provided drugs during the “freak offs,” which could last for days. 


    By Jesse Zanger

     

    What has Sean “Diddy” Combs been accused of?

    Federal prosecutors have charged Sean “Diddy” Combs with several crimes. 

    He’s been accused of sex trafficking as recently as last year, and using force, fraud or coercion to compel someone to engage in commercial sex acts. 

    Combs has been accused of transporting a woman and commercial sex workers in order to engage in prostitution. 

    He was initially charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

    In total, he faces five charges, and potentially decades in prison if convicted. 

    Combs has pleaded not guilty, and denies committing any crimes.


    By Jesse Zanger



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