During her cross-examination in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking trial, Cassie Ventura revealed that the couple had struggled with addiction throughout their 11-year relationship, which allegedly culminated in a 2012 overdose by Diddy. The 38-year-old singer testified on Thursday, May 15, 2025, detailing a period marked by substance abuse and tumultuous events.

According to Ventura's testimony, the alleged overdose occurred after a night that included a "freak-off," a visit to a sex club in San Bernardino, and a party at the Playboy Mansion in February 2012. Ventura stated that Diddy told her he had taken a "really strong opioid" that night, leading to a hospital visit. She also confirmed that both she and Diddy were "very much" addicted to painkillers during their relationship.

Diddy's lawyer questioned Ventura about his alleged substance abuse and whether it fueled violent behavior. Ventura confirmed that Diddy would sometimes abuse her while intoxicated and later claim to not remember it. She also acknowledged that she and Diddy referred to each other as "Get High Partners" and that she had taken drugs from him without his knowledge. Ventura further testified that Diddy eventually instructed drug dealers in Los Angeles to stop supplying her with narcotics.

Ventura described her struggle with drug use, stating, "It was a rough time," and recounted an incident where she "lost all sense of smell and taste and woke up in a hospital with an IV in my arm," after which she attempted to seek help. She testified that she and Combs had a difficult relationship with drugs, and that "If we weren't getting high or if I wasn't doing it with him, it was a problem". She also confirmed that Combs was "explosive" when he found out she was doing drugs with friends or took his drugs without him knowing.

Cassie's testimony is part of an ongoing trial where Sean Combs has been accused of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial began on May 5, 2025, and Ventura, the prosecution's star witness, has been providing detailed accounts of her time with Combs, including allegations of physical and sexual abuse, manipulation, and coercion into participating in drug-fueled sexual encounters. Prosecutors have alleged that Combs and his inner circle used threats, violence, drugs, bribery, arson, kidnapping, and lies to coerce Ventura and another woman into participating in "Freak Offs" and to protect the music mogul's reputation.

Combs is also facing numerous civil lawsuits with accusations of sexual misconduct dating back to 1990. The allegations include rape, drug-facilitated sexual assault, and sexual harassment. Opening statements and witness testimony commenced on May 12, 2025.