The ongoing sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has brought forth shocking allegations of violence and control, with a recent focus on an incident involving a hammer and his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. According to testimony delivered in a New York court, Combs allegedly used a hammer to attempt to break into Ventura's Los Angeles apartment in 2016, following an assault that occurred at the InterContinental Hotel.
Kerry Morgan, Ventura's former best friend, provided a harrowing account of the events. She testified that after the hotel assault, which was captured on surveillance video, Ventura arrived at her apartment with a black eye and other injuries. About 30 minutes later, Combs appeared at the apartment, allegedly wielding a hammer and attempting to smash his way inside. Morgan described the scene as "terrifying," stating that she was "freaking out" while Ventura seemed "numb." Morgan recounted that she didn't believe Ventura "cared if [Sean Combs] came in and killed her." Although Combs did not gain entry to the apartment, police arrived approximately three hours later. However, no complaint was filed.
Morgan's testimony extended beyond the hammer incident, detailing other instances of alleged abuse she either witnessed or experienced herself at the hands of Combs. She testified that in 2018, Combs attacked her from behind in Ventura's Hollywood Hills apartment, choking her and hitting her with a wooden hanger after accusing Ventura of cheating. Morgan said she sustained a concussion and sought medical treatment following the assault. She also recounted witnessing Combs physically abuse Ventura on multiple occasions, including an incident in Jamaica where he allegedly dragged her by her hair down a hallway because she was taking too long in the bathroom.
The alleged hammer incident and other instances of violence paint a picture of Combs as a controlling and abusive figure. Morgan's testimony supports Ventura's claims of a tumultuous and damaging relationship marked by physical and emotional abuse. Ventura herself testified that Combs subjected her to physical abuse, including hitting her head, knocking her over, dragging, kicking, and stomping her. She also stated that Combs coerced her into participating in "freak off" sex performances with male escorts, which left her feeling "disgusting" and "horrible."
Dawn Richard, a singer who was part of the group Danity Kane, has also testified, stating that she witnessed Combs attack Ventura on multiple occasions, including an incident where he allegedly punched and kicked her after attempting to hit her with a skillet. Richard further claimed that Combs threatened her, implying that she could "go missing" if she spoke about what she saw.
The trial has also delved into the financial aspects of Ventura's relationship with Combs. It was revealed that Ventura received a $20 million settlement from Combs in 2023 following her lawsuit accusing him of rape, abuse, and coercion. Ventura testified that she would give back the $20 million if it meant she never had to participate in the "humiliating" drug-fueled sex parties.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His defense team has attempted to portray Ventura as an eager participant in the sexual lifestyle, but Ventura maintains that she was coerced into these acts due to threats and violence. The trial is ongoing, and the outcome remains to be seen. However, the testimonies presented thus far have shed light on the alleged abuse and control that Ventura and others experienced during their relationship with Sean "Diddy" Combs.
