⁷Diddy Trial End of Week 1 and Week 2
- tlreignsbooks
- Jun 19
- 15 min read
Updated: Jun 25
5/16 WK 1 Special Agent Testifies
at Diddy Trial
Special Agent Yasin Binda of Homeland Security Investigations testified that the search of Sean Combs room at the Park Hyatt had illegal drugs. A pill bottle containing clonazepam prescribed to Frank Black, the alias Cassie said Combs uses, glassine bags containing pink powder that tested positive for Ketamine and MDMA, and more the agent testified. Nine bottles of baby oil, bottles lube, and $9,000 in cash.
Dawn Richard Testifies at Sean “Diddy” Combs Federal Sex Trafficking, Prostitution, and Racketeering Trial
The prosecution Ms. Slavik established Dawn Richard’s connection to Diddy immediately on this Friday afternoon. From 2004 to 2011 Dawn worked for Diddy. She was a member of Diddy’s group Dirty Money from 2009 to 2011. In 2009 she said “Cassie was attacked by Sean Combs and kicked.” Ms. Slavik asked, “Where was it?” Dawn answered, “In Sean Combs' LA home, we were recording. Sean was cursing about where his food was. He grabbed a black skillet with eggs in it and tried to hit Cassie over the head with it. Cassie dropped to the floor and went into a fetal position.” Ms. Slavik asked, “Then what?” Dawn said “Sean was kicking her in the head, back and her body. He dragged her by her hair up the stairs to the first floor. I heard breaking glass and yelling. I was scared for Cassie and for me.” Ms. Slavik went on, “The next day what happened?” Dawn answered, Cassie said, “That it had been passionate and she was okay. That it would be better if we didn’t talk. That people could end up missing.” How did you understand that?” Dawn said, “Death.” The defense yelled, “Objection!” And the Judge sent everyone home for the weekend.
Week Two Diddy Trial
Former Diddy Dirty Money Member Dawn Richard and Cassie’s Former Best Friend Kerry Morgan Testifies to Abuse in Sean Combs Trial
By T.L. Reigns
Dawn Richard Continues her Testimony-May 19
Ms. Slavik continued the prosecution’s direct examination with Dawn. There were several times that Dawn, along with other employees witnessed Sean Combs physically assaulting Cassie. He even told her that “It's a love and passion thing. You better not say anything. Where I’m from people could go missing…”
Dawn took that as “people could die.” She told Cassie would get hit for speaking her mind. Dawn decided that she would speak to Sean in a soft tone and called him bro. She was afraid of Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Defense Cross-Examination by
Ms. Westmoreland
On cross-examination with Ms. Westmoreland it was shown that out of all the meetings Dawn had with the prosecution she never told them about: observing Diddy doing cocaine or buying drugs, or seeing Cassie getting dragged out of the car and punched in the face, and there were three different stories about the black frying pan incident, or being threatened by Diddy. Dawn sounded confused and there were questions that Ms. Westmoreland didn’t let her finish answering. Dawn was asked about her civil lawsuit against Sean Combs. It doesn’t look like she’s a credible witness after Ms. Westmoreland is done.
Side Bar
Ms. Steiner from the prosecution asked for a sidebar. It was decided that the defense opened the door asking questions about Dawn’s civil lawsuit. The prosecution can ask questions broadening the scope to ask Dawn the reasons why she filed the lawsuit.
Prosecution Redirect by Ms. Steiner
On redirect Dawn was allowed to clarify her answers and she didn’t review any information from the meetings at the prosecutor's office. She was adamant that she informed the prosecutor’s office of the events as she remembered them. She had blocked those memories from her mind.
Re-cross-examination
Ms. Westmoreland asked Dawn about her being compensated by getting money like that was all she wanted. Dawn said she wanted justice and she wanted what was owed to her for her work.
The defense made the jurors question Dawn's credibility.
Witness Kerry Morgan May 19
Kerry, former best friend of Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, described multiple incidents of abuse she witnessed during Cassie’s relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs. Kerry recalled that before meeting Diddy, Cassie was sober, vibrant, and focused on modeling and music. That changed drastically after their relationship began.
Kerry testified that Diddy allegedly regularly belittled Cassie, calling her names and criticizing her appearance. She described two assaults she personally witnessed: one in Hollywood Hills where Diddy kicked Cassie while sober, and another in Jamaica, where he dragged Cassie by her hair for nearly 50 feet. After fleeing into the woods, the women hid in a ditch for hours.
