Diddy trial update: CNN legal analyst says Deonte Nash's testimony on Cassie “directly contradicts” defense claims

The ongoing trial of Sean Diddy Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, P-Diddy, or just Diddy, has captured the world’s attention. The trial, which began officially on May 5 with Jury selection and opening arguments and witness testimonies on May 12, has received countless analyses from several legal advisers and legal analysts.

Sean Diddy Combs has pleaded not guilty to all five felony charges, including racketeering, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and two counts of sex trafficking. At the time of writing this article, 21 witnesses have testified during the trial, including the prosecution’s star witness, Cassie Ventura.

Following the testimony of one of the witnesses, Deonte Nash, who worked with Combs as a stylist for Ventura, CNN legal analyst Areva Martin dropped her two cents on the case's progress. According to Areva, Deonte’s testimony “directly contradicts” defense claims. She explains that Deonte’s testimony about hearing Combs’ threat to Cassie about releasing her sexually explicit videos is a “very important part of the prosecution’s case."

As reported by CNN, Areva Martin says:

“The prosecution has to prove that Cassie Ventura was forced, was coerced, to engage in commercial sex acts. We’ve heard the defense’s claim –– their defense is that, no, she willingly participated in these ‘Freak-offs’ because she wanted to please Sean Combs and she was in love with him –– but this directly contradicts that theory.”

Areva further explains that Nash, who was subpoenaed on May 28, is “a very credible witness” who has strong ties to both Combs and Ventura. Parts of his testimony have been key for the prosecution.

More details on Deonte Nash’s testimony at Sean Diddy Combs' trial

Deonte Nash, who served as a stylist for Sean Combs and Cassie Ventura from 2008 to 2018, took the witness stand at Combs's highly followed trial on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and concluded his testimony on Thursday, May 29, 2025. During his time on the stand, Nash spoke about the complex relationship he had with the founder of Bad Boy Records.

He told the court about an alleged incident that happened around 2013 and 2014. He claimed that Combs had burst into Cassie’s L.A apartment where he and another assistant, who testified on Thursday under the pseudonym Mia, were helping Ventura pack for a trip. He testified that Cassie was asleep when the rapper entered her room and started yelling about the singer not answering her phone.

Read more: Diddy's lawyers reportedly ask for a mistrial, judges dismisses the motion

Deonte said that Sean Combs began to hit her and kick her. He added that at a point, he and Mia had to step in to stop it. He claimed that they jumped on the music mogul’s back but were thrown off, and he continued his assault on Cassie.

Nash testified that Ventura eventually hit her head against the bed frame and started bleeding. He reported that when Puff saw the blood, he turned to himself and Mia and said:

“Look what y’all made me do,” Nash reported to the Jury.

Nash also testified about witnessing Combs threaten Cassie to release sexually explicit videos of her to her relatives and her parents’ employers. According to the stylist, Combs also threatened Ventura’s musical career.

Read more: Diddy trial recap: What happened on Day 11 of testimony? Key highlights explored

Deonte Nash is one of several Combs’ employees who have taken the stand, including former Personal Assistants David James, George Kaplan, Capricorn Clark, Mia, and former Makeup Artist Mylah Morales.

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