The federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs continues to unravel explosive details, with key witnesses taking the stand and others setting the record straight about their involvement.
Aubrey O’Day Clears the Air
Former Danity Kane singer Aubrey O’Day, who rose to fame under Combs’ mentorship on MTV’s Making the Band, confirmed this week that she will not be testifying in the high-profile trial.
Speculation had swirled after she posted a video from New York City on May 14, captioned with a justice emoji, hinting she might appear in court.
However, in the premiere episode of the podcast Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present: Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial, the 41-year-old clarified, “No, I’m not here to testify for the Diddy trial, that I know of.”
She revealed she had been contacted by Homeland Security and attended a meeting with them, but insisted her trip to New York was personal.
Cassie Ventura’s Harrowing Testimony
The trial’s spotlight has largely remained on Combs’ ex-girlfriend and R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, whose emotional, four-day testimony detailed years of alleged abuse, control, and coercion during their decade-long relationship.
Ventura described how Combs dictated every aspect of her life — from personal relationships to career opportunities.
In one instance, she recalled receiving a message in 2012 asking if she could appear in a music video for rapper Common. Her response: “I’ll ask. I don’t know, he’ll probs say no lol.” As predicted, Combs forbade it.
Despite signing a 10-album deal with Combs’ label, Ventura testified that only one album was ever released, claiming his tight control stifled her career.
When asked what she spent most of her time doing, she heartbreakingly replied, “Basically a sex worker,” referring to the infamous “Freak Offs” — alleged drug-fueled, multi-day sex parties Combs reportedly orchestrated.
The judge later ordered that particular remark be stricken from the record.
A Pattern of Jealousy and Control
Throughout the week, Ventura painted a picture of a relationship dominated by jealousy and emotional abuse.
On Friday, May 16, during cross-examination, Combs’ attorney Anna Estevao questioned Ventura about a 2013 incident where Combs allegedly took her phone after suspecting she had danced with singer Chris Brown.
Ventura responded with a slight laugh, recalling, “I wasn’t dancing with Chris Brown.” Even when shown text exchanges about the incident, she maintained she didn’t remember many details besides Combs’ jealousy-driven outburst.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Ventura testified to other moments where Combs allegedly reacted violently or jealously when she interacted with other men.
She claimed that when he learned she was dating rapper Kid Cudi, Combs threatened to blow up his car, and during another encounter in 2016, he allegedly took her phone upon discovering she was dating an NFL player.
“He was trying to get in it and read my phone,” Ventura recounted.
Chris Brown’s Legal Woes
Ironically, Chris Brown, whose name surfaced in Ventura’s testimony, is currently facing legal troubles of his own.
The R&B singer was arrested in the UK this week and charged with grievous bodily harm following an alleged 2023 assault at a London nightclub. He remains in custody without bail.
The trial, which began on May 12, is expected to run for several weeks.
Federal prosecutors are building their case around Ventura’s testimony and a broader investigation into allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and abuse connected to Combs’ inner circle.
Combs faces five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
If convicted, the music mogul could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
As the case continues, the courtroom remains packed, with each day revealing more shocking details about one of hip hop’s most powerful figures and the darker side of the music industry.
