The sex trafficking trial of rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs began, with prosecutors alleging he used fame and violence to abuse women.
Combs, 55, denies charges including running drug-fueled sex parties and committing violence against women over two decades. Prosecutors allege he used his team to conceal crimes. Two former girlfriends, specifically Cassie Ventura, are central to the prosecution’s case.
Who is Cassie Ventura?
The former longtime partner of Sean, Cassie Ventura is expected to testify Tuesday in his ongoing sex trafficking trial in New York. Her anticipated appearance follows key testimony on Monday from LAPD Officer Israel Florez, who described witnessing Combs assaulting Ventura in a Century City hotel hallway in 2016.
Born in New London, Connecticut, Ventura, 38 entered the modelling world at 14. She began her music career after connecting with producer Ryan Leslie in 2004, later signing with Diddy’s Bad Boy Records. Her breakout single “Me and U” launched in 2006, followed by her debut album and collaborations with major artists including Lil Wayne and Akon.
Cassie’s relationship with Combs began in 2007 and ended in 2018. During that period, she expanded her career into film, appearing in Step Up 2: The Streets (2008) and contributing to its soundtrack. In 2016, she co-starred in The Perfect Match and later appeared on the television series Empire.
After separating from Combs, Ventura married Alex Fine in 2019. They have two daughters and are expecting a third child. In November 2023, Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, accusing him of subjecting her to years of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking throughout their relationship.