She also recounted a March 2016 incident in which Cassie sat bruised and wearing a hoodie as Diddy banged on their door with a hammer. When Kerry tried to defend Cassie during a later confrontation, Diddy allegedly struck her with a wooden hanger and choked her while threatening to kill her.
Kerry said Cassie later gave her $30,000 to stay silent, along with an NDA. The two haven’t spoken since 2018.
Cross Examination by Marc Agnifilo
On cross-examination, Kerry stood by her account, adding that Cassie looked like she was “just waiting to die” during the hammer incident.
Week 2 Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial
Former Combs Employee Testifies About Drugs, Control, and Guns
By T.L. Reigns
David, a former personal assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs from 2007 to 2009, described a high-pressure, chaotic environment marked by drugs, surveillance, and control. Working 20-hour days, David traveled with Combs and was deeply involved in his private affairs. He recalled Combs referring to longtime partner Kim Porter as “my queen” and describing Cassie as “young and moldable,” revealing a disturbing level of control over her life and music. When David once asked Cassie why she didn’t leave, she responded, “Sean controls my life… he pays for my apartment.”
David recounted stocking hotel rooms with red lights, sex toys, baby oil, drugs, both legal and illegal, and other personal items for Combs. He admitted to procuring drugs from a dealer named Onestop for Combs and his friends. At parties, David alledges he witnessed Combs using ecstasy and once heard him remark about keeping a video of David “Diddy Bopping” on drugs as possible leverage.
One harrowing moment involved a late-night encounter at Mel’s Diner with Suge Knight. David, driving with Combs’ associate D-Rock, described an escalating confrontation involving firearms and four black SUVs. Afterward, at Combs’ home, Cassie emerged crying. Combs carried three guns, and they switched cars to avoid detection.
Under cross-examination, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo questioned David’s credibility and motivations. When asked why some details weren’t in earlier statements, David said the prosecutor advised him not to say anything self-incriminating. He admitted to signing a proffer agreement, which offers limited immunity. David also testified that Combs preferred hotel expenses not be recorded through the business, to avoid leaving a trail.
David ultimately resigned, fearing for his safety, but stayed on six months to train his replacement.
Cassie’s Mother Testifies: Threats, Bruises, and a $20K Demand
By T.L. Reigns
Regina Ventura, the mother of Cassie Ventura, delivered powerful testimony about her daughter’s troubled relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs. Cassie signed with Bad Boy Records in 2006. Regina recalled meeting Combs in he served as Cassie’s boss and label head. After the couple began dating, they relocated to Los Angeles.
Suspicious after reading a blind item online, Regina once asked Cassie if Combs had hit her in a car. Cassie denied it at the time. However, Regina years later in 2011 received a chilling email from her daughter detailing threats Combs had made. He allegedly warned Cassie that he would release two explicit sex tapes, one on Christmas Day and another shortly after, and that he would have someone physically harm both her and her then-boyfriend, artist Scott “Kid Cudi” Mascudi, while Combs was out of the country.
Regina also received a direct email from Combs demanding $20,000, claiming he had spent money on Cassie and needed to be reimbursed. He was angry that Cassie was in a relationship with Cudi. Fearing for their daughter’s safety, Regina and her husband took out a home equity loan from Charter Oak Federal Credit Union. They wired the money to a Bad Boy bank account provided by Combs’ bookkeeper, but it was returned several days later.
When Cassie returned home, Regina saw extensive bruising on her daughter’s body. She photographed the injuries, and those images were entered into evidence and shown to the jury.
In another disturbing moment from April 2012, Regina witnessed Combs intimidate a woman named Mia for laughing, leaving her pale, afraid and visibly shaken. On Cassie’s 30th birthday, a confrontation unfolded outside her apartment after Combs confiscated her phone. Regina demanded it back. Though he returned the phone, he reportedly took Cassie’s Jaguar.
The defense declined to cross-examine Regina Ventura.
Week 2 Testimony, May 20 Continued Sean “Diddy” Combs Federal Racketeering, Sex Trafficking, Transportation for Prostitution Trial
Week 2 Testimony – May 20
One of the more unusual witnesses to take the stand during the first week of testimony in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial was Sharay Hayes—an exotic dancer and sex worker known by his nickname, “The Punisher.” Hayes testified that he was hired in 2012 to perform in a highly choreographed and extended sexual scenario for Combs and singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. At the time of the booking, Hayes said he had no idea who his clients were.
