Diddy Faces Federal Trial as Dawn Richard Testifies Abuse, Threats

Dawn Richard, former member of the pop group Danity Kane, has testified in the federal sex-trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, providing detailed accounts of witnessing physical and emotional abuse against Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Richard described multiple violent incidents, including one in 2009 at Combs' Los Angeles home where he beat Ventura with a skillet and dragged her upstairs, accompanied by sounds of breaking glass and screaming. She further testified that Combs threatened those who spoke against him, implying they could disappear or die, and warned witnesses to remain silent to protect their careers. Richard also revealed that Combs and his team carried drugs openly and that he would rationalize his violent acts as passion between lovers while coercing silence through intimidation. Prosecutors plan to call other witnesses, including Ventura’s close friend Kerry Morgan, to corroborate the abuse allegations. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, with potential sentences ranging from 15 years to life in prison if convicted.