Diddy accused of making death threats and abusing Cassie, as Dawn Richard testifies in federal trafficking trial.
American singer Dawn Richard has delivered powerful testimony in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing federal sex trafficking trial.
She accused the music mogul of making violent threats and abusing his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, told the court that Combs was physically abusive.
She described a 2009 incident in Los Angeles, where she saw him kick Cassie, drag her by the hair, and punch her in the mouth.
She also testified that Combs threatened witnesses with deadly consequences if they spoke out.
According to Richard, he said, “People will die if they don’t listen.” She interpreted this as a direct death threat.
Combs is currently facing charges for sex trafficking, racketeering, and other federal crimes.
He has pleaded not guilty.
Richard said that after the incident with Cassie, Combs locked her and singer Kalenna Harper in a studio.
He allegedly warned them not to talk, telling them “people go missing.” The statement left her fearing for her life.
Dawn Richard testified that these acts were not isolated. She claimed they reflected a long-standing pattern of abuse and intimidation.
Cassie Ventura, who had earlier settled a civil lawsuit with Combs, had also alleged years of physical and emotional abuse.
Her claims included forced participation in drug-fueled “freak-offs,” a term for sex parties that Combs reportedly organized.
Diddy’s legal team denies all the allegations.
They argue the encounters were consensual and accuse the witnesses of seeking financial gain.
Federal prosecutors, however, say the testimonies from Ventura, Richard, and others form a consistent picture of abuse.
They believe Combs used money, drugs, and threats to control women.
Dawn Richard is expected to continue testifying as the trial proceeds.
The court will resume hearing on the case later this week.
Public reaction to the trial remains intense, as more disturbing details continue to emerge.