Hayes told the court that the nickname “The Punisher” came from his basketball days playing on West 4th Street in New York. When he arrived at the Trump Tower hotel for the engagement, he found Cassie in the bathroom, wearing nothing but a wig. She explained that she and her husband wanted to create an intimate scene involving baby oil, then handed Hayes $800.
He recounted that Cassie told him, “We’re not going to acknowledge or look at him,” referring to Diddy. When Combs entered the room, he was dressed in a hajib—a head covering typically worn by Muslim women—with only his eyes visible. Hayes also noticed he was holding a bottle of Astroglide lubricant, which Hayes recognized from personal use.
He testified that he saw the couple eight to twelve more times over the next four years, ending around 2016. It wasn’t until later that he realized the man he had seen was Sean Combs, after coming across photos of Combs and Cassie together on Instagram.
Hayes stated that while he sometimes observed Cassie sigh or wince during Combs’ sexual directions, it did not appear that she was being forced to participate. He made it clear he never saw any cameras, violence, or drug use. Hayes said he was offered alcohol and marijuana, but never witnessed Combs or Cassie using drugs, nor did he use any himself in their presence.
He did, however, describe feeling pressure to perform during the encounters, admitting he eventually began taking medication to assist. In 2016, after failing to perform, he was never contacted again.
Cross-Examination by Xavier Donaldson
During cross-examination, defense attorney Xavier Donaldson questioned Hayes about his current business and past involvement with Combs and Cassie. Hayes confirmed he is now a co-owner of a male dance agency and that all dancers under him work as independent contractors. With nearly 30 years in the exotic dancing industry, Hayes maintained professionalism in his responses.
Donaldson raised a note from government investigators suggesting Hayes had developed feelings for Cassie. Hayes firmly denied the claim, stating that any such implication was taken out of context. “We were cordial,” he said.
Hayes also testified that he wrote a self-help book titled In Search of Freezer Meat, which addressed his struggles with erectile dysfunction. In the book, he referred to Combs and Ventura only as “the wealthy couple,” choosing not to name them directly. He reiterated that he never saw Cassie intoxicated or using drugs.
Hayes’ testimony offered a unique perspective into the sexual dynamics surrounding Combs and Ventura, and will likely play a role in how the jury interprets the broader pattern of behavior alleged by federal prosecutors.
May 21- Week 2 Testimony
Diddy Trial – Homeland Security Agent Describes Raid on Star Island Mansion
May 2025 – In powerful testimony this week, Special Agent Gerald Gannon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Miami described the execution of the March 2024 raid on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Miami residence.
Gannon, who works in HSI’s National Security and Human Trafficking Unit, testified that his team, focused on sex and labor trafficking investigations, led the planning and coordination of the raid. Due to concerns about armed security, the operation included armed federal agents, surveillance of the waterfront, and boats stationed around the property on Star Island.
During the search, agents discovered an underground storage area leading to the pool, and in a closet, they found:
Large semi-automatic firearms, including parts of two AR-15 rifles
Loaded magazines
Adult toys
15 pairs of 7-inch high heels
Serial numbers removed from the weapons
The presence of scratched-off serial numbers raised red flags about criminal possession and intent, with investigators noting that Mr. Combs was not under the influence at the time, which could strengthen arguments regarding conscious intent.
This testimony adds to the government’s effort to portray a pattern of control, danger, and calculated actions surrounding Mr. Combs’ private conduct.
May 21 Testimony
Sean “Diddy” Combs Federal Sex trafficking, Transportation of Prostitutes, and Racketeering trail
By T.L. Reigns
Dr. Dawn Hughes
Clinical and Forensic Psychologist-Expert Witness
Forensic Psychologist Explains Why Victims Stay in Abusive Relationships
Dr. Dawn Hughes, a forensic psychologist with over 30 years of experience, testified this week as an expert witness in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. She was called by the prosecution to educate the jury on the psychological dynamics of domestic violence, sexual abuse, coercive control, and trauma bonding.
Dr. Hughes made it clear she had not evaluated any of the parties involved in the case and was instead testifying as a blind expert to provide general insight on abuse and trauma. When asked why many victims remain in abusive relationships, Dr. Hughes explained, “There are psychological bonds, and psychological consequences, that make it very difficult to leave.”
She emphasized that abuse does not have to be constant or physically violent to be damaging. "Fear can come from many levels. It doesn’t have to be ongoing physical violence. Psychological abuse—like intimidation, throwing things, or restricting freedom—can be equally powerful," she testified. However, the defense objected, and some of her responses were later struck from the record.
Dr. Hughes described coercive control as a common feature in abusive relationships, though the court limited her ability to elaborate on that topic. When discussing sexual abuse, she noted it often instills profound fear and psychological distress in victims. “Shame and degradation make it harder to think clearly or leave. Many victims don’t want to label their partner as an abuser,” she said.
She explained that emotional and financial control also trap victims, citing examples like controlling housing, transportation, and access to technology. In one example, she said, “Taking away her laptop may seem minor, but it removes independence.” That portion was objected to and sustained by the judge.
Dr. Hughes introduced the concept of “love bombing”, a honeymoon phase where an abuser overwhelms the victim with affection and gifts to regain control. “This pattern makes it harder to leave. It can take victims multiple attempts to finally break away,” she said.
When asked about common coping strategies, Dr. Hughes said many victims “try to work things out” due to trauma bonding. Others appease or placate the abuser to prevent another episode. “Victims often return to the ‘good’ version of their partner, the one they still love,” she testified.
She also described minimization, a psychological defense in which victims excuse the abuse, blaming it on the abuser having a bad day or being intoxicated. “This is a short-term coping mechanism,” she said. “But it increases the risk and allows the abuse to continue.”
Dr. Hughes discussed both passive and active self-defense. Passive tactics include curling up or blocking blows, while active tactics may involve throwing objects or hitting back. “Self-defense is often an attempt to survive, but it can lead to more severe injury for the victim,” she explained.
When asked when victims typically speak out, Dr. Hughes said disclosure often happens only in safe environments or after therapy. Victims tend to speak in minimizing or fragmented terms, remembering core details like smells, sounds, or textures, but not always linear facts. “Trauma affects memory. They remember the gist, not every detail,” she said.
She noted that abuse by strangers is more likely to be reported than abuse by intimate partners. “The closer the relationship, the less likely a victim will disclose,” Hughes testified.
Under cross-examination, defense attorney Jonathan Bach asked Dr. Hughes about her professional observations. She acknowledged that victims of abuse often use substances, such as narcotics, to cope with anxiety and fear. Bach asked if she was familiar with malingering, faking or exaggerating symptoms. Dr. Hughes confirmed she was and that she is trained to assess it if relevant.
Her testimony is expected to help jurors understand the psychological complexities behind Cassie Ventura’s long-term relationship with Combs, and the patterns of behavior prosecutors allege are consistent with abuse, coercion, and trauma bonding.
Diddy Trial Days May 21: Former Assistant George Kaplan Testifies About Violence, Cash, and Control
May 21, 2025
of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial.
Diddy Trial – George Kaplan Testifies Under Immunity About Alleged Drug Runs and “Freak-Off” Setups
On the witness stand, George Kaplan, former Executive Assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs, was granted full immunity after stating he would otherwise invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid self-incrimination.
Kaplan worked at Combs Enterprises from December 2013 to December 2015, initially as an Executive Assistant to the COO, and later directly under Mr. Combs himself. He described an intense, high-pressure role, working 80 to 100 hours per week and communicating with Combs multiple times daily. His salary began at $125,000 a year.
He recalled being threatened monthly with termination, sometimes aggressively, other times framed as motivation. In one early encounter, Kaplan was yelled at for bringing two half-gallon BPA-free water bottles instead of a single gallon, as requested.
Kaplan’s responsibilities reportedly extended far beyond typical assistant duties. He said he was instructed to set up and clean hotel rooms for what were referred to as “freak-offs” in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, booked under the alias “Frank Black” (a nod to The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Frank White”). The rooms often contained baby oil, Gatorade bottles, and drug residue, including what Kaplan described as crystallized brown powder.
He testified that Mr. Combs would contact him directly from the hotel to request food, clothing, or drugs. At one point, Kaplan admitted to picking up MDMA pills and other substances, including Ketamine, after being given a number to call. These purchases were made using his Combs Enterprises corporate credit card.
Kaplan emphasized that maintaining Mr. Combs’ public image was a priority, and while no one explicitly said to cover things up, he said the expectation to do so was “implied.”
