Who is Ryan Leslie? Details explored as Cassie Ventura admits to cheating on ex with Diddy during s*x trafficking trial

On Diddy's fourth day of trial, which was on Thursday, May 15, 2024, Cassie Ventura, the star witness of the prosecution, was cross-examined by the defense team in the Manhattan court.

During the cross-examination, Cassie was asked about her relationship with Ryan Leslie, the singer, rapper, and record producer, who has worked on singles such as Addiction, and Diamond Girl.

Cassie confessed during the cross-examination that she was in a romantic relationship with Ryan Leslie when she first became intimate with Combs, as per Baller Alert. Cassie gave testimony in the court for over three consecutive days, where she detailed her relationship with Combs, the freak-offs, and the abuse she endured during the relationship.

Ryan Leslie and Cassie's relationship was explored during Diddy's trial

Thursday was the fourth day of Diddy's federal s*x trafficking trial, and his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura was cross-examined by the defense team. For the unversed, Cassie had filed a lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, alleging r*pe, and s*xual abuse.

During the fourth day of trial, Cassie was asked about her past relationship with the rapper Ryan Leslie. She told the court that she was in a relationship with Ryan for three years when she went to Miami to see Combs, and it was also the first time she was physically with Combs.

Cassie also testified that she tried to hide her meeting with Combs from Ryan. To do so, she used a professional excuse to travel to Miami, claiming that she had to make an appearance at a nightclub. She also said that to make her excuse sound real, she made fake flyers so that Ryan wouldn't doubt her, as per NBC News.

Ryan Leslie is a music producer who has released six solo albums, including Black Mozart, You Know My Speed, MZRT (Magnificently Zealous Renegade Takeover), and Transition, among others. Ryan and Cassie have collaborated at the early stages of Cassie's music career. He had founded a music-media company, called NextSelection Lifestyle Group, and had signed Cassie as his first artist in 2005.

Ryan had written and produced Cassie's 2006 debut single, Me & U, and the song had reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. He has also collaborated with high-profile celebrities, including Chris Brown, Diddy, Fabolous, Kanye West, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Usher. Ryan was also nominated as the Best Male R&B Artist and Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist in 2009.

This testimony Cassie gave on the fourth day of trial was a part of the defense team highlighting manipulation in Cassie's relationship with Combs. The trial also included Cassie sharing details of the freak-offs, drug use, Combs' violent behaviours, and jealousy in their relationship.

The judge also reminded the defense team to conclude their cross-examination by May 16, 2025, as Cassie is eight and a half months pregnant and could go into labor soon.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback