The second week of Sean "Diddy" Combs' Manhattan federal trial saw more witness testimony and fresh allegations of his reported abuse and criminal acts. The case, which involves sex trafficking and racketeering charges, has been in the spotlight because it involves well-known names such as Cassie Ventura, Kid Cudi, and many others.
The court is in recess for Memorial Day weekend and will reconvene on Tuesday. Prosecutors are building the case against Combs with a pattern of violence, abuse, and the utilization of his businesses to mask it. The defense is attempting to impeach the credibility of the witnesses.
Who testified in court, and what did they say?
As reported by The Columbian on May 23, 2025, several witnesses backed up earlier claims made by Cassie Ventura. Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, said she saw Combs physically assault Cassie multiple times. She described incidents where he hit, slapped, and even attacked her with a skillet. Richard also said Combs threatened her and another woman, warning them they “could go missing” if they spoke out.
Cassie’s mother, Regina, also gave testimony that supported her daughter’s account. She talked about seeing bruises on Cassie and shared stories about their communication during the relationship. Kerry Morgan, a longtime friend of Cassie, testified about a separate incident in 2018. She said Combs physically attacked her, left marks on her neck, and gave her a concussion.
According to AP News on May 24, 2025, rapper Kid Cudi described what happened after he briefly dated Cassie. He said Combs showed up at his house, unwrapped his gifts, and left his dog locked inside. Soon after, Cudi’s car was set on fire. He met with Combs the next day, but Combs denied any connection to the fire.
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What did employees of Diddy reveal?

As reported by Hollywood Reporter on May 22, 2025, former personal assistants George Kaplan and David James gave detailed accounts of what they were asked to do while working for Combs. They said they were sent to clean up after what Combs called “freak-offs,” which were sex parties involving drugs and alcohol. They were also asked to stock hotel rooms with Viagra, condoms, and lubricants.
Kaplan testified that he saw Combs assault Cassie on a private jet. He admitted he never reported the assault. Kaplan also said he disposed of drugs and helped cover up violent incidents while working for Combs. The testimonies from Kaplan and James were used by the prosecution to support the claim that Combs used his employees to help hide illegal actions.
As reported by 1News on May 24, 2025, the prosecution is using these statements to suggest that Combs’ businesses and staff were used to support a pattern of abuse and criminal behavior. These claims are important to the racketeering charges, which require proof of a criminal operation.
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What is the prosecution trying to prove, and how is the defense responding?

According to The Jamaica Gleaner on May 24, 2025, the prosecution is trying to show that Diddy ran a criminal enterprise using his music empire. They say he used his staff, companies, and money to abuse women, control witnesses, and hide illegal activities. The charges include sex trafficking, racketeering, extortion, and witness tampering.
One major piece of information was the claim that Diddy kept private recordings of people that could be used as blackmail. Prosecutors say this was part of how he kept people silent. They also pointed to incidents involving guns, arson, and threats as tools of intimidation.
As reported by The New York Post on May 22, 2025, Diddy’s lawyers are focused on challenging the credibility of the witnesses. They are questioning their motives and the accuracy of their memories. Combs has denied all charges and claims he is being targeted unfairly. The defense will soon begin to present its own evidence and witnesses.
The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs is only in its beginning stages, but the second week brought a lot of new depth to the case. Testimony from former employees, friends, and celebrities has created a picture of purported abuse and control. The prosecution is attempting to reveal that Combs took advantage of his fame and fortune to act beyond the law.
With the court scheduled to resume on Tuesday, additional witnesses are anticipated. The case is being closely monitored, and the verdict may hinge on whether or not the witnesses are believed by the jury. If convicted, Diddy could spend his life behind bars.