Next Day May 22
Former assistant George Kaplan continued his testimony, recounting several troubling incidents from his time working for the music mogul.
Kaplan testified that he saw a medicine bag, described as a Dopp kit, filled with various prescriptions, ketamine, and pills. He also described being asked to deliver bags of cash, including one instance in 2015 where he passed off $50,000 after flying on Combs' private jet, and other times where he retrieved $10,000 via Western Union addressed to Combs Enterprises.
One of the most disturbing moments Kaplan recalled occurred during a private flight to Las Vegas. He heard glass shatter and turned to see Combs standing over Cassie Ventura in the plane’s bedroom. Cassie, visibly distressed, yelled, “Isn’t anybody seeing this?” though no one intervened. More glass broke as chaos continued.
Later, at Combs’ L.A. home, Kaplan saw visible bruises on Cassie’s forehead and near her eye. He was instructed to buy anti-swelling remedies, including witch hazel, using his corporate card.
Kaplan said the violent behavior he witnessed, both toward Cassie and another girlfriend, Gina, was a key reason he left the job. He described an incident in Miami where Combs allegedly threw green apples at Gina, followed by her screaming later that night. “I couldn’t be part of this anymore,” he said.
Cross-Examination: Gratitude and Complexity
Under cross-examination by defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, Kaplan spoke of his admiration for Combs as a business leader. He described working with him as "drinking from a fire hose" of opportunity, learning invaluable lessons in work ethic and ambition. He credited Combs with shaping his career and said he still applies those lessons today, even calling him “a god among men.”
Musician and Actor Scott Mescudi, known as Kid Cudi, testified about his 2011 relationship with singer Cassie, revealing chilling encounters involving Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Cudi told jurors that Cassie had assured him she was no longer involved with Combs. But one early morning, Cassie called him sounding panicked. She said Combs found out about their relationship, had asked for Cudi’s address, and she feared he might show up.
To protect her, Cudi took Cassie to the Sunset Marquis Hotel. While there, he learned Combs had entered his home. “When I got back, no one was there,” he said. “All the Christmas gifts were opened, and my dog was locked in the bathroom.” He was asked how his dog’s behavior was after the break-in? He said “his dog was very jittery and kind of on edge all the time.”
Later, Cudi’s Porsche was firebombed with a Molotov cocktail. Authorities confirmed it was arson. “I didn’t have problems with anyone but Sean Combs,” Cudi stated. After the attack, his manager arranged a meeting between Cudi and Combs.
Cudi alleges, “When I got there Sean Combs was standing there staring out the window with his hands behind his back like a Marvel supervillain.” Cudi recalled, “He offered me water twice. I declined. I wasn’t comfortable.”
Cudi said he was disappointed when Cassie appeared at the meeting, clearly back with Combs. Years later, Combs approached him while with his daughter and apologized for the past.
Joshua Croft, a computer forensics agent with Homeland Security Investigations, who said he extracted data from Ventura’s laptops. (Way Mullery, CNN)
Frederic Zemmour, the general manager of the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, testified that internal notes showed the hotel authorized an “extra $1,000” when Combs stayed there to cover any room damages. (Way Mullery, CNN)
Diddy Trial – Witness Testimony from Cassie’s Former Makeup Artist
May 2025 – On the stand, Ms. Morales, a professional makeup artist who worked with Sean “Diddy” Combs from 2000 to 2005 and later with Cassie Ventura from 2007 to 2018, shared emotional testimony about her close relationship with Cassie, describing her as “like a little sister.”
She recalled one disturbing incident during Grammys week in 2010, when she was staying with Cassie at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Morales was asleep on the couch when she heard yelling. Ms. Morales alleges Cassie entered the bedroom first, followed by an angry Combs who shouted, “Where is she?” He went inside, and the yelling escalated before he left abruptly.
Afterward, Morales saw Cassie with visible injuries, including a swollen eye, a busted lip, and knots on her head. “She was distraught,” Morales said. Acting quickly, she packed Cassie’s belongings and took her to her own home. There, a doctor friend checked Cassie’s ribs and stomach, ultimately recommending she go to the emergency room.
Morales’s testimony adds to the growing list of witnesses recalling firsthand experiences of physical violence allegedly involving Combs and Cassie during their years together.
Testimonies are directly from the Court Transcripts read from the Down the Rabbit Hole News on YouTube.
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