Who is Cassie Ventura? A key witness in Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ federal trial

R&B singer Cassie Ventura is set to testify in the high-profile federal sex crimes trial of her former partner, Sean "Diddy" Combs.

The trial, which began on May 12, 2025, in a Manhattan federal court, marks a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into serious allegations involving one of the most influential figures in the music industry.

Cassie, best known for her 2006 hit "Me & You," is a central figure in the case. She is expected to provide key testimony about the 11-year relationship she had with Combs, during which she alleges she was subjected to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

Now married to personal trainer Alex Fine and eight months pregnant, Cassie's upcoming testimony is anticipated to shed light on the internal dynamics of a relationship that prosecutors claim was marked by coercion and violence.

Allegations Against Sean Combs

The federal indictment charges Combs with multiple counts, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation with intent to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in September 2024 and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial has drawn significant media attention due to the severity of the allegations and Combs’ stature as a major figure in both the hip-hop and pop music industries.

During the opening day of the trial, jurors were shown surveillance footage from a 2016 incident in which Combs was allegedly seen beating Cassie in the elevator area of a hotel. Prosecutors allege that Combs used his influence in the entertainment industry to manipulate and exploit women for orchestrated sexual encounters, sometimes involving male escorts, known in the case as "Freak Offs."

Cassie previously filed a civil lawsuit in 2023 alleging that Combs forced her into sex acts, drug use, and subjected her to violent abuse. Although the lawsuit was settled privately, it prompted further investigations, leading to the current federal charges and additional civil complaints from other alleged victims.

The Defense Responds

Combs’ defense attorney, Teny Geragos, maintains that all interactions between Combs and Cassie were consensual and that she chose to remain in the relationship for over a decade. Geragos told the court, “She made a choice every single day for years — a choice to stay with him, a choice to fight for him.” The defense also emphasized that Cassie left the relationship voluntarily and later married someone else.

The trial is expected to include testimonies from multiple witnesses, including former associates and individuals involved in the music and fashion industries. Prosecutors will aim to prove a pattern of abuse and exploitation, while the defense will seek to discredit those claims as part of a consensual and complicated relationship.

Broader Impact on the Music Industry

This trial has reignited discussions about abuse of power in the entertainment world, particularly in the hip-hop and pop music scenes. Similar to the fallout from the #MeToo movement in Hollywood, the music industry is now facing increased scrutiny around accountability, artist welfare, and ethical standards.

Sean Combs faces up to life in prison if convicted. The proceedings are ongoing, and more testimonies, including Cassie’s, are expected in the coming days.