In Diddy’s sex trafficking trial, Dawn Richard testifies about witnessing a violent assault on Cassie Ventura in 2009, supporting claims of ongoing abuse.
During the ongoing federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, singer Dawn Richard testified on May 16, 2025, about witnessing a violent incident involving Combs and his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
Richard, a former member of the girl group Danity Kane, recounted a 2009 episode at Combs’ Los Angeles residence.
She described Combs becoming enraged over breakfast, attempting to strike Ventura with a skillet of eggs, and subsequently kicking her while she was on the ground.
Richard further testified that Combs dragged Ventura upstairs by her hair, amid sounds of breaking glass and yelling.
She expressed fear for both herself and Ventura during the incident.
The following day, Richard stated that Combs confined her and fellow bandmate Kalenna Harper in a studio, warning them against speaking about the incident.
He allegedly characterized the violence as “passion” and insinuated that “people go missing” if they talk, which Richard interpreted as a death threat.
Richard’s testimony aligns with allegations she made in a 2024 lawsuit against Combs, where she accused him of physical and sexual abuse.
Her statements also corroborate Ventura’s earlier testimony, wherein Ventura detailed years of physical and emotional abuse by Combs, including being coerced into drug-fueled sex parties known as “freak-offs.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution.
His defense team contends that the encounters were consensual and that the allegations are financially motivated.
The trial is set to resume on Monday, with Richard expected to continue her testimony.
