Article Summary
Cassandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, testified in the sex-trafficking and racketeering trial of her former boyfriend and record label boss, Sean “Diddy” Combs. She described how her life was dominated by drug-fueled sexual encounters, called “freak offs” or “wild king nights”, which lasted for days and often involved a male escort. These sessions left her with little time to make music or recover. The prosecution alleges that Combs used his business and staff to enable and cover up the transportation and coercion of women for sex, while the defense argues that the encounters were consensual adult relationships.
What This Means for You
- It is important to be aware of the warning signs of coercion and manipulation in relationships, particularly those with power imbalances.
- Always prioritize consent and communication in sexual encounters, and ensure that all parties are comfortable and safe.
- Support survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking by believing their stories and advocating for their rights and safety.
- Be vigilant and report any suspected instances of sex trafficking or exploitation to the appropriate authorities.
Original Post
WARNING: This article contains graphic detail that may distress some readers.
New York: Cassandra Ventura, also known mononymously as Cassie, took the stand for the first time on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) in Combs’ bombshell sex-trafficking and racketeering trial, in which he is accused of coercing women into sexually abusive and violent encounters with the help of his staff.
Cassie Ventura and Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2015.Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Ventura, heavily pregnant and wearing a tan dress, told the jury that after following Combs from New York to Los Angeles as his girlfriend and an artist signed to his label, much of her time was spent recovering from the days-long sex and drug binges that took place in hotels, rather than making music.
In these sessions, which Combs had called “freak offs” or “wild king nights”, Ventura would typically have sex with a male escort while Combs masturbated and sometimes recorded video, the court heard. Drugs and alcohol were also consumed.
“The freak offs became a job where there was no space to do anything else but try to recover,” Ventura told the jury. While they would typically last between 36 and 72 hours, “the longest one ever was four days”, she said. “Recovering from partying – that took a big chunk out of my life.”
The prosecution alleges Combs used his business and staff as a criminal enterprise to enable and cover up the transportation and coercion of women for sex, and blackmailed them into remaining silent. The defense, which also delivered its opening statement on Monday, acknowledged Combs had been violent to women and engaged in sexual fantasies, but said they were consensual participants in adult relationships.
In the morning session, the court heard Ventura met Combs in New York City in 2005 when she was a 19-year-old model, and had started recording a few songs. Combs was 17 years her senior and the owner of Bad Boy Records. In early 2006, he signed her on a 10-album deal, only one of which was ever produced.
Key Terms
- Sex-trafficking
- Racketeering
- Coercion
- Manipulation
- Consent
